Liquivison X1 - Any reason not to purchase?

[Scott L]

Scott I've never seen the X1 in person but the predator is huge.

Yeah, it scared my Tec2G into my dive gear bag when a salesman brought it out from under the counter to view. Actually I need to complete my tranistion from gauge readers to contacts before I make a decision. I may still need all of that large display.

 

[Rainer]

I think that thread speaks more to not using RD when you're narced out of your mind on deep air. Helps too if you actually stay engaged with your dive and don't just pass the buck to your buddy. Just saying...

In any case, I've been happy doing multi-level scooter trimix decompression dives with nothing more than a bottom timer and RD.

Although I detest the deep air threads this was an interesting link within a post which is an argument for a trimix computer to ultimately govern a deep dive. One must wear a computer for depth/time anyway so why not have one that has full funtionality to gaurd aganist mathatical errors, etc....


http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/near-misses-lessons-learned/264517-type-i-bends-hit-chuuk.html

 

[Scott L]

I think that thread speaks more to not using RD when you're narced out of your mind on deep air. Helps too if you actually stay engaged with your dive and don't just pass the buck to your buddy. Just saying...

In any case, I've been happy doing multi-level scooter trimix decompression dives with nothing more than a bottom timer and RD.

I have heard compelling argument for the use of a trimix computer for early aborted dives. How is this handled in DIR diving? Thanks!

 

[Rainer]

RD and an understanding of decompression theory that allows you to generate a profile to get you out of the water clean (i.e. no different than normal).

I have heard compelling argument for the use of a trimix computer for early aborted dives. How is this handled in with DIR diving? Thanks!

 

[Gerbs]

For some reason, every time the X1 and the Shearwater are discussed, I feel compelled to link to the OSTC OSTC Mk2 that I am drooling over (and will get as soon as the display is not the only limit on my Gekko). The X1 is dinky in comparison, and also more expensive. the X1 also appears to me less well made if you hold them next to each other.

Gerbs - figuring it's excess patriotism, since the OSTC is made in Germany, and that it's pretty hard to grow out of an OSTC which only costs about €150 more than a Vytec

 

[Colliam7]

Is the product and its software stable?

YES.

If you own one would you purchase it again?

ABSOLUTELY, without question

Does manufacturer promptly handle any problems?

YES, in my experience. Last July, my X-1 failed during a dive on the Oriskany. The unit first displayed an error message U/W, then the display became mottled over the next 12 hours, as if the case had leaked. I happened to be diving with the owner of the LDS where I purchased the unit. On Monday (the day after the failure), while we were driving back to NC he called LiquidVision and described the problem. They shipped a new / replacement unit on Tuesday, which arrived Thursday, while my failed unit was en route back to them - they didn't wait to receive it, they shipped a replacement immediately. I have had no problems whatsoever with the replacement. Excellent customer service.

I've had a little trouble getting the device to gas switch for me, but tapping it with my lighthead has worked, and I'll admit I'm kind of overloaded at those points still, and probably not as effective as I could be. I also wear VERY thick glove liners, which probably diminishes the effectiveness of the tap.

It may well be the gloves. I have some trouble when I wear thick neoprene gloves, and it was a bit annoying to get used to. This weekend, in FL, I was using thin paddling gloves, and remarked to my dive buddy how EASY and quick it was to switch gases on my X-1, compared to how DIFFICULT it was to switch on my Suunto Vytec.

My X1 is power-hungry to an annoying degree. My husband's doesn't seem to be nearly as much that way. I don't know what the difference is. The best way to live with an X1, in my experience, is to put it on the charger whenever it's not in use.

Interesting comment! My first unit seemed to be 'power-hungry' as well, but I don't know if it is my imagination or not. The replacement unit is not. However, I fully agree - keep it on the charger, when it is not in use.

 

[Bronson]

Thank you everyone for your input. I pick up my unit tomorrow and will be diving with it from now on and retire my Sol.

 

[Texas Torpedo]

No reason to retire it.. It makes a nice backup in gauge mode.
And it is finally supposed to get the trimix upgrade this quarter. It will be interesting to compare the differences once this happens, though I will be relying on my x1 either way.