newbie ? re: Suunto Vyper purchase

[merkin]

Sorry I know this is probably a frequently discussed question especially in the regulator board, but are there real disadvantages to buying a dive computer over the web (e.g. Suunto Vyper)?

I'm leaning towards DiveInn because I would save some $150, can change the batteries myself and it doesn't seem like it would need regular maintenance and/or parts like regulators. FYI: I'll probably still buy the reg at the LDS to give them some business.

 

[tech3324]

You might compare the DiveInn price with Leisure-Pro's price on the Vyper, I think LP was less. I'm assuming you are in the U.S.

Don

 

[merkin]

Thanks, I'll look into it - so you don't see anything wrong with buying over the web I assume?!

 

[ERP]

I bought my Cobra at my LDS and my Viper at Leisurepro, both have had zero problems, I can't see that there is a disadvantage to buying online in this case.

 

[MSP Rescue Diver]

Buy it on line. You'll save a bunch. LP, DI and SS are all good reputable companies.

If you're looking to save even more, you could buy off ebay like I did. Just be careful not to get caught up in the buying fever that can happen there, and know your prices from the other sources.

Marc

 

[stiebs]

After much thought, I bought my Stinger from an online store in Singapore, for literally half the price my LDS was selling them for. (In fact, I could have flown to Singapore, bought the computer and flown back for the same price as my LDS was selling them for. Airport taxes would have put me over, so I didn't do it )

Main advantage: Much cheaper
Main disadvantage: Any warrantee returns can't just be dropped into the LDS, they have to be shipped.

I won't go into the LDS vs online debate...

What made my mind up was a discussion with another diver about his Suunto purchase. He had an problem with poor battery life, and had to have the battery changed 4 times within 2 years. Suunto picked up two of the bills via the LDS. Eventually it was shipped back to Finland for about 5 weeks while they changed the main circuitboard free of charge. After the next battery change (but an authorised Suunto dealer) the screen was fogging up, and had to be sent to Finland for repair, at his cost.

General feel that I get is most people are extremely happy with their Suunto computers, and this guy probably just got unlucky. Really unlucky. Anyway, it just pointed out to me that just because you get a warrantee through an authorised Suunto LDS, doesn't mean any problems that you have with the product are going to be hassle-free to get rectified...

 

[Aquamaniac]

Ill put my hand up too.
Vyper online, no problems, no issues.

Dave

 

[Ian Wigg]

I bought mine over the web from Divers Warehouse here in the UK. No problems whatsoever plus only paid £180.00 + p/p.

 

[merkin]

The computers on the web are so much cheaper I'm debating buying the compass there as well. Could anyone recommend a useable budget dive compass?

DiveInn has Sunnto SK5, SK6 & Sk7 + an UWATEC compass...

 

[MonkSeal]

SK7 is very good choice. Regarding computer you should consider Suunto Mosquito.