Oceanic Geo 2.0 or Suunto Zoop?

[rowuhnoke]

Hi All, I've been doing a lot of research - my husband and I both need (want?) computers, so it will be our Christmas gift to each other. He prefers one he can wear as a watch, so we had narrowed it down to the Geo 2.0 at $329. Today, LeisurePro has as its daily special the Zoop at $200 - a significant difference, but of course they're not an authorized dealer. We are both novice divers.

Both have user replaceable batteries - a must. The Zoop is too big to wear daily, but many seem to love their Suuntos. Or, I could get a Zoop and he could stick with the Geo 2.0 - but then we'd have to buy two computer cables (and we use a mac, so I think we have to buy something on macdive too).

So, bottom line, is the extra money for the Geo 2.0 worth it? Thoughts?

 

[ajduplessis]

The Zoop is a Dive Computer only; it can't be used as "dress" watch. The Zoop however is a great DC and works very well, have Nitrox functionality if you later go down this route. If you want to buy the hubby a watch rather buy a additional "dress" watch. Don't buy a watch to be a DC and watch (except maybe the d9). You will hear a lot about Suunto being conservative. I have dived my suunto's (helo2, d9 & zoop) on multi dive days and was never out the water first. If you stick to the correct accent rates, complete safety stops and adhere to surface intervals it will serve you well and keep you safe.

 

[scubamarketing]

Although we're not an Authorized Dealer, the Zoop comes with a 2 year warranty that we handle directly. Regardless of authorized dealer status, things like dead batteries are not a warranty covered item, the warranty basically protects against defects. Even when I was lead instructor for an Aqualung/Suunto exclusive shop, the warranty claims I had to make to Suunto resulted in me being without a computer for weeks.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Either computer would work well for your current needs. Both are nitrox-capable and downloadable (using appropriate cable). The Geo 2.0 has a gauge mode which might be useful if you guys ever get into tech diving. The Zoop/Gekko has a wonderful phosphorescent display which I like since it doesn't drain the battery. On a side note, battery replacement for the Zoop/Gekko is very, very easy. At the $200 pricepoint, the Zoop is hands down the best value.

As you pointed out, the advantage of getting the same brand name computer is that you could share one download cable. If the reason you want to download your profile is for dive-logging purposes, then I'd recommend taking a look at the standalone dive-logger called the Reefnet Sensus Ultra. I share one with my girlfriend and we prefer downloading data from it rather than our Suunto computers. The Geo 2.0, Zoop/Gekko, and Sensus Ultra all work with the current version of MacDive. Don't waste your time running the Suunto Dive Manager software via virtualization software (Parallels, Fusion, etc.). SDM sucks.

Personally, I wouldn't want to wear a dive computer on my wrist topside because I'd be afraid of damaging or losing it. I've had a Suunto Mosquito for a number of years now. It's a wristwatch-style but I only wear it when I'm diving.

 

[CT Sean]

I have and very much like the Geo 2.0 but i can;t really say whether it;s better than the Zoop - I'm just not familiar with it. You may however want to call Leisure Pro and ask them the price of the Geo, most likely it will be below the advertised 329.00

 

[rowuhnoke]

I ordered two Zoops last night! The price was just too good - and with 3 new divers in my family, plus 3 newly certified nieces and nephews I'm spending a ton on diving this year!

Bubbletrubble, I'll take a look at your suggestion for Reefnet Sensus Ultra.

Thanks to all for your feedback!

 

[diver 85]

I ordered two Zoops last night! The price was just too good - and with 3 new divers in my family, plus 3 newly certified nieces and nephews I'm spending a ton on diving this year!

Bubbletrubble, I'll take a look at your suggestion for Reefnet Sensus Ultra.

Thanks to all for your feedback!

Good move, IMO........I know when we started diving in '85, I had 3 to buy for(myself, wife, & 13 YO daughter) & within 5 years our younger 2 were cert when they turned 12 YO------So------money can be a (major) problem....

I know I bought a lot of 'low end' stuff back then & you know what, it ALL lasted for a good while----in fact, the 2 original BC's(Dacor no less) I bought lasted me 20+ years(~ 1000 dives) and my wife's lasted about 22 years(~500 dives)....I'm a firm believer in replacing things when they need to be & NOT replacing them cuz new pretty things came out.....

Years from now, you'll probably remember none of the decision(s) you just made ie it'll all work out....

 

[DiveNav]

I ordered two Zoops last night! ...

Where did you buy them from?

 

[rowuhnoke]

LeisurePro had them yesterday at $200 as part of their Christmas promotion. I know they're grey market, but Nick's reply (above) alleviated my fears. No worries - my LDS still gets plenty of my $$.

 

[DiveNav]

If you are interested in taking the Zoop Online Class - for free, make sure you get from your LDS an Activation Code

Alberto (aka eDiver)