Opinions - Suunto Zoop dive computer

[quikcolin]

Hi there,

I recently received my SDI open water certification, and have 6 dives under my belt! To say I'm hooked is an understatement

We have another dive trip booked for September to complete our Nitrox and Advanced certification.

I've been doing quite a bit of research online, looking at dive computers. Decompression and Nitrox are two things I've been looking for. Keep in mind I'm new, and don't want to break the bank... but at the sametime I want a computer that I'm not going to grow out of in a season or two... Similarly I don't want to spend the extra money on a computer that offers a ton of features that are over my head and I'll never use.

Sooo the Suunto Zoop computer seems like it might fit the bill. Who has one, or has used one? What are your opinions?

Thanks in advance!

Colin

 

[Scott L]

That model is used mainly for new diver rentals due to it's very conservative algorithm. You may wish to look at other Suunto models or Oceanic's selections...

 

[quikcolin]

That model is used mainly for new diver rentals due to it's very conservative algorithm. You may wish to look at other Suunto models or Oceanic's selections...

Any suggestions on models? Newbie question but is conservative a bad thing?

Thanks for your help

 

[DevonDiver]

The Zoop is Suunto's entry-level computer. You are an entry-level diver. Seems like a match made in heaven

The Zoop, and its predecessor the 'Gekko' are both extremely popular dive computers that have sold in very high volume. I've never heard a complaint made about them. They are reliable, easy to use and perform all of the functions that a recreational scuba diver needs to conduct safe, controlled, dives.

It has full air and nitrox diving capability, with a dive planner, which is all you are going to need for a long, long time. Personally, I wouldn't worry about algorythms at this stage. Read a copy of Mark Powell's 'Deco for Divers' and then make your own mind up. There is also a range of deco articles available here:

Scuba Resources (check the Decompression Theory section)

http://www.dive-tech.co.uk/resources/suunto-rgbm.pdf

The same Suunto RGBM algorythm is used in most of the computers in their range and is proven to be safe and effective for recreational diving. What more could you ask for?

Compared to using PADI/US Navy tables, any dive computer is going to give you ample time underwater. If you multi-level your profile, then, for novice divers, air supply will almost always be the limiting factor on the dive. Add nitrox to the scenario.. and the conservatism of your computer's algorythm becomes a purely academic issue IMHO.

As for other models in the Suunto range... you will pay more money and recieve more functionality. It's up to you to decide whether you need that functionality. The 'D4' is a watch sized unit... you pay more, for less size. The Vyper has a better backlight and is computer downloadable.

 

[Hatul]

The Zoop is also PC downloadable, but I'd recommend the Vyper, which costs a little more and has the dive simulator which is a very useful function for learning the display.

Adam

 

[theduckguru]

The Zoop is a good computer. The difference vs the Gekko is the display has an improved illumination at nite and be down loaded. Operation is simple enough you don't need a simulator to learn. It's conservative, but I wouldn't let that deter the purchase. Shop this product because they are grossly overpriced at most LDSs.

 

[DevonDiver]

The Gekko could be downloaded also - if you knew where to look for the SDM hack online (the only thing preventing downloads was the port designation)

 

[quikcolin]

Thanks soo much guys!

I'm pretty sure the zoop is the computer for me. Really from all the research and now your recommendations it sounds like a good fit for my needs. Heck, the price is right $265!

I have a line on one now locally, and will post up a review after i've used it. Thanks again everyone!

 

[DiveNav]

.......Sooo the Suunto Zoop computer seems like it might fit the bill. ......

You can see the Zoop in action at DiveComputerTraining, and/or take it for a (virtual) spin in the eDiving simulator

Alberto (aka eDiver)

 

[iamafish]

I also recommend the Zoop. I have a Zoop and a D4 and use the Zoop on every dive and wear the D4 when on the surface or let my girlfriend use it when she dives with me (and I use my Zoop). The reason for this is that the Zoop is easier for me to read underwater and provides average depth in the logbook. The D4 does not provide average depth in the logbook and since I calculate SAC rate on every dive, I find the D4 (and all the dot matrix Suunto's that don't provide average depth in the logbook) a bit crippled. They look great (love the look of the D4), but they don't dive as well as the Zoop (for me).

As for back light illumination, I don't find this useful at all. I night dive with the Zoop, and it is easy to shine a torch on it and read it, so obviously ditto for wreck penetrations and more obviously it is fine for my day diving.

I also have a Stinger (not working) and liked it and am looking to buy another one. At least the Stinger has average depth available in the logbook like the Zoop.

As for the Zoop v. Gekko v. Vyper; I could easily buy a Vyper Air since I am getting into Air Integration slowly, so if you have a bit more money, I would recommend you buy the Vyper and not the Zoop, but if you want to save money, the Zoop is a great personal dive computer and works great.