Recommendation for a New Diver ( Suunto D4i / D6i / Oceanic OCS / Oceanic Geo 2.0)

[t1n_2]

Hi all

I''ll be buying a dive computer for myself soon. I'll be waiting for the ADEX 2012 dive convention in Singapore this April.

There are some deals going on especially on the Oceanic OCS (US$ 534 ) and Oceanic Geo 2.0 (US$ 377). The prices are inclusive of tax etc which i can also redeem back (abt 5%)

I was hoping you guys could recommend me on which dive watch you guys would go for among the 4 stated in the title:
1. Suunto D4i at US$ 500 (without transmitter)
2. Suunto D6i at US$ 800 (without transmitter)
3. Oceanic OCS at US$ 534
4. Oceanic Geo 2.0 at US$ 377

My dad uses the D6i and he recommends me to get it but i understand that Suunto is very conservative. Are the Suunto's worth the price difference?

One thing for sure is that for the Oceanics, they are not transmitter-compatible while the suunto's are.

So yeah. If you guys had to choose, which one would you pick? I also don't mind other recommendations. I was actually thinking of the Suunto Zoop or the Mares Puck which are much cheaper (in the US$250 region) but figured i might as well get a dive watch that can also be worn for normal usage.

Thanks for reading & hope to hear from you soon.

Best Regards,

Justin

 

[pin]

Have a look at my thread, where I looked at similar watches:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/computers-gauges-watches-analyzers/413903-suunto-d4i.html

Do you want to wear the computer as a watch? If so, then forget the Zoop or the OCS, they are big. As for the D6i, yes its nice, but do you need something that advanced?

As for the transmitter, such a big deal? Are you going to get it in the future? If so, then stick to Suunto.

As for the algo and being conservative, is that really a big issue for you? I had a Suunto Mosquito before and never had issue with the Suunto algo.

Out of the watches you listed I would (personally) choose between the Geo 2.0 or the D4i. But do you have a budget? If not, then get the D6i.

The way I see the pros and cons of the Geo 2.0 and the D4i are as follows:

Geo 2.0 pros: cheaper, two algos, decent watch face. Cons: USB connector expensive, understand the supplied software isn't the best.

D4i pros: wireless transmitter option in the future, usb cable comes with the unit. Cons: More expensive, only one algo can be set.

In the end I got the D4i because there is no Oceanic repair centre in HK.

 

[rlynch]

do you want a wireless system - just looking at the prices with transmitters your at $1,135.00 for a D4i and transmitter. seems excessive when you need to keep an SPG anyway.
I just bought the Scubapro meridian for ~$650 - no transmitter feature, great gauge mode, solid construction. 5 Micro Bubble settings - so 6 settings for conservatism. Heart rate monitor and the cradle is $145
SCUBAPRO - Meridian

 

[buddhasummer]

People talk about the conservative nature of Suuntos algorithm and while it is true they are somewhat conservative, in the 7+years I've been using them I've never noticed. Sure if you doing multiple dives over multiple days you may notice, but in itself for most recreational divers it is not an issue. It's good to use the same algorithm as your buddy as the most conservative computer calls the dive anyway. Of the ones you've listed I'd go with the OCS, big reason is it has a user replaceable battery. With its dual algorithm you can dial it down to be more in tune with your dads Suunto.

Personally I currently use a Suunto Vyper (a larger wrist top computer), Im not a big fan of the watch sized computers with my aging eyes I now find the display too small. Also I do not like watch straps I find them awkward to don and doff. Suunto straps are notoriously problematic and as they use a proprietary fitting you are stuck using only the expensive, and in my opinion sub par, straps. With the Suunto Gekko, Zoop, Vyper etc you can use a DeepSeaSupply bungee mount which offers redundancy and makes putting on and off a breeze. These models also have user replaceable batteries and are very simple and reliable. Good luck with your shopping.

PS If you do go with a Suunto watch style Id recommend looking at a mod that someone has made that once fitted allows a standard i.e wider range, watch strap to be used, can't remember where I saw it but PM DevonDiver if you're interested as from memory he knows the details.

 

[DiveNav]

You can use our Dive Computers Research Tool to compare several dive computers side-by-side.
Then see them in action in our online classes and simulators.

Alberto (aka eDiver)

 

[dive-comp-wiz]

Hi all

I''ll be buying a dive computer for myself soon. I'll be waiting for the ADEX 2012 dive convention in Singapore this April.

There are some deals going on especially on the Oceanic OCS (US$ 534 ) and Oceanic Geo 2.0 (US$ 377). The prices are inclusive of tax etc which i can also redeem back (abt 5%)

I was hoping you guys could recommend me on which dive watch you guys would go for among the 4 stated in the title:
1. Suunto D4i at US$ 500 (without transmitter)
2. Suunto D6i at US$ 800 (without transmitter)
3. Oceanic OCS at US$ 534
4. Oceanic Geo 2.0 at US$ 377

My dad uses the D6i and he recommends me to get it but i understand that Suunto is very conservative. Are the Suunto's worth the price difference?

One thing for sure is that for the Oceanics, they are not transmitter-compatible while the suunto's are.

So yeah. If you guys had to choose, which one would you pick? I also don't mind other recommendations. I was actually thinking of the Suunto Zoop or the Mares Puck which are much cheaper (in the US$250 region) but figured i might as well get a dive watch that can also be worn for normal usage.

Thanks for reading & hope to hear from you soon.

Best Regards,

Justin

G'day, Justin!

Suunto Zoop and Mares Puck are pretty basic guys and perfect for the beginners! You will learn in no time all operations! Mares Puck costs USD200 and Zoop goes for USD275 at LeisurePro. I used Mares Puck - and I had no issues with it.

Suuntos D4i and D6i are air-integrated and D6i supports 2 nitrox gas mixes, Oceanic OCS supports up to 3 nitrox mixes and Geo 2.0 - two mixes. These Oceanics are not an air-integrated.
So, think what are your preferences and how many times a year you will be diving, how fast you will go for advanced certification, or you will stay in basic level. These things are all matter!

I think - there is no need to spend lots of money on dive computer (especially if you dont have much!) if you get your Open water diver certification and stay at that level for few years!
If this is the case - go for Mares Puck, if you will progress as a diver faster - go for Suunto D6i from your list. Even it is conservative, Suunto always produced a great staff - you won't be disappointed!

Best to you, Justin!

 

[chile7236]

I think - there is no need to spend lots of money on dive computer (especially if you dont have much!) if you get your Open water diver certification and stay at that level for few years!
If this is the case - go for Mares Puck, if you will progress as a diver faster - go for Suunto D6i from your list.

x 2 .

 

[t1n_2]

THanks so much for the advice folks. Really appreciate them.

I've actually completed my Advanced Open Water already but like Buddhasummer & dive-comp-wiz mentioned, i don't think i'll be going into the technical cave etc anytime soon. Will remain as a recreational diver while i'm still studying.

I'll probably go for Zoop or Puck which were my original choices anyways, and then buy myself another wrist watch plus both the zoop and puck should tell the time anyways right? Them being huge should also be a good thing since i'll be able to see whats on the screen without having to squint my eyes further.

One thing i was considering was the digital 3D compass that the OCS and Suunto D6i has. Do you think that as a recreational diver that i'll ever need it? Or is it safer to get a normal compass that is linked to the SPG?

 

[Pedro Burrito]

My first computer was the Suunto Gekko. I have a Uwatec Luna now but my Gekko goes on every dive with me when I'm doing lots of recreational dives. The algorithm is more conservative but I try not to push times or MODs so that hasn't been a problem. I think you're smart to start with the Zoop or Puck. Once you feel you need to go to something else then that purchase will not be a waste.

A digital compass is good, there's one on my Luna that I use, but my son uses a normal compass mounted on his left wrist and he's happy with that now. He might want something more high tech later but he's not there yet.

 

[dive-comp-wiz]

THanks so much for the advice folks. Really appreciate them.

I've actually completed my Advanced Open Water already but like Buddhasummer & dive-comp-wiz mentioned, i don't think i'll be going into the technical cave etc anytime soon. Will remain as a recreational diver while i'm still studying.

I'll probably go for Zoop or Puck which were my original choices anyways, and then buy myself another wrist watch plus both the zoop and puck should tell the time anyways right? Them being huge should also be a good thing since i'll be able to see whats on the screen without having to squint my eyes further.

One thing i was considering was the digital 3D compass that the OCS and Suunto D6i has. Do you think that as a recreational diver that i'll ever need it? Or is it safer to get a normal compass that is linked to the SPG?

G'day, Justin!

When I was diving with my Mares Puck, I had always SPG with compass. It was very convenient - getting all dive data on Puck, and had air pressure and direction at the same time! And I saved lots of money then, because Puck, SPG and compass costed much less than Suunto D6. And you might need compass if you decide to learn Navigation PADI course later.

Best to you, mate!