Replacing an Uwatec Aladin Pro Ultra

[Buadhai]

I'm looking to replace an Uwatec Aladin Pro Ultra. I've had it for years. Last time I had the battery replaced it cost a hundred bucks (US Dollars) and took a month. I swore I'd never do it again.

I need something with a nice big display. I'm old, presbyopic and slightly clumsy.

I was looking at the Suunto Vyper. The price is about right. It seems to have a nice display. People seem to think it's easy to use.

I'd love the luxury of one of the Liquivision computers, but they are a bit more than I want to spend.

Any other suggestions?

 

[Quero]

How many more battery changes for the Pro Ultra can you buy for the price of the Vyper? I've got THREE brick-type Uwatec computers (one of which is a Pro Ultra as well), and this single question is what keeps me sending them to Hong Kong for battery changes.

 

[diversteve]

I had a Sport Ultra that died and switched to a Suunto Gekko as I needed something quick b4 a trip a couple years ago.

I find the Gekko even easier to read and much simpler to operate. The Vyper seems to use the same LED/form factor. With the Uwatec I occasionally needed the manual, with the Gekko I leave it at home and only take the help card on trips.

Someone told me Suunto's are more conservative than Uwatec's also IIRC.

I keep thinking I'll upgrade the Gekko but so far I haven't 2 years later.

If Atomic ever produces a wrist version of the Cobalt that will be when I do - the OLED is remarkably clear and easy to read - I've played with one in the store.

Have you seen the new Axiom? http://liquivision.com/axiom-air-nitrox-dive-computer.php

 

[Buadhai]

Thanks, Quero, measured advice, as usual. Sometimes lust for new toys beats rationality. For the kind of silver-years diving that I do these days the Pro Ultra is probably all I need.

And, yes, the Axiom is enticing. But, at eight Pro Ultra battery changes, can I really justify it?