Scubapro Xtender

[stormrider]

Warmwaterdiver: hmm interesting to note there are different kinds of Buhlmann algorithms around.. can't just read the specs on a divecomp showing the "B" word and take it to mean its the same across the board.

Stormrider: So which model u're leaning towards now? I love Uwatecs (i dive with an aladin prime) but for some reason i won't give the Xtender my vote at the moment.. the Nemo is nice but just too expensive over here, that leaves the Stinger; essentially almost a Mosquito but with a flashier metal casing.. If only Uwatec would make their own version of a wristwatch style divecomp, i.e. one tht's not manufactured by Seiko, but rather fully manufactured by Uwatec, perhaps same specs as Aladin Prime, but in a smaller less hockey-puck like casing.. that would solve ur buying decision

Yes, there are probably variations to the Buhlmann algorithm. Just as there are probably variations to Suunto's RGBM algorithm (that's because I noticed the Suunto D9 uses "Deep Stop RGBM" instead of just "plain" RGBM).

Like I posted earlier, the Rodale article made me come to conclude that the compact wrist computers I'm considering are not that far off from each other (algorithm- and feature-wise). With the remaining arbiter for me being the price, I'm still leaning towards the Xtender.

ddavid, what's making you hesitant about the Xtender? Have you also considered the cheaper Apeks Pulse (Dive Rite Nitek Plus)?

 

[stormrider]

Have checked out the link on latest review of dive comps available.

1. Realised that the Scubapro Xtender is not using Buhlmann algorithm. It uses some "Modified Swiss Model". Now what exactly does that mean?

2. Also found that there's a great review on Oceanic Atom. I haven't really considered Oceanic dive comps simply cuz it's not big over on my side of the world. Popular choices are usually Uwatec and Suunto.

And like stormrider, i don't fancy the huge hockey-puke style of the Aladdin Prime.
If I can find a wrist-watch/dive-comp with similar functions, algorithm and PC interface with the Aladdin but smaller, I'll definitely get it!

Xtender vs. Aladin Prime

hchen, based on that Rodale article, the results of the algorithms of these two are very similar. And looking at the features, they're also similar. And so, the Xtender seems to be just as good as the Aladin Prime.

 

[mattyshark]

We just got our shipment in. They seem pretty cool, although haven't been out diving with it yet. Very small, compact, seems easy to use.

Have you guys got a manual for the xtender that I could downlode or make a copy of or read at all, I bought one new on ebay and it came without a manual. cheers,mattyshark@hotmail.com

 

[ddavid]

hey stormrider, sorry for the late reply, i do find the Xtender a good dive watch/comp, but for the steep pricing that its sold for here in Singapore relative to its algorithm type and inability for user-changeable batteries, i'd still recommend the uwatec aladin prime (tho it looks like a huge hockey puck).. guess i'm more skewed towards a "best bang for the buck" kinda deal .. the aladin prime is about US$150 cheaper than the Xtender over here.. oh btw, when u purchase ur xtender & start diving with it, do post ur experience using it on the forum; there are very little user reviews on this particular divecomp and any new threads will be useful

 

[stormrider]

Although I did say I was leaning towards the Xtender, I'm not really sold on it. Scubapro doesn't really provide product info as extensive as Suunto/Mares does. I guess Scubapro believes they can sell anything just because its a Scubapro.

I really don't know how the Xtender stacks up vs. the Mosquito/Stinger.

Yes, price-wise, Uwatecs seem to make better sense vs. the Xtender. I believe the new Aladin Prime/Tec is also moving towards conservatism.

(Off-topic) Bottomline, if all dive comps are now moving towards conservatism, perhaps its better to just go Suunto?

 

[ddavid]

stormrider: yeah u do have a good point; if even the uwatecs are heading towards conservatism, it wont really make a drastic difference which new model divecomp one gets, i reckon.. guess the only difference wld be physical looks and the additional bells & whistles..
i dont know much abt Suunto but have quite a few dive pals using it & they say its a reliable workhouse.. got a LDS guy told me its more cost efficient getting the Mosquito cos its pretty much identical to the Stinger except for the metal casing and it allows for user-changeable batteries (the Stinger doesn't).. hope all goes well with ur divecomp shopping

 

[stormrider]

It looks like the Xtender is Scubapro's answer to the Mosquito/Stinger.

But for me, it doesn't seem to look very good for the Xtender. What with the limited product reviews and information. I think the Mosquito/Stinger are still hard to beat.

I really like the Suunto Stinger, but its conservative algorithm really turns me off. I mean -- if the computer will keep penalizing my dives, I might as well not use the computer in my dive.

I would still prefer a Buhlmann algorithm and I'm now trying to convince myself that the size/shape of the Uwatec Aladin Pro Ultra ain't so bad after all.

 

[ddavid]

hi stormrider, you're refering to the uwatec smart pro wrist? or the aladin prime? (i checked the uwatec website but couldnt find this Aladin Pro Ultra u mentioned).. i've got a friend using the smart pro and altho its longer than a hockey-puck type divecomp, it looks less "jutting-out" cos of the length and thus it streamlines with the length of ur forearm better.. the aladin prime on the other hand is a true hockey-puck style and looks quite obtrusive.. but i personally like it very much altho i have skinny wrists.. very good divecomp and i'm comfortable with the cheaper pricing

 

[stormrider]

Aladin Pro Ultra

The Aladin Pro Ultra is an advanced decompression dive computer that monitors all essential information required to maximize diving experience. Ideal for recreational divers or more advanced divers who may want to conduct decompression or Nitrox dives.

Features:
An Air or Nitrox dive computer
Buhlmann ZH-L8 ADT (Adaptive) Algorithm, Automatic adjustment of decompression for microbubbles and cold water diving
Nitrox 21% - 50% (2% increments)
Oxygen toxicity and CNS loading measurement
Complete decompression dive planner
Auto turn On/Off
High partial pressure oxygen alarm
Depth limit of 128m (400ft.)
Automatic altitude compensation to 400m (13,000 ft.)
Dive planner
Illuminated display
Clear screen protector
Logbook with PC interface, Stores up to 37 dives and 200 minutes of dive profiles.
Memo Mouse PC interface stores up to 66 hours of dive profiles
Long-life battery

 

[ddavid]

ah i see.. we dont have this model over here for sale it seems, the closest available here that looks almost identical to this one is the uwatec smart pro. Nevetheless i'd recommend this model you're considering.. its pricier than the aladin prime but if the price difference is not an issue, i'd say get this one.. more features and bigger screen