Suunto D3

[Vicingi Maris 1]

I would be happy for comments on the Suunto D3 as I am considering buying one to be used as a back up instrument to my diving computer.

Looking forward to your comments!

Rgds

Johan

 

[vodolaz]

I'm happy enough with mine, though it could be better. I really appreciate the deco timer (in minutes and seconds) feature, and the various displays I can easily access (total run time, current time, water temp) even in deco timing mode.

On the other hand, a recent design change makes it almost impossible to replace the strap with bungee, which would negate the need for an extender strap when using a drysuit and make it much easier to put on and remove with thick gloves.

The solution seems to be burning two small holes in each strap and running two 1/16 bungee cords through them. I'll try that when I finally find some 1/16 and report back.

 

[Vicingi Maris 1]

Thank you for your answer!
Actually I have considered the Uwatec Digital as an option. The main reason I find the D3 more interesting is the possibility to use it for free diving. Are there other reasons to buy the D3?

Regards

Johan

 

[vodolaz]

Vicingi Maris 1 once bubbled...
Thank you for your answer!
Actually I have considered the Uwatec Digital as an option. The main reason I find the D3 more interesting is the possibility to use it for free diving. Are there other reasons to buy the D3?

Regards

Johan

There are also depth and time alarms as well as downloadable profiles in 10, 20, 30, etc second intervals. I've heard some complaints about the software, while others are positive about it. I haven't yet evaluated it fully myself.

Check with board member Jamiei for significant savings over Suunto's Dive Manager hardware interface.

Braunbehrens has reported in other threads about problems with the reliability of the small Suuntos' transducers. Mine deviates from my backup by around 3' (1m) at 90', but the backup deviated from the previous backup by the same amount.

 

[u5agi]

I'm in a similar position - looking for a free-dive computer. The Mosquito is also an attractive choice since it could act as a back-up computer.

Has anyone had any experience freediving with the Mosquito? Does the 2-sec interval give enough resolution? Or is the D3 the better choice if the primary use will be freediving?

cheers

 

[WJL]

I've been using mine for about a month, and I'm happy with it. I use the strap extender with my drysuit, and I just slip it on my arm without fiddling with the little buckle.

 

[vodolaz]

vodolaz once bubbled...
On the other hand, a recent design change makes it almost impossible to replace the strap with bungee, which would negate the need for an extender strap when using a drysuit and make it much easier to put on and remove with thick gloves.

Update: REI offers a $10 parts kit which includes C-clips. Removing the existing straps and installing the clips allows the D3 to handle bungee cords, identical to the previous version of the D3.