Suunto D9 - is it worth it?

[Meng_Tze]

D3 $200
SK5 compass: $40
pressure guage: $65

$305 you have all info you need. (probably can get it for less)

For a bit more you can have a standalone computer around what, $400-500?
All bells and whistels: $1000 upwards
many gasses and such: $1500 upwards


The real question is what do you want a computer to do for you and how much are you willing to pay? On top of that think about what it would cost to repair, how long it will take and bear in mind the pain it will cause if you loose it...........

Not to speak of redundancy.... all requirements in ONE package.....

 

[loosebits]

For less than a D9, you can get a VR3 which will be all you will ever need *EVER* in a dive computer. Of course, unless you are planning on diving CCR or trimix, the VR3 would be a bit overkill.

I don't see anything in the D9 I would want. I dive a Nitek3 and it handles the gas switching. It doesn't do deep stops but my brain can handle those just fine (go read Pyle's paper, http://www.bishopmuseum.org/research/treks/palautz97/deepstops.html). It doesn't have a wireless xmitter but a buddy of mine got chewed out in a class we just took for having a D9 w/ a xmitter. It isn't a cute little watch but we're diving here, we've got these huge tanks, lead weights, hoses going everywhere, why is it important to have a cute little watch?

 

[diverbrian]

For less than a D9, you can get a VR3 which will be all you will ever need *EVER* in a dive computer. Of course, unless you are planning on diving CCR or trimix, the VR3 would be a bit overkill.

I don't see anything in the D9 I would want. I dive a Nitek3 and it handles the gas switching. It doesn't do deep stops but my brain can handle those just fine (go read Pyle's paper, http://www.bishopmuseum.org/research/treks/palautz97/deepstops.html). It doesn't have a wireless xmitter but a buddy of mine got chewed out in a class we just took for having a D9 w/ a xmitter. It isn't a cute little watch but we're diving here, we've got these huge tanks, lead weights, hoses going everywhere, why is it important to have a cute little watch?

My Tri-Mix enabled, color VR3 cost me less than the price that I read here for the D9.

Frankly, reading that tells me why I don't see my shop (which has a Suunto dealership) pushing the D9. The Suunto's that they like to sell are the Mosquito, the Cobra, and VyTec (although this one is being pushed out by the VR3 as well).

If I need a compass, I have an SK-7. If I need to see my remaining gas, I use my pressure gauge .

Having said that, the value is in your eyes. If you like the D9, go ahead and buy it and you will likely be happy with it. If you are inclined to be a little more practical, you may want to consider something with a few less bells and whistles.

 

[Damselfish]

High cool factor, only you can decide if it's worth it to you. Not worth it to me. Figure out what features you want/need and the best packaging for them. Having everything in one package is often not the best idea, especially when it croaks. The most expensive gizmo is not automatically always the best either.

 

[FIXXERVI6]

I use a Nitek 3 because the price was right and it has the functions I need, it doesn't get me chicks, I use my looks and awsome personality to do that for me.

D9, nice, sure buy it if your rich, otherwise, don't waste the money, VR3 is next on my list, a lot more bang for what I need it to do and cheaper than the D9, and VR3's WILL get chicks that matter

"Hey sweetie is that a VR3"

"why yes it is"

"oh your so hot take me home now!"

yea, it could happen

 

[FIXXERVI6]

also my signature says it all

 

[johnny_bravo]

I own one and it was bought for the following reasons 1) to upgrade my Vyper 2) for the Air integration - it suits my style of diving 3) its size + ability to wear as watch and 4) Hell Yeah the cool factor

$1500.00 is too much i bought mine second hand for half that and there's a few always on Ebay that go for $800-900 (incl transmitter) with a few dives on them and in perfect condition.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[MSilvia]

For $1500, I'd rather get a couple of new tanks, a bottom timer, compass, spg, O2 analyzer, and a new digital camera.

Even for $800-$900, that thing wouldn't be worth it to me. I find the less expensive option more desireable.

 

[rockjock3]

I have used a buddies a few times. Not really impressed with it. Don't get me wrong it is a very capable dive computer. I wasn't impressed with the price-to-options ratio. I use my Suunto Mosquito and a wrist compass. I paid approx $300 for the two items. To me it would not be worth the extra $800-1200 for the D9. I wear my Suunto computer all the time as a regular watch and dive computer and have had no problems.

**************NOTE--The following is my opinion-----******************
The D9 is more flash than anything special you can't get for much cheaper. Yes you might have to wear multiple units (i.e. computer, compass and SPG), but most people I have seen with the D9 wear a standard SPG too. So all most are gaining is the compass. I would have to say there is much less of a chance of failure of a traditional SPG and traditional compass than an electronic one.

 

[Jason Ooi]

US$1500.00 is too much, I rather buy VR3 C4 multigas computer, can do closed and open circuit trimix.
VR3 C4 in UK Mike's online dive shop only sales £661.95 send goods out to non EC Countries VAT FREE.

Cheers
Jason