Suunto Gekko vs Oceanic Versa Pro

[Subskipper]

Hello all,

I am a new diver (35 dives) and I am in the market to purchase my first computer. I am not interested in the Air Integrated models as much as I am concerned for my safety. I know I am responsible for my dive profile, but I want a computer that is going to remind me to get out of the water ahead of any trouble (I know that sounds geeky but I have a family to come home to).

I have narrowed my choices to Suunto and Oceanic and figure in my price range that leaves me with the Gekko or Viper from Suunto or the Versa Pro, or Veo 250 (if they come out with a wrist model).

Anyone have any suggestions or comments on which they feel is the better dive computer for the money?

Many thanks

Subskipper

 

[MyDiveLog]

I've had a VT Pro for just over a year now. While I love the functioning, I've had serious problems with quality. My first computer had trouble communicating with the transmitter unit. Oceanic was great and replaced it at no cost immediately.

Just a month ago, with only about 100 dives on it, the VT Pro crapped out while on a trip to Cozumel. I was lucky that I still keep the Datamax Pro+ as a backup on every dive. Again, Oceanic was wonderful, replacing the entire unit at no charge with no hassles.

Even so, it makes me wonder if they have serious quality control issues....

 

[murrr77]

I have a Vytec by Suunto and am very happy with it. Not the choice for you if you don't want to pay for Air-Integrated.

If you are concerned about safety, the Suunto's are more conservative than the Oceanics.

 

[Wayward Son]

I have a Versa Pro 2, since last september. Like it. Bought another for my wife when she got certified.

Haven't used the other, can't compare. So far, battery life seems good, I have over 40 dives on mine & the indicator still shows full. Easy to use, easy to read. Nitrox to 50%.

 

[Charlie99]

Here's a link to one of my earlier posts comparing Suunto computers to Oceanic/Pelagic computers.

The data display of the Oceanic computers gives you more useful guidance in diving a good profile. The Suunto does a better job of adjusting the allowed NDL in response to a diver diving a bad profile on previous dives.

 

[blues_diver]

I have a Vyper and has use it for about 20 dives. So far, very happy with it. Easy to read, good built quality. And I like the more conservatism built into Suunto dive comp.

No experience with the Oceanic

 

[mossym]

the gekko doesn't have a download function, the vyper does, i love that feature, makes it very easy to log dives..

 

[MrConclusion]

This is secondhand, but my LDS (pretty trustworthy IMO) stopped carrying Oceanic computers after having too many service issues. Oceanic users, don't take that personally - it's possible that they're wrong, or that 95% of them are perfect but that the other 5% is all thay ever heard about... over and over again. But that was enough to steer me away from that particular manufacturer. But, there are enough happy owners that they can't really be that bad.

 

[nwdiver2]

Oceanic or Suunto I have used and still own both brands with no problems. Pick the one that has the features you want and the price you are willing to pay.

 

[rje634]

My wife and I have a cobra and a gekko and they're both great. We use them mostly in nitrox mode, no problems with either one. If you have any specific questions about the gekko pm me.