Suunto Gekko vs Vyper???

[Jon O]

Hi! I need help choosing a computer and basically I am about to decide between Suunto's Gekko or Vyper. Is it really worth the price difference (+40%)?. They seem to be the same except for the light, gauge option (what's this?) and quality looks a bit better on Vyper.
Cheers!!

 

[cornfed]

http://www.scubaboard.com/t51663.html

 

[rje634]

I've got a Cobra and my wife has the Gekko, both are consoles, and besides the backlight, guage mode, and PC-log connection, the other differences are minor. The logbook profiles on the Gekko don't have adjustable profile increments like my Cobra so the Gekko only can store 50 hours of dive profiles and logbook data. If I set my profile to 60 seconds I can get a 100 hours on the Cobra.
You need to think about whether you want the features that are missing.
Oh, one thing the air integration is nice on my Cobra it give tank pressure to the psi or tenth of a bar, and gives you breathing time left in minutes based on your consumption and the depth you at. The logbook also tells you how much air you used on the dive as part of the logbook information. They're neat features but not vital.
Both consoles have been great and would hesitate to recommend either of them.

By the way, the link to the thread http://www.scubaboard.com/t51663.html has a post that says the dive history is 99 but it's really 999.

You can download both manuals at www.suunto.com and compare them both. For the money you spend it is worth it the read all about them first. Happy shopping....

 

[rje634]

gauge option (what's this?)

By the way in the Gauge mode (for my Cobra) the present depth, maximum depth, dive time, cylinder pressure, remaining air time and ascent rate indicator are displayed during the dive. Temperature and current time are shown in the alternative display.

Guage mode is mainly for tri-mix diving, once you dive in guage mode your stuck there for 48 hours.

 

[yknot]

Gauge mode is also a default if you violate certain parameters. If you were to incur a deco obligation, either thru excessive depth or exceeding the no-deco time limits, and then ignore the deco by maybe skipping any of the stop time, the unit will default to "Gauge" only mode. This would mean only tracking depth and time for a dive. They remain in gauge mode for either 24 or 48 hours and I guess the point from Suunto is that they won't be responsible for providing any further info until the unit resets. You can also intentionally set a Vyper to gauge mode, which would then not provide NDL's, etc. If the Gekko doesn't provide gauge mode, what do they default to if violated? I also don't think that Gekkos allow for dive planning which may or may not be important.

 

[Gator Diver]

a Vyper and have no complaints.
I also suggesting reading through both manuals
and seeing what you like better. If you like
the Vyper I am sure you could pick up a used
one if price is a big concern. Happy Diving.

 

[rje634]

If the Gekko doesn't provide gauge mode, what do they default to if violated? I also don't think that Gekkos allow for dive planning which may or may not be important.

With the Gekko if you violate a deco stop, the dive computer goes into a permanent Error Mode. In this mode the computer can only be used as a depth gauge and timer. You must not dive again for at least 48 hours to get if out of error mode.

The Gekko does have a Dive plan mode which after your first dive takes into account the SI and RNT when planning subsequent dives.

 

[yknot]

With the Gekko if you violate a deco stop, the dive computer goes into a permanent Error Mode. In this mode the computer can only be used as a depth gauge and timer. You must not dive again for at least 48 hours to get if out of error mode.

The Gekko does have a Dive plan mode which after your first dive takes into account the SI and RNT when planning subsequent dives.

Then I guess the previous post about no gauge mode was in error for the Gekko. Sounds like biggest diff. is down load capabilities and back light. If resale is any indication, lightly used Vypers sell for closer to "new" LeisurePro type prices than comparable Gekkos.

 

[rje634]

Then I guess the previous post about no gauge mode was in error for the Gekko.

Oops... Yeah, I should have said the guage mode is not a selectable thing you can only get there when you've gone into error mode. Blowing through deco stops is a bit extreme to get a computer into guage mode don't you think.

 

[Jon O]

Thaks all for the comments. I do not think I will use the gauge mode as I do not foresee to do any technical diving in the near future. I tested the phosphorescent screen and as most of my dives (95%) will be day ones I think I can do with Gekko.

I come from Spain and second hand market is limited. There is a small price difference between both (c. 75$) but enough for a few beers on you for the help.

Cheers!!