Suunto Mosquito vs. Vyper

[scuba sharky]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post here on scubaboard. I have a question relating computers because I'm about to make a purchase really soon but can't decide. In your opinion, which computer would you choose, the Mosquito or Vyper, for recretional diving and for working with students.

I know the mosquito doesn't have a consumed bottom time graph or built in dive simulator (while the Vyper does) but what exactly are those features and how important are they? Also what is gauge mode and how important is it for a computer?
Thanks!

 

[beir]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post here on scubaboard. I have a question relating computers because I'm about to make a purchase really soon but can't decide. In your opinion, which computer would you choose, the Mosquito or Vyper, for recretional diving and for working with students.

I know the mosquito doesn't have a consumed bottom time graph or built in dive simulator (while the Vyper does) but what exactly are those features and how important are they? Also what is gauge mode and how important is it for a computer?
Thanks!

First, let me say welcome to the board. Lot's of awesome info here.

Second, try searching for this information. This question has been asked numerous times and there's a ton of good information on the board.

I don't own either one of these computers, but I do believe the mosquito isn't capable of downloading the dive info to a PC, but I'm sure someone will know better.

--Matt

 

[edwinh]

Mosquito is capable of pc interface.

When it comes to dive computers, it's all a matter of what you need... Perhaps you might like to write down what you want and need in the dive com, do a search in this forum on certain models that you are interested in, then ask your questions.

For rec diving, mosquito is more than adequate as a dive com. Comes in a small form factor. you'll have to change the battery at an authorized service centre.

 

[WaterDawg]

I think the Mosquito IS adaquate for rec diving. BUT my friends say the buttons on the mosquito are a bit small but I dont think its a big deal I've used it and think its OK. The Vyper is bigger and does have gauge mode that if your doing dives that a bit deeper or longer youll find very nice.

 

[edwinh]

I rarely use the buttons when I dive rec. Just go down, look at how deep and how much bottom time I have left, and enjoy the dive.

To me as a rec diver, all I need to know out of my dive com is how deep I am now and how close I am to a decompression dive.

 

[scubachris]

I like the mosquito for the size, It's my watch so it's always on. Also if you are workign with students, helping change tanks etc. I've found that you must take off larger wrist units as they get all banged up. The mosquito is small enough that it doesn't get caught and scratched up as easily.
There is a dive simulator in the mosquito, it's called PLAN. For example during a surface interval you can go into plan, change your depth and see how that affects your NDL (no decompression limit) . If that's your max depth, unless you are diving a square profile you'll probably get greater time than shown. If you are diving a square profile that will show your NDL.

Also you can download to a PC which will give your bottom time graph. Need to buy the add on cradle and software.

In my experience people chose one or the other on size of the unit and size of the screen. Can't go wrong with either one. I just prefer the mosquito and mine's done 500+ dives.

chris

 

[eponym]

taking advantage of a sudden lull in the conversation, scuba sharky interjected:
Also what is gauge mode and how important is it for a computer?

I can help you there, my penta-gilled predator.

As I understand it, gauge mode is useful at the two ends of the diving spectrum--freediving and technical diving (using exotic gas mixes). The computer becomes a depth gauge, stopwatch, and thermometer. I assume it also continues to store dive profiles which can be reviewed. What it doesn't do is give you any advice such as when to ascend or where to make a safety stop. It stops tracking your nitrogen loading, oxygen toxicity, that sort of thing--on the assumption that you've got that covered elesewhere or you're not going deep enough for long enough for it to be a concern.

If you swim on over to the Suunto web site you can download .pdf (Adobe Acrobat readable) versions of their dive computer instruction manuals. I find the file useful when I want to look up a feature, as there's no index in my printed Vyper manual. That might make it easier to compare features.

-Bryan

AKA Schwimmbad the Sailor

 

[miketsp]

The major issue is display size.
I'm well over 40 so I really need the larger display. It's also useful if I want to show my buddy or a DM something on the display.

It's also worth remembering that in many countries it's not a good idea to be walking around in the street with a fancy dive watch - it makes you a prime target for robbers and if you get the mosquito you may forget this.

 

[eponym]

Oh, and congratulations on your first post!

-Bryan

 

[paulwlee]

you'll have to change the battery at an authorized service centre.

The battery in the Mosquito is user replaceable.
It's the Stinger (and its predecessor Spyder) that needs to be sent back for a battery change.