Suunto vs Liquivision...advice plz?

[ProudNPrejudiced]

So I was totally going to get a liquivision lynx at the end of the year since with AI they are about equivalent in price to a suunto. But now Suunto is offering a free transmitter with a computer purchase, and all of a sudden I find myself very tempted by the pricing difference. Does anyone have any advice on how I should go about this? I would be looking at the Suunto Vyper Air, which is $700 with a free transmitter as opposed to $1400 for a lynx.

Also, why is the vyper air so much cheaper than the D4/6/9 series? At least when compared to the entry level D4, if all I need to do is rec diving it doesn't look to be that much worse. Thanks

 

[tracydr]

My husband loves his Liquivision Xeo, after diving two Suuntos for 15 years.
I love mine,too. Although I didn't dive a Suunto before. From borrowing my husband's a few times, no question, I'd go with a Liquivision.

 

[drrich2]

The Lynx gives you the option to use your computer to give a direction to a buddy's transmitter. The Suunto will not do that.

Also, be sure to compare the user interfaces. Some computers, like the Cobalt, have an interface kind of like a smart phone; nested menus, easy to figure out. And some are reminiscent of programing a digital watch; unintuitive annoying interfaces with button combo.s to push and abbreviations and symbols that may not make sense.

There's a lot more to a dive computer that just giving you NDLs couple with an SPG and dive timer function.

Richard.

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[Dr. Lecter]

Where's that South Park Debate 2004 image when you need it?

You don't need AI or anything fancier than a D4 for whatever you're doing, but as between the two I'd vote for Liquivision unless you hate their tap interface and/or the $700 is a meaningful piece of budget ($700 is $700, but if you're not going to scrimp on any other gear or dive any less for having spent it, it's meaningless in the analysis).

 

[ajduplessis]

$700 not to mention $1400 is a sh1tload of cash for rec DC. I am not sure why you are keen on AI thou? IMO it adds very little benefit/value. Buy a Suunto Zoop and spend the rest of the cash on diving or equipment (not fancy DC) you really need. Spending that much cash on a DC so early on rec diving is madness. Go have dive holiday or send me the cash.

 

[j_b78]

I'd buy the vyper air because it'll do all your rec diving plus a bit more if you start to head down the tec route. I'd also leave the transmitter in its box and sell it once suunto stop offering them free. Personally I'd stay away from their D range, but thats personal based on screen size only.

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[ProudNPrejudiced]

why is the d series so much more expensive than a vyper?

 

[j_b78]

They do some that are nitrox and one that is trimix that will bump the price up but I'd imagine the answer is that as they make them smaller and more watchlike it costs more to integrate required components etc, or just being cynical it might be sucking more cash from those who want to wear their computer in the bar that increases the price.

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[drrich2]

What value, if any, to place on air-integration is debated often on the forum. Here's my view for your consideration:

1.) I use computers that let me download dives to my computer back home, where I maintain my dive log with software (MacDive).

2.) I like to including start & end gas pressures, and for the software to calculate my SAC rate, as monitoring my gas use practices & efficiency over time is useful info. for further dive planning. Plus I'm nosy.

3.) I tend to dive on vacations where I aim for a lot of diving; 3 or 4 dives per day. Bringing something to write down start & end pressures, and remembering to do so consistently, is hit or miss and annoying.

4.) An AI computer handles all the above pretty much effortlessly.

5.) If you use a wrist AI unit, a glance at your wrist gives you your pressure, quick & easy.

Yes, AI is more expensive. And you don't 'need' it (then again, how many people 'need' to scuba dive?). And sometimes a wireless transmitter loses connection, usually very briefly & reversibly, so having a hose mounted AI backup computer or an SPG as a backup is wise.

AI is worthwhile to me. You will have no problem finding contrasting opinions on the forum in a number of threads. But if you buy a computer without that option, and ever change your mind, you'll do without unless you get another computer.

Something to think about.

RIchard.

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[ProudNPrejudiced]

Yeah the price differential is very tempting. I was originally willing to pay the extra 300 or whatever for the liquivision with AI, but a price differential of 2x is a huge amount.