Suunto vs Mares vs ??

[kactus]

Another newbie on the board and in the water !!!!

Hey folks, could use some help. I've been on and in the water my whole life, but have just now ventured below the surface. I have some questions about computers.

I know they are not required, but as with most things, they make life a little easier. My diving will definately be recreational, vacation travel only for awhile. Maybe in a year or two I will start to venture into more advanced diving.

I have read many of the posts on the board and still have a few questions. I have been looking at Suunto and Uwatec, and thought I had decided on Suunto. But I have read many concerns about very conservative dive times with the Suuntos. And then I came across some posts about Aeris Atmos. My plan is to purchase a non-ai wrist computer and have an ai console as a backup (ie Mosquito/Cobra or Atmos 2/Atmos ai combo). This may be overkill, but I definately want a backup. Complete air integration would be cool to have on a wrist computer, but for the cost I could have a wrist computer and an air integrated backup.

I've read the Rodale's article/ad on the computer comparisons, but would like more information. Anyone out there been down with either or both of these lines? Does anyone actually link them with there PCs? How useful / user friendly is the software?

-Keith

 

[kactus]

One thing I wanted to clarify. Most of my diving will be resort/vacation diving. So multiple dives per day over several consecutive days. My buddies usually get 10-15 dives in on a 5-7 day trip depending on where they are at.

Keith

 

[scubatoys]

Hey Kactus... Welcome!

The download software is better for the Uwatec... But Aeris is working on new versions - I'm sure it will get better in time.. but in all honesty, I don't care. I use the computer for the information I need on the dive - when I finish, I really don't care if I spent 29 minutes at 44 feet or 46 feet. The things I like putting in my log the computer doesn't give me anyway... "Saw a big turtle at the edge of the wall... School of grunts under plate coral... etc"

Even in the store we sell a ton more Aeris than Uwatec due to the easier to use interface - and pricing. (speaking of pricing... there is a "special sale" sponsored by Aeris happening in a few days... give me a shout if you wish - I'm not allowed to post on it until the 1st...)

I also like the user changable batteries of the Aeris, vs send it back to the factory with Uwatec.

 

[aquasport]

Is aries a consertive computer?

 

[aquasport]

Conservative,my mistake

 

[kactus]

Hey Kactus... Welcome!

...

Hey Larry, thanks for the info. Might make a trip up to see you guys this weekend since I'm just a few hours south (Austin/San Antonio).

Do you have any experience with Suunto? Do you carry their products? After a more detailed look at the Mosquito, I think I've eliminated it from my list. I'm afraid the display might be too small to get a quick reading. I don't want to be spending my time focusing on the display, when I should be enjoying the water. Also don't like the fact it doesn't have a CBT graph or N2/O2 Loading graph. So instead, I've been looking at the Vyper as another Suunto alternative.

I'm also rethinking buying a backup right off. But instead using the money and going all out for an Aeris Elite. Just can't seem to make up my mind. Just need to make a choice and buy I guess.

k

 

[pt40fathoms]

Try this link for some "unbiased" reporting of some of the more popular dive computers.

http://www.underwaterbob.com/dive_computers.htm

 

[PolsVoice]

I have been looking at Suunto and Uwatec, and thought I had decided on Suunto.

between those two... Sunnto seems to be a great choice

And then I came across some posts about Aeris Atmos.

What I believe is going to be the future of dive computers is the RGBM model for deco times as opposed to the age-old Haldane model. The Atmos (I believe) use the Haldane. The RGBM (Reduced Gas Bubble Something or other) are what make Suunto so conservative. They are one of the two companies on the market that use the model (that I know of). The other one is Cochran Technologies. They service the Navy with all of their dive instruments and their Commander is a fine computer, with more memory than you can shake a stick at, 1 second sampling, a more liberal RGBM model, and customization out the Wazoo. However, the ergonomics between the Suunto and the Commander are about the same.

Check into them.

I currently dive a Suunto Cobra and am very happy with the computer. Their dive software is a little finicky though. Especially if you have a laptop with only USB ports. I have been begging for them to make a USB interface... but to no avail. Supposedly you can use a Serial/USB adaptor for the interface, but for some reason or another I can't get it to work.

I don't know anything about Aeris' dive software. Sorry, bud.

Hope This Helps,

PV.

 

[ChrisA]

I have read many of the posts on the board and still have a few questions. I have been looking at Suunto and Uwatec, and thought I had decided on Suunto. But I have read many concerns about very conservative dive times with the Suuntos. And then I came across some posts about Aeris Atmos. My plan is to purchase a non-ai wrist computer and have an ai console as a backup (ie Mosquito/Cobra or Atmos 2/Atmos ai combo). This may be overkill, but I definately want a backup. Complete air integration would be cool to have on a wrist computer, but for the cost I could have a wrist computer and an air integrated backup.


-Keith

A few comments from admitted non-expert:

1) I assume you will be renting equipment at a resort location? If so then how will you connect an air-integrated computer? Will you be able to take a wrench to the rental regulator? You need access to an HP port for the AI connection. (If you are also buying a reg this is
a non-issue.)

2) If you take a backup computer I think you might want the primary and the backup to use the same algorithm. The rule with using two computers is that you must come up when the first one says you must. What happens if the backup computer says you are in "decompression mode" but the primary gives you four more minutes? then you come up and one requires a long surface interval? Best to buy two Suuntos or whatever and not worry about it. IF you violate
the "most convervative computer rule" then you will be messed
up on the second dive and the backup will not be providing
meaningfull backup. as computers will deverge over several days.

3) My understanding is that all of the "Pelagic" computers (Sherwood, Areis, Oceanic, etc ...) are somewat agressive and the Suuntos are more conservative.

 

[kactus]

Try this link for some "unbiased" reporting of some of the more popular dive computers.

http://www.underwaterbob.com/dive_computers.htm

Thanks for the info, the sight was enlighting and confirmed what I have been reading.

The other one is Cochran Technologies.

I've looked into the Cochran, and your right very customizable. Probably more than I need being a beginner and all.

1) I assume you will be renting equipment...

No, I will actually be purchasing all my equipment over the next couple of weeks. I just don't trust rental equipment, regardless of the sport.

2) If you take a backup computer I think you might want the primary and the backup to use the same algorithm...

I agree, and thats what I've also been told by several experienced divers. If I do choose to buy a backup it will be from the same manufacturer (ie. Vyper/Cobra or Atmos 2/Atmos ai)

3) My understanding is that all of the "Pelagic" computers (Sherwood, Areis, Oceanic, etc ...) are somewat agressive and the Suuntos are more conservative.

This is my understanding as well, which is my main concern. I have read and heard a few stories where the Suunto RGBM algorithm is so conservative that it will often not allow a diver a 4th or 5th dive during a day. Which is not uncommon during live aboard dive vacations. Which a few buddies and I are thinking about doing during late August after I've gained some more experience.

If anyone out there has information that counters this, please let me know. I have no issues/problems with a more conservative computer, after all its only going to keep me safer. But I don't want to be left on the boat because my computer is "overly" cautious.

I appreciate everyones help, the information you all have provided has been great.

keith