Suunto vs. Uwatec...Air Int Nitrox capable dive computers...

[isp475]

new post and first time to the board. I am looking at purchasing my own equipment soon and am interested in a dive computer. The LDS said you might as well just get an air integrated and nitrox compatible dive computer to start so you don't need to purchase a new computer with those capabilities down the road. I don't know for sure how much of this is just wanting to make a sale to a new diver that might not know enough otherwise vs. actual get common sense advice. My question is to query the board to see the preferences of those divers that have used the Suunto (Cobra)or Uwatec (?)dive computers that are air integrated and nitrox compatible. Any advice on computers would be appreciated. I will be taking a cert course soon and would like to make a purchase after making a few dives to see if it is what I want to spend a lot of money on.

Thanks.

 

[WantToBe]

Welcome to the board! I am a newbie myself. There is a lot of info on thess two computers on the board. You mite want to search older threads on this. In my limited knowledge, I found both of the computers are great for now and as you gain more experence. The Cobra however is a little more conservative in its algorithm (means more safety margin). Good luck with your Cert and above all have FUN!

Dive, Dive, Dive...

 

[Liquid]

Hi and welcome to the board, both WanToBe and isp475.

I'd say go for the SUUNTO. It is usualy (at least where I live) a lot cheaper than a uwatec computer of the same level, and francly, also a LOT better. Why? First of all, all the SUUNTO computers from the Vyper model and newer are using RGBM models. These are sophisticated algorithms, that take into consideration a lot of factors that ordinary, Haldanian/ Bojlman based algorythms don't. SUUNTO are the only ones to imply this algorithms into their computers to this day. Another reason, is that some maintence nesesities of the uwatec may take a lot longer than SUUNTO. Another thing is that UWATEC computers do not have a watch! it is so annoying!

About the type of computer- Nitrox integrated, today, is obviouse. But I'd be carefull before buying an air integrated computer. Those are a bit more fragile, and if you are in a diving vocation and it get's broken, you are left without a pressure gauge. I'd recommend the VYPER. Relatively cheap (comparing to uwatec models of same level), uses RGBM, niterox integrated, has a watch, got descent DECO information etc. etc.
Cobra is actualy the same as the vyper in everything, plus it is also air integrated. A great computer, but like i said, I'd be cotious about this type of computers.

 

[Vettster]

I use the UWATEC. And it does everything I need. But, be warned that is also with the additional Memo Mouse.
If you buy the Uwatec. plan on the extra expense of the Memo Mouse.
Without it you cannot change the partial O2 pressures and access your home computer/laptop.

Dive Safe,

Vettster

 

[CheeseWhiz]

Why not wait and get a few dives under your belt before making the decision? You might decide after a little experience that you aren't into Nitrox diving, or maybe your dive buddies aren't into it. You may dive with a bunch of people who use one type of computer, or no computer at all.

Even though I have the Uwatec, I looked real hard at the Suunto. I personally am glad I waited a while, so I had a chance to look into it further and talk to other divers about what they had and why.

 

[large_diver]

I am a big fan of Suunto ( I own a Vyper).

I think you need to question the "you need to buy an AI computer now" recommendation. Do some research and talk to experienced divers to see if this choice makes sense.

Your dive shop would "love" it if you bought a Cobra -- it costs ~$300 more than a Vyper ;-)

 

[sharpenu]

Suunto computers are a little too conservative for my taste. I bought a computer to SAFELY increase my bottom times. In the last few years, I have owned the following computers:

Aqua Lung Matrix ~ Hockey puck non integrated air only~
Ok, for a beginner computer. Easy to use, understand and read. Down side: air only, not water activated Cost new- bought it as a package with console and SPG for $250

Seaquest Favor Wrist mount and Seaquest Favor Air integrated
Both were good computers. Air only. This is basically the air only version of the cobra. OK, but too conservative. I wanted more. I bought used, don't know the cost. So, I took Nitrox and got:

Oceannic Datamax Pro Plus~ A great computer that can be had for around $500, if you shop around. Gas integrated, nitrox. The only thing the cobra does that this computer doesn't that I can tell is it allows you to set the alarm level for your PPO2. This one has two fixed alarms at 1.4 and 1.6 ata

Aeris 500AI- Same as the DMPP, except for slight cosmetic and display changes. I currently use this computer as my primary, because it has a quick disconnect. Just a nice feature, to help when logging. The whole reg doesnt have to be with the computer. Cost around $700


Overall I think the Oceanic DMPP gives the most bang for the buck. Dove with all of these quite alot and found them all to be reliable. Never had a malfunction with any of them. To be sure, I change the batteries every year when I VIP everything. Hope this helps.

 

[tombiowami]

I have a Suunto Mosquito and think it is a good computer. It is small, but has a good bit of info. Like some of the others, you have to buy the computer end of things separate. I would recommend getting a nitrox compat but not air int. Just because there is a new, improved gadget does not make it good sense to use all the time. Nitrox is really the way to go and I think will become more popular and cheaper in the future. It's benefits are enourmous, and many would say it should be taught in basic OW.

Tommy

 

[Dee]

Sharpenu...I have a quick disconnect on my DMPP. Don't know if you just don't have one or didn't know it was available.

I agree, the DMPP is a great computer. Beast dives with a Suunto Vyper and it's just a bit too conservative for me, although I usually end up with a similar profile as his buddy.

I do like the sideways orientation of the Aeris 500AI. In fact that's what I wanted but got tired of waiting for it to be released.

 

[sharpenu]

Dee,
I liked my DMPP and everything was great. My SO was diving with my old Favor and on air our profiles didn't match. One day, we went to Boynton and did a couple of drifts on the third reef. The dive profiles were:
Dive one: 66ft 49 mins ended due to low air.
Dive two: 62 ft 39 mins ended because my so's Favor had her on the NDL. My computer still showed me with 15 minutes left. So, I bought the 500AI and gave her the DMPP. I knew you could get the QD for it, but since I was buying a new Computer anyway, I went with the Aeris. I just like the information presentation better on the 500. Other than the horizontal vs. vertical presentation, the computers are identical, as far as I can tell.

tambi:
I have been diving gas integrated for awhile now, with no problems and I have to say, it is not only a convenience, but a great help in having the computer tell you which will last longer, gas supply or NDT. And, it helps you get the most out of your air supply as it tells you when to ascend and still maintain your reserve. It even gives an audible alarm if you forget to look. I dont think I would dive a computer that isn't air integrated.
As for the reliability issue, people say "what if it breaks? your day is ruined!" See the two profiles above. If a regular computer breaks, it's ruined as well. The first dive alone puts you in DECO territory and the second puts you off the tables. What if a vyper failed 20 minutes into the second dive? Your day is over anyway.