Suunto Vyper vs Aeris XR2

[Keith A]

Hi all,

Can you help with a choice between these two. Finally narrowed my choice down. Console syle for both.

Thank you,

 

[vinegarbiscuit]

Both are solid recreational computers. I've owned both, and they're both fairly easy to operate and understand. Both are good for 50% O2 (note the XR2 will default into 50% O2 mode if you don't switch off that 'default mode). Both can also 'grow' with you if you advance into technical diving as simple depth gauge/bottom timers. The biggest difference is the conservatism of Suunto computers relative to Oceanics (Aeris). That's not a bad thing, but you may find yourself heading up the anchor line sooner (especially for repetitive dives) than your Oceanic/Aeris-toting buddies. Aside from that, no worries. But one nice thing about the Vyper is that it allows you to scroll back and forth through your dive log, whereas my Aeris XR-2 only allows me to go from most recent to oldest...I can't go backwards, if you know what I mean. It's not a major issue, really, just something to be aware of. Another thing is that the XR-2 provides a maximum depth reading only in your dive log, whereas the Vyper provides both a maximum and an average. Again, not a major issue at all, it's just that different people like tracking different things.

Enjoy. You'll be happy with either purchase.

 

[Keith A]

Fantastic response.
Question. When there is a question about conservative computers, ie. Suunto. Does that pertain much to Nitrox diving. Reason I ask, is I'm doing a liveaboard and I would like to enjoy the experince without having to cut dives short based on a computer algorithem.

Thanks all,

 

[WB2GLP]

I always investigate the quality and availability of support from the manufacturer before making the plunge on big ticket items. I know that Aeris/Oceanic are very accessible on the phone for even the most basic question. Aeris/Oceanic support is based in the USA.

I have no experience with Suunto.

 

[RTee]

Fantastic response.
Question. When there is a question about conservative computers, ie. Suunto. Does that pertain much to Nitrox diving. Reason I ask, is I'm doing a liveaboard and I would like to enjoy the experince without having to cut dives short based on a computer algorithem.

Thanks all,

If I set my Vyper at EAN 32 (P0, A0), it gives me a max depth of 107 ft at 1.4 PPo2 instead of 111.375 for example. Not having mine with me at the moment, I am not sure what the dive planner would give me for a 100 ft dive on EAN 32 when I know that the tables (EAN 32) would allow me 30 mins NDL at an EAD of 81 ft.

Having said that, I have close to 200 dives on my Vyper and to the best of my knowledge, its conservatism never had me heading for the surface way before my friends who happen to be using various brands.

I recall doing a deep dive in the Caribean when friends and a divemaster who supposedly was using table and time (no computer). Being right behind him and his diving buddy, I can tell you that when I started doing a multilevel profile (with my GF who is also using a Vyper) to remain within NDL and pointed out to my computer to the group they all gave me a OK sign and adopted my profile instead of the DM's. After the dive, all confirmed that that they were very close to NDL limits.

Other thing I like about the suunto, its desktop software contains a multigas dive planner (RGBM algorithm though) and I can download my dive profiles on my laptop.....not sure about the other.

 

[Hatul]

I also have the Vyper and it's a very solid computer with a large user base and decent PC software.

Adam

 

[Keith A]

Thank you all for you thoughtful replys.

I chose the Sunnto Vyper. Price point, quality, user base, and ease of use were the deciding factors.
The question of the computer being overly conservative I believe was addressed. Plus I always like a conservative approach.

Thanks again,