Uwatec v. Suunto

[BigD]

I think I've got things almost nailed down. It's between 4 computers but in two categories. I would like AI. I currently dive a Cobra and looking for a computer upgrade for me and give my cobra to my son or just duplicate the cobra for my son. That way we are diving the same computer. Should frequent dive buddies dive the same computer or not?

1) Either a Cobra(not the Cobra2) or the Uwatec Smart Com. Both AI via Hose. What are the differences between the two? I have no issues with Suunto, but should I change?

2) Suunto Vytec or Uwatec Smart Z. Hoseless. I beleive the main difference is that the Vytec can do multiple Gas switching where I would need to go to the Smart Tec for multiple gases.

I don't want to turn this into a Hose v. Hoseless question. I can answer that one based upon how much money I want to spend. I would like some input on which manufactorer should I go with. I really like user replaceable batteries. Uwatec softens it with their "Battery for Life" program.

Other thoughts between the two?

Thanks.

Dennis

 

[loosebits]

I hate AI, especially wireless but I hate Suunto's wireless more than anyone elses. I've never had a buddy with a problem with a Uwatec but I've had 3 buddies with Suunto's (Vytecs and D9's) and I've turned on and off their valves for them while they tried to get their transmitters to sync.

 

[CompuDude]

Personally, I VASTLY prefer Uwatec to Suunto. Uwatec's wireless AI is far more reliable (although I dive with an Analog SPG as a backup), Suunto's are notoriously conservative, and Uwtec's logging software is beyond superior (it also uses standard IR interface you can add to any USB computer cheaply, so no propriteary cable to worry about).

If you want to dive a Uwatec with your son who is diving a Suunto, bear in mind he will always have to get out of the water first due to their conservatism. (No greater safety record to brag about, btw, in return for that conservatism, so I avoid them.) If you both have Suunto's your dives will be much more in sync.

So it's up to you: I'd say Uwatec in a heartbeat, but only you can decide how important it is to you to have the better software and to have matching algorithms.

 

[BigD]

Well, just got back from the LDS. The owner dives a Smart Z and her husband dives a Smart Com. I tried both in the pool while checking out my gear for an upcoming trip. I like the freedom of the hoseless and slightly bigger display of the Smart Com. I really like the display and having all info right there. the Suunto and Uwatec are both good computers. However, I think the Uwatec is better from what I can see. I'm going to download the software and look at that as well.

All said, I think I'm going with the Uwatec brand overall. As far as diving two different computers with my son, up until this time I dive fairly conservative with him. For example, I wouldn't take him to the Devil's Throat site in Coz. The last time I did that, my Cobra was getting really close on the NDL. I would have like the Uwatec on that dive.

Now is the time to address the Smart Com versus Smart Z. I beleive it is going to come down to the issue of money. It's going to be about $300 difference. Then they offered a Smart Tec for about $200 more than the Smart Z. I don't think I will ever get to the diving where I will need the Smart Tec. I would hope so, but I will probably soak the money in a new road bike.

BigD

 

[CompuDude]

I was really torn about that decision myself. I went with the SmartTec, ultimately (The SmartZ will suffice for your needs), over the Smart Com because of reports about the connection between the computer and the hose having issues and small leaks. The wireless AI is pretty bullet-proof from that standpoint. I suppose one could argue the same thing could happen with the analog SPG, but that's easier to fix in the field, or discard entirely should I choose, since it's just a backup to the wireless AI anyway.