Yet another this or that. VEO 250 or Vyper?

[WarmWaterWeenie]

This is my first post (other than an introduction), so take it easy on me . First, thanks for your help and your patience for reading this long post.

I have read the past two years of posts on this forum (ya, I'm pretty AR when it comes to researching equipment). I think I've narrowed it down to these two and wanted the experts' thoughts. I understand the Aeris XR2 is also popular, but is there a reason to go with that over the VEO?

These both have the basics of what I want, which is relatively simple-to-use, easy to view, wrist mounted, Nitrox capable, computer downloadable, owner replaceable battery, inexpensive.

Oceanic VEO 250:
-More liberal NDLs
-Get to purchase from Scubatoys!
-Less expensive?
-Easier to use (less buttons)?

Suunto Vyper:
-Suuntos seem very popular here
-More robust?
-Would purchase from Divetank

For me, it's going to come down to the following factors and would like your thoughts/observations:
-Ergonomics: this is probably the most important. Is one easier to use? Does one have a better way of showing info (like NDLs, nitrogen loading, etc.)? Is the 2 button config on the 250 easier than the 4 button on the Vyper?
-Size, both diameter and thickness: smaller is better .
-Other features: does one or the other have unique features?
-Price: I haven't checked prices at scubatoys or divetank, but based on Leisure Pro's site, it looks like the VEO is going to be cheaper.
-Robustness/reliability

Thanks for your assistance.
--WWW

 

[lmorin]

Comparisons such as you request are difficult to come by because most of us only have one of the two items. I'm in that category, at least. I have a Veo250 and like it. Easy to read, set and migrate through. Mine's console mounted.

 

[Charlie99]

My comments in the link below, about Aeris vs. Suunto, apply here also, since the Aeris and Veo are both made by the same manufacturer.

Both are good, but I feel that the N2 bargraph on the Veo provides very useful info not provided by the Suunto.

http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=2772854&postcount=5

 

[Rainer]

Does the Veo have a gauge mode? If not, I'd personally buy the Vyper. Also, the Vyper only has three buttons (I know, I own one). I assume the Veo can also be dled, correct? I like that the Vyper can be put into a DSS bungeed boot (more secure, easier to don, and depth compensates).

 

[Bob Vincent]

I use a Versa Pro which is the same as a 250 but not designed to be modular. It's great. The bar graph's are the best.

 

[paulithepin]

Vyper from Divetank!

 

[Jim Lapenta]

You can use the Veo in guage mode.

 

[deepstops]

The Suunto is just too conservative for repetitive diving IMO, go with the VEO 250.

I dive a Versa Pro (original, not the Versa Pro 2) and love it.

 

[Rainer]

The Suunto is just too conservative for repetitive diving IMO, go with the VEO 250.

I dive a Versa Pro (original, not the Versa Pro 2) and love it.

We just got back from Bonaire a few weeks ago doing 4-5 dives per day with multi-level profiles down to 120' (usually 80-100') and our dives ranged from 50-75 minutes, always with plenty of NDL left. Don't blow through your ascents, and the Suuntos just aren't that conservative. At 75 minutes, I'm usually ready to end the dive anyway.

 

[WarmWaterWeenie]

Thanks guys.

The ability to mount on a DSS boot with a bungee is nice.

Charlie, thanks for the info on N2 loading graph on the Veo. That might be the difference maker there.