Dive computer?

[knfmn]

Hello all! I have another thread going about equipment reccomendations and from the advice given there have decided that the best bet is to just go to one of the LDS's and see what they have to tell me.

I will also be buying a dive computer, and again, don't have a huge budget for this. I'd like to come out with < $300 invested in this thing. I'd like it to remember my dives, be usable for air and for Nitrox when I get certified to use it, have a safety stop warning and timer. I'd also prefer the wrist watch style. I don't care about integration with my tanks, as I'd greatly prefer to just stick with a plain, simple needle gauge. I figure the less stuff to break the better off I'll be. What have you had good experiences with? Any particular brand better than others? Do I really need to be able to download the data to my computer?

Thanks,

Kristopher

 

[DevonDiver]

When you say "Watch"... do you mean 'watch sized' (more expensive) or merely a wrist mounted computer?

I am a big fan of Suunto computers. I've used them (Favor Air, Vyper and D9) for the last 12 years and 4000 dives and never had a problem with then.

I'd recommend the Suunto Zoop. It is Suunto's entry-level computer, with air and nitrox, along with dive log, dive plan mode, and it is downloadable (optional) to Suunto Dive Manager on your PC.

It's within your budget.... listed on scubastore.com (HERE) for $230.00

The Zoop replaced the older 'Gekko' computer. That was comparible in all respects and will (should) be cheaper, if you can find a vendor.

The main feature that the Zoop misses out on is a gauge mode. This is only critical if you plan on freediving and/or using tables for dives (for instance, if you ever went into tech diving). If this was a critical feature for you, then you could look at the next model in the Suunto Line... the 'Vyper'... which retails for approx $278.00 (HERE).

REVIEWS:

RyanJohnsonPhotography - Zoop review

Scubadiving.com - Zoop review

 

[ajduplessis]

Ditto on the Zoop, I go my wife one and have used it myself a couple of times. You can also look at the D4, not sure what they are priced at.

 

[knfmn]

The Zoop looks like a great choice, guys. Thanks for the information and the links. It looks like a nice, solid computer that will grow with me as I progress. The D4 looks like a good computer as well, but it's a little out of my range. The cheapest I was able to find it was $425, which isn't feasible this year, as I'll be purchasing the rest of my gear. It's definitely something to keep in mind for the future.

Thanks again,

Kristopher

 

[BoltSnap]

I second what DevonDiver said about Suunto computers. I have been using them since very early 90's without any problem that I can remember.

DevonDiver,

What do you think of the D9? I got one a while ago and just started using it recently. I find that the numbers are more difficult to read U/W especially the ones in the lower right hand corner. Also, I don't find the compass feature practical even though I am all for electronics.

 

[stargost]

If you are on budget, have a look on ebay to see if some vyper (old one or newer vyper 2) as well as vytec without air integration models can be available.
Decent not too old models can be found in the 200$ range.

The suuntos are very good. They are very conservative but can be adjusted. Many people are diving them too.

They are very easy to use, read (especially the large ones, not the Dx watch).

The gauge mode can be useful in the future, you never know, so that will be a minus of the entry models (gekko and zoop)

I debated about buying a watch (d6) originally, but then, it's still too big to be used as a watch, is less easy to read, cost more, and does not have user replaceable battery, ( which I think is a must). So after I got a vyper 2 for 225$, i certainly didnt look back.

 

[BabyDuck]

another thought would be the dive rite nitek plus (older but might still be in stock somewhere) or duo (ditto). i really liked my plus.

 

[Plotek]

take a look on uwatec 2g. Also on scubaboard are some threads abut it. You can change battery yourself, and you do not need extra interface if you have infrared port in your computer.

 

[Subcooled]

I have a Suunto Vyper, and as much as I hate it, I love it. It just can't compete with the $1000 computers that I want but cannot afford. Vyper is a very decent thing though. Vyper2 would have slightly better water temperature logging and maybe some other tweaks. Anyway... I would recommend the Vyper. I haven't tried Zoop, but if the only difference is the lack of Gauge mode, and you don't plan on retiring your computer later (->backup in Gauge mode) then Zoop would probably be good. My complaints only relate to backlight details and night diving.

The screen is big and readable.

The software is also nice.
Ok, it doesn't show extensive calculated statistics or any dive type distribution, but it's still quite good.

 

[DiveNav]

...... I'd like to come out with < $300 invested in this thing. I'd like it to remember my dives, be usable for air and for Nitrox when I get certified to use it, have a safety stop warning and timer......

Check out the Dive Computers Research Tool: I counted 19 wrist dive computers, Nitrox capable and < $500. Most of them have videos and simulator. some of them come with a free online class.

Alberto (aka eDiver)