Cressi Leonardo / Giotto or Oceanic or Vyper ?

[tokyodom]

Been diving on and off for many years but never bought my own computer. Heading to Raja Ampat for a first liveaboard trip this December - 28 odd dives in 9-10 days - so think it's time to get my first. My criteria are;

Budget US$ 200-300 max
Nitrox compatible
Wrist mounted

I am not so convinced by the Suunto Vyper (or Zoop) given the relatively conservative algorithms of, don't know enough about the Oceanic GEO 2.0 or VEO 3.0 and slightly leaning towards the Cressi Giotto.

Realise that this question is probably asked every other day but that's partly the problem - too much information !

Any thoughts much appreciated.

 

[dmaziuk]

Been diving on and off for many years but never bought my own computer. Heading to Raja Ampat for a first liveaboard trip this December - 28 odd dives in 9-10 days - so think it's time to get my first. My criteria are;

Budget US$ 200-300 max
Nitrox compatible
Wrist mounted

I am not so convinced by the Suunto Vyper (or Zoop) given the relatively conservative algorithms of, don't know enough about the Oceanic GEO 2.0 or VEO 3.0 and slightly leaning towards the Cressi Giotto.

Realise that this question is probably asked every other day but that's partly the problem - too much information !

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Disclaimer: I don't know what you can get in HK for how much, this is what's available new in the USA. And I'm going by the manuals here, I only own the Leonardo:

• the best bang for the buck now appears to be https://www.divegearexpress.com/dg03
• Geo 2 comes with very similar feature set sans air integration for 40% more money. Plus it's watch-sized, for aging eyes that tends to be a minus. It offers a choice of 2 algorithms.
• Giotto: as geo 2 but puck-sized and uses proprietary RGBM implementation (i.e. will not match tables)
• Vyper: similar to leonardo only more expensive
• Zoop: like vyper only with fewer features

Leonardo comes with algorithm depth to 40 metres and gauge mode to 120 m, nitrox to 50%. Some people claim its algorithm is too conservative, personally I haven't hit the NDLs on our diving vacations: 5-7 days of about 3 AL80s/day (occasionally 2 and some days: 4) and mostly staying above 30 metres where there's more stuff to see. It does everything you need for basic recreational diving but with the "regular" price tag of $250 it's not worth it anymore -- not when you can buy the DG03 for the same money. (You can get it for $200 or a little less but I still think you're better off paying the extra $50 for DG03.)

Giotto, Geo, DG03 come with algorithm depths below 40 m, 3 or more gas mixes, nitrox to 100%, so you can go beyond rec. limits with those.

 

[uncfnp]

Let me ask a few questions.

1) Do you want a computer that will most likely give you the most dive time or something that is more conservation and in theory will lessen your risk of DCS, especially with repetative diving? Your age, general health are a few of the considerations in this decision.

2) Is vision an issue. In other words, would you prefer a larger screen?

3 Do you want simple or something with more features and settings?

4) Do you see yourself doing more advanced diving, short deco dives or multi gas use in the near future?

The answers to these questions will help us make a more personal recommendation.

 

[Centrals]

The OP is buying a computer for the first time after diving ON and OFF for many yrs. And he thought he will need one for his coming trip in Dec.
You can get the Zoop in HK for around HK$1,800.00.
Oceanic's importer in HK(Mong Kok) is NOT everyone cup of tea!!!! And I certainly wont' shop there.
For the first time user on computer, DG03 could prove too complicate and difficult to use. Incidentally, Hollis is also imported by the same importer locally!!!!!!!! However, you can buy it from DGX for US$249.00 and they will ship it to HK FREE if your order is over US$250.00!!!!!
BTW, what is wrong conservative?
Down load the user manual of DG03 and see if you can understand it.

 

[KenGordon]

How far is the closest chamber?

The SB stereotype is to claim Suunto are too conservative but I manage with mine - although I am happy doing stops and not obsessed by NDL times.

 

[dmaziuk]

How far is the closest chamber? The SB stereotype is to claim Suunto are too conservative but I manage with mine - although I am happy doing stops and not obsessed by NDL times.

Same here with Leonardo, but it's really a non-issue since they all have conservatism factors: you can always bump it up if you think it's "too liberal". Cressi & Suunto "RGBM" numbers not matching the tables may be more of an issue for someone used to tables and super-detailed dive planning.

 

[stuartv]

I think this thread might help the OP. Both for the info in the thread and the links in the thread to some other threads.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/computers-gauges-watches-and-analyzers/305374-so-you-want-buy-new-computer.html

Same here with Leonardo, but it's really a non-issue since they all have conservatism factors: you can always bump it up if you think it's "too liberal". Cressi & Suunto "RGBM" numbers not matching the tables may be more of an issue for someone used to tables and super-detailed dive planning.

Buying a more liberal computer is a non-issue for exactly the reason you said - you can set it to be more conservative, if you want. But, buying a conservative computer could be an issue since the user cannot do anything to make it more liberal if they find they are running out of NDL well before they run low on gas.

I have not been diving that long, I have a very liberal computer, and I have not been having any trouble using all my NDL time before I get low on air. Thus, I am glad I did not buy a more conservative computer. As the OP has been diving for years, he or she could easily find themselves limited on bottom time by a conservative computer (and by a very liberal computer, too).

 

[dmaziuk]

Let me ask a few questions. 1) Do you want a computer that will most likely give you the most dive time or something that is more conservation and in theory will lessen your risk of DCS, especially with repetative diving? Your age, general health are a few of the considerations in this decision.

Set "safety factor" to +whatever.

2) Is vision an issue. In other words, would you prefer a larger screen?

Not sure how many watch-sized DCs are there for $200-300: DG02 and a couple of Veos? Geo 2 is $350 or more. IOW you're pretty much looking at puck-sized in this price range I think.

3 Do you want simple or something with more features and settings?

Let me rephrase that: will more features and settings be a problem for you if they come at no extra cost? (I.e. Leonardo: simple @ $250, DG03: more features @ $250.)

4) Do you see yourself doing more advanced diving, short deco dives or multi gas use in the near future?

See #3.

 

[uncfnp]

Set "safety factor" to +whatever. Not sure how many watch-sized DCs are there for $200-300: DG02 and a couple of Veos? Geo 2 is $350 or more. IOW you're pretty much looking at puck-sized in this price range I think.

Let me rephrase that: will more features and settings be a problem for you if they come at no extra cost? (I.e. Leonardo: simple @ $250, DG03: more features @ $250.) See #3.

I am not sure why you tried to answer the questions I had for the OP but I do feel a little clarification is needed to give the OP an intellect answer rather than just telling him our personal preferences or biases.

First of all, if you noticed, all of the computers the OP specifically mentioned other then the Zoop typically run over his price point.

Two. Not all computers offer a choice of algorithms or even SF/CF. Especially in the price range given.

Three, the GEO 2.0 that he specifically mentioned is a watch style with a smaller face. And somewhat complex. May require more review before each dive trip for the diver that doesn't dive reqularly.

Four. The DGO3 is a great value but I have heard several complaints that it is not always user friendly. Hearsay only though. Again, may require more review for the infrequent diver before each use. You also mentioned the Leonardo which is a completely different level of computer. Neither are on his list. Both are in his price range but without more info from the OP there is no way to try and match the computer with his preferences.

Five. See four.

 

[stuartv]

Not sure how many watch-sized DCs are there for $200-300:

The Aeris Manta immediately comes to mind, at $200.