Oceanic Atom 2 or VT3 ?

[floridanewbe]

I am interested in the atom and VT3 with transmitter. Does anyone have opinions or advice on the difference between the models?. Am I missing something obvious ? My present diving is OW no gas mixtures to worry about but plan to do advanced soon and broaden my knowledge.
The Ares Epic is also a consideration. Is it just the Atom 2 in a different formate or is it different ? is so how ?
Any help, advice or personal experience with these computers would really help
Rich

[Burble]

I had been looking into these dive computers a while back and found a thread covering this issue. I tried posting the link but it will not let me.

[FishOutUvH2O]

Differences:

The VT3 is a full size puck. And is a PDC only.
The Atom 2.0 is smaller because it's a wristwatch, as well as, PDC.
The VT3 has a separate Air Time Remaining (ATR) countdown in 10 minute increments (usefulness may vary by consumer).
Deep Sea Supply makes a cool and functional bungee mount for the VT3.
(https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=1334)
Similarities:

Pretty much everything else. Here's the official Oceanic Comparison Chart. (http://oceanicworldwide.com/pdf/compare_computers.pdf)


I use a VT3 as my primary and a Geo as my back-up. I'm happy with both.

[Divedoggie]

I am interested in the atom and VT3 with transmitter. Does anyone have opinions or advice on the difference between the models?. Am I missing something obvious ? My present diving is OW no gas mixtures to worry about but plan to do advanced soon and broaden my knowledge.
The Ares Epic is also a consideration. Is it just the Atom 2 in a different formate or is it different ? is so how ?
Any help, advice or personal experience with these computers would really help
Rich

The Aeris and Oceanic computers are the same with a couple of cosmetic differences.
The Atom is a watch style computer that can be worn as a watch when not diving.

The VT3 is larger and a bit easier to read. The ascent graph, pO2 graph, and Nitrogen graph are more detailed and easier to read.

I prefer to dive with the VT3, but have used and enjoyed the Atom many times when travelling and when teaching. Go to your LDS and play with both of them. Both are excellent and effective.

[FishOutUvH2O]

The ascent graph, pO2 graph, and Nitrogen graph are more detailed and easier to read.
This is actually a really good point. The Atom, like the Geo uses the same graph icon to display nitrogen loading, PO2, and ascent rate. It just indicates which one the graph is representing at the present moment. The VT3 has a separate graph for each of them and all three graphs are constantly displayed.

[RAWalker]

I own each and it is hard to go wrong with either.
My wife now uses the VT3 it came down to her eyesight just isn't as good as mine and the size of the VT3 is easier for her to read.

[jmmcintyre]

Floridanewbe, did you ever end up getting one of those computers? I am in the same situation right now, looking at giving up my Suunto Cobera for an Oceanic VT3, or ATOM 2.0.

[fnfalman]

I just bought the Aeris version of the VT3 just because of the readability. If I were to want a watch, I'd get me a watch.

[AndyDragon]

I just bought the Aeris version of the VT3 just because of the readability. If I were to want a watch, I'd get me a watch.

I'm in the same boat, but not so much for readability, but for button access. To purchase a multi-tank computer and not be able to manipulate the buttons to change gases underwater seems backwards. I have the VT3 and love it. The ability to change from bottom gas to stages easily and track all the tanks and pressures is nice.

[iggy23]

I have the Atom and love it. I do remote trips to Baja Mexico and find that the small watch type computer is perfect for my needs. It's small and not bulky at all, and I have no trouble reading the readout.

Each to their own, I guess.

[fnfalman]

I'm in the same boat, but not so much for readability, but for button access. To purchase a multi-tank computer and not be able to manipulate the buttons to change gases underwater seems backwards. I have the VT3 and love it. The ability to change from bottom gas to stages easily and track all the tanks and pressures is nice.

You're right about button access. I dive with 7mm suit and 5mm gloves. It's pretty hard to hit the small buttons with the gloves on.

[Burble]

Has anyone with either the Aeris or the Oceanic puter had problems with signal loss during a dive? I would also like to know if there are any instructors out there taking advantage of the capability to monitor students' dive computers and how it works for them.

[zider]

Has anyone with either the Aeris or the Oceanic puter had problems with signal loss during a dive? I would also like to know if there are any instructors out there taking advantage of the capability to monitor students' dive computers and how it works for them.

I have used my VT3 for a year now and I have had no signal loss issues. When setting up my gear I can be a good meter or more away and still get a signal. I don't have any experience with the buddy link system, but other on here have said that you need to get too close to the buddy for it to be truly effective.

[PScUba]

I have used both and definitely prefer the VT3. My eyesight is fine, but I tried the Atom and thought that it required too much effort to clearly monitor everything. The display is much nicer. I did not want to sacrifice my dive experience to have something to wear as a watch. Plus, if you want a watch I would recommend going to Wal-Mart or somewhere like that and picking something else up to use as a watch for $12.99.

As far as signal loss is concern... I lost it once with the original Atom, but the only time I lost the signal with the Atom2 or VT3 is when I had to run off to the bathroom after a dive. They both work very well and I am sure you would be happy with either.

[AndyDragon]

As an instructor I tell my students to think about what it will be like to use certain gear with all their other gear. Down south where people don't wear gloves or only wear reef gloves, a watch-style computer would be great. Slim and easy to access all the buttons. Where I dive though, it means dry gloves and 5mm neoprene gloves, so puck-style computers tend to work better.

Also think about using a piece of equipment taking into account your other gear and you will rarely go wrong. Best of luck with either.

[RAWalker]

The Atom comes with a clear guard that slips over the band and covers the screen and the buttons.
This gives a bigger area over each button that can be pressed while protecting the computer
It actually makes it easier to press the buttons with or without gloves.

[Izu]

I still use my Versapro as a back up but love my Atom 2 for its small size and multigas capabilities. I have a second transmitter on my pony. Cant go wrong with this unit IMHO.