Need your recommendation--a tiny dilemma

[ft.lauderdale diver]

So I'm definitely set on getting a DPV. In an ideal world I want a liion battery since I need range for all the shore diving I do. My choices are a Sierra 1150 and a minnus 1.5. For argument sake their both right around $6k.. The problem is I don't have that kind of loot to shell out right now.

So.. as a non dpv owner currently I have 2 options:

Wait until I get the funds to get one---probably a minnus 1.5 since it's cheaper, has more thrust, faster, albeit a few lbs heavier

Or

consider getting a refurb sierra with a new nimh battery, which would just hold me over until I could upgrade to the liion through Tobin.

What would you do?

Additionally---how quickly does the nimh battery deteriorate?

Thanks for your input!

[Wookie]

If you take care of your battery, it should easily last 3 years with no noticeable decrease in functionality. Of course, the more you use it, the longer it lasts.....

[TSandM]

I've had my Sierra for about four years, and haven't noted any decrease in battery life (NiMH). It doesn't get used a whole lot, though, and I keep it charged.

I'd get the NiMH Sierra and upgrade later. Why put off all the fun, just because it isn't exactly the fun you want to have?