downtoolong
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Looking for some informative feedback on the key differences of the Uwatec versus Suunto computer performances. This thread is NOT for the discussion of costs and with no intent of discussion of pricing, distribution, or where someone's opinion of perceived dollar value is concerned. Anyone can start a thread on that if they'd like.
As a precursor, I'm a dive Instructor who likes the Uwatecs but am willing to see if anyone can shed light upon and benefits the Suunto systems would have over the Uwatecs. This discussion DOES NOT involve any other dive computers or manufacturers. I'm looking to ask my dive center to carry both brands, but some reservations need to be overcome, which prehaps members here can help with?
This thread is looking for responses from people who ARE diving with both or either of these two systems. And please, make your opinions worthwhile and object. Just liking the 'look' or comments made against one or the other without value are unnecessary and unwanted.
Again, if anyone feels they would like to start a seperate discussion with ANY OTHER manufacturers being brought up or pricing, availability, etc, please feel free to do so SOMEWHERE ELSE. I'd like to keep this discussion as concentrated as possible.
**Having been with many divers diving both, and would like to address the value of certain characteristics of why I chose my Uwatecs and see if this has been addressed by Suunto?
**Suuntos AND Uwatecs have been called more concervative, but even the late John Hardy (former head of RSD's Scubalab) agreed that reduced lines of print were unable to point out many misconceptions, including that Uwatec's MOD can be set from 1.20 ppO2 ata to 1.95 (at 1.95ata this is an incredibly aggressive diving model and one that is only useful to extreme risk-takers). Can this range of programming be accomplished for the Suunto?
(Hardy also went on to explain that many manufacturers had not changed their algorythm's since their inceptions (only case and design asthetics) and which were ignorant of today's most recent updates in diver safety and phisilogical research.)
***Uwatec's new Smart series offer the ability to 'suggest' deep stops (unlike 'required' decompression stops) that have been PROVEN by DAN and other research studys to provide a greater benefit and more efficient use of off-gasing. Do the Suunto's offered this? - (Again this is not a suggestion of 'required' decompression stops, this is level stops for more off-gasing proficiency within 'recreational' limits)
***Using the Bulmann Adaptable algorythm for years, Uwatec models calculate real time information from the value of diver's workload, microbubble build-up, and temperature THROUGHOUT the dive. I believe a very important reservation has been the inability for the Suunto computer algorythm to adjust in REAL-TIME continually throughout FOR THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE upon the diver - this is very considerable in places like Galapagos/Cocos, Great Lakes, UK, and anywhere thermoclines are present. Has this been addressed by Suunto?
***A lack of Time and Date present (not considering download potential -as it is available there), is one issue Uwatecs have not seemed to address. I realize that the importance to know what time it is may not be a factor to the serious diver, but are Suunto divers out there using this function often?
***Suunto and Smart Uwatec models have the temperature display (and all models through downloading software), but how often are you using this?
***Batteries, (heres a big one issue) Suunto has user changable batteries which are good if you are a do-it-yourselfer, unless you are out searching for them on your vacation time as you neglected to have spares. But I have seen more than one Suuntos models compartments flooded, corroded, and diabled because of either a poor oring, user error, or lost screws for cover. How are Suunto divers addressing this?
***Uwatec tells you exact battery percentage life left - each set runs for 1000 dives or more and is replaced at NO CHARGE. I used to think that it might be an issue to send the computer in for replacement, but I've been assured that Uwatec/Scubapro does it in one day turnaround. Uwatec TESTS and CALIBRATES your computer for free (battery replacement is free as well) while your battery is being replaced. I see no users of Suunto's being able to tell me the last time their computer was tested and calibrated for accuracy (beyond the purchase date). How are Suunto divers adjusting for this?
***How does the Suunto diver know EXACTLY how much battery life is left? (Not a question of 'low', but EXACT)
***Uwatecs electronics are oil-incased, as oil is incompressble, the continuous ascent/descent atmosphere changes have no affect upon the motherboard. This offers an advantage to long life and accuracy. How does Suunto address concern for circuitry and pressure changes upon the housing and internal workings?
***Uwatec has offered me upgrades to new current computers for any old computer that has a problem that has been shown after testing and calibration. (I had a 1984 model, and was offered a 2002 model for $150). I received the newer algorythm, backlighting, and new features not on my old model. Does Suunto consistantly have anything like this?
***Uwatecs don't default to a preset when using Nitrox mixes but instead stay where you've set them. This offers no 'surprises' when you get in the water after a long surface interval and you haven't changed mixes. How are Suunto's set up? I seem to recall they default to 50% after long interval and if a diver neglects to look at and reset teh computer, their profile tracking can get into some serious trouble.
***Uwatec's upon surface interval, offer an EXACT do not fly time is presented (no 12 or 24 stamps) and that in addition, the EXACT hours and minutes of microbubble desaturation is presented. Do the Suunto's offer EXACT time (6 hrs, 13hrs, 29 hrs, etc)?
As a diver, I want to take charge of my own diving and use the more accuracte tools to keep me safe in the water. I don't wish to blindly follow a divemaster along and hope that my guide isn't having a bad day. Also, my dive guide isn't usually along with me on all my profiles, all my dives throughout the days and weeks on loacation. Sometimes divemasters switch on surface intervals, have days off, arent' doing the 3, 4, 5 dives a day, or night dives. Their profile is different than mine.
I want accurate measures of my profiles, my Uwatecs DO THAT. Now if someone can explain how the Suunto's are in relation with the above questions, that would be great. I always want to broaden my scope of learning. The shop I teach for then can offer more services and I can also explain to fellow divers key differences. Thanks!
As a precursor, I'm a dive Instructor who likes the Uwatecs but am willing to see if anyone can shed light upon and benefits the Suunto systems would have over the Uwatecs. This discussion DOES NOT involve any other dive computers or manufacturers. I'm looking to ask my dive center to carry both brands, but some reservations need to be overcome, which prehaps members here can help with?
This thread is looking for responses from people who ARE diving with both or either of these two systems. And please, make your opinions worthwhile and object. Just liking the 'look' or comments made against one or the other without value are unnecessary and unwanted.
Again, if anyone feels they would like to start a seperate discussion with ANY OTHER manufacturers being brought up or pricing, availability, etc, please feel free to do so SOMEWHERE ELSE. I'd like to keep this discussion as concentrated as possible.
**Having been with many divers diving both, and would like to address the value of certain characteristics of why I chose my Uwatecs and see if this has been addressed by Suunto?
**Suuntos AND Uwatecs have been called more concervative, but even the late John Hardy (former head of RSD's Scubalab) agreed that reduced lines of print were unable to point out many misconceptions, including that Uwatec's MOD can be set from 1.20 ppO2 ata to 1.95 (at 1.95ata this is an incredibly aggressive diving model and one that is only useful to extreme risk-takers). Can this range of programming be accomplished for the Suunto?
(Hardy also went on to explain that many manufacturers had not changed their algorythm's since their inceptions (only case and design asthetics) and which were ignorant of today's most recent updates in diver safety and phisilogical research.)
***Uwatec's new Smart series offer the ability to 'suggest' deep stops (unlike 'required' decompression stops) that have been PROVEN by DAN and other research studys to provide a greater benefit and more efficient use of off-gasing. Do the Suunto's offered this? - (Again this is not a suggestion of 'required' decompression stops, this is level stops for more off-gasing proficiency within 'recreational' limits)
***Using the Bulmann Adaptable algorythm for years, Uwatec models calculate real time information from the value of diver's workload, microbubble build-up, and temperature THROUGHOUT the dive. I believe a very important reservation has been the inability for the Suunto computer algorythm to adjust in REAL-TIME continually throughout FOR THE EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE upon the diver - this is very considerable in places like Galapagos/Cocos, Great Lakes, UK, and anywhere thermoclines are present. Has this been addressed by Suunto?
***A lack of Time and Date present (not considering download potential -as it is available there), is one issue Uwatecs have not seemed to address. I realize that the importance to know what time it is may not be a factor to the serious diver, but are Suunto divers out there using this function often?
***Suunto and Smart Uwatec models have the temperature display (and all models through downloading software), but how often are you using this?
***Batteries, (heres a big one issue) Suunto has user changable batteries which are good if you are a do-it-yourselfer, unless you are out searching for them on your vacation time as you neglected to have spares. But I have seen more than one Suuntos models compartments flooded, corroded, and diabled because of either a poor oring, user error, or lost screws for cover. How are Suunto divers addressing this?
***Uwatec tells you exact battery percentage life left - each set runs for 1000 dives or more and is replaced at NO CHARGE. I used to think that it might be an issue to send the computer in for replacement, but I've been assured that Uwatec/Scubapro does it in one day turnaround. Uwatec TESTS and CALIBRATES your computer for free (battery replacement is free as well) while your battery is being replaced. I see no users of Suunto's being able to tell me the last time their computer was tested and calibrated for accuracy (beyond the purchase date). How are Suunto divers adjusting for this?
***How does the Suunto diver know EXACTLY how much battery life is left? (Not a question of 'low', but EXACT)
***Uwatecs electronics are oil-incased, as oil is incompressble, the continuous ascent/descent atmosphere changes have no affect upon the motherboard. This offers an advantage to long life and accuracy. How does Suunto address concern for circuitry and pressure changes upon the housing and internal workings?
***Uwatec has offered me upgrades to new current computers for any old computer that has a problem that has been shown after testing and calibration. (I had a 1984 model, and was offered a 2002 model for $150). I received the newer algorythm, backlighting, and new features not on my old model. Does Suunto consistantly have anything like this?
***Uwatecs don't default to a preset when using Nitrox mixes but instead stay where you've set them. This offers no 'surprises' when you get in the water after a long surface interval and you haven't changed mixes. How are Suunto's set up? I seem to recall they default to 50% after long interval and if a diver neglects to look at and reset teh computer, their profile tracking can get into some serious trouble.
***Uwatec's upon surface interval, offer an EXACT do not fly time is presented (no 12 or 24 stamps) and that in addition, the EXACT hours and minutes of microbubble desaturation is presented. Do the Suunto's offer EXACT time (6 hrs, 13hrs, 29 hrs, etc)?
As a diver, I want to take charge of my own diving and use the more accuracte tools to keep me safe in the water. I don't wish to blindly follow a divemaster along and hope that my guide isn't having a bad day. Also, my dive guide isn't usually along with me on all my profiles, all my dives throughout the days and weeks on loacation. Sometimes divemasters switch on surface intervals, have days off, arent' doing the 3, 4, 5 dives a day, or night dives. Their profile is different than mine.
I want accurate measures of my profiles, my Uwatecs DO THAT. Now if someone can explain how the Suunto's are in relation with the above questions, that would be great. I always want to broaden my scope of learning. The shop I teach for then can offer more services and I can also explain to fellow divers key differences. Thanks!