Apeks Quantum or Suunto Vyper? Decisions, decisions!

[Tom D]

Hi all,

I've been lurking on here for some time now, reading, aborbing and just generally distracting myself when I really should be revising for finals.

Anyway, been diving since around January (finished my Ocean diver in March) with the Warwick Uni SAC and am just about to do my Sports Diver course at the end of June. I figured I'd get myself a dive computer as that way I get to visit the Stanegarth twice in one day!

I decided to get a Suunto Vyper, mainly because everyone I know in the club has one, and they seem to do what I want for the foreseeable future. I also liked the look of the Suunto dive manager, what with me being a geek and all.

I had ordered a Suunto Vyper from an online dive store. Only to discover when I phoned them up the other day that they were out of stock and they weren't sure when Suunto was going to deliver again. I've also noticed that they've since removed the Vyper from their website.

They suggested that I look at the Apeks Quantum as an alternative. I hadn't really considered this before (mainly because I hadn't heard of it). I've looked around on the Internet and am aware of some quality control issues, but that these seem to have been resolved in later batches. The only difference seems to be that the Quantum also does gas switching (not really important to me for a good few years yet!), which arguably makes it better value. Oh, and it's ~4years newer (I think).

Anyway, I thought I'd throw it open to the group and see if anyone can help me with my decision. I'm in no real hurry as I won't be diving again for several weeks, although if I go for the Vyper I think I'll go somewhere else that has them in stock (afterall, the retailer could have sent me an email explaining the situation).

Thanks in advance, and sorry for yet another I'm-a-newbie-help-me-buy-kit question.

Tom

[Ferg3333]

Hi Tom, i'm also a member of wusac and i recommend a vytec, just the wrist unit mind as it will grow with you, if you ever get to mixed gas diving this will allow to have shorter decompression obligations than a computer that would still think you are breathing air and not a higher nitrox mix etc. If you ever wanna go stoney mid week just pm me and i'll send you my email address, i can the equipment off stuart

[Ferg3333]

By any chance was it go dive?

[Tom D]

Hi Ferg,

Thanks for the quick response!

I did have a look at the Vytec, but I think that might be a little beyond my budget for the moment. £270 is almost £100 more than what I was going to pay for either the Vyper or the Quantum. Still, will bear it in mind and check it out.

Yeah - the shop was Go-dive. Wasn't sure whether to put their name down, I have absolutely no complaints about their service, so didn't think it necessary. While I suppose they could have emailed me, I don't really expect that from any online company these days!

Thanks for the offer of a dive - may well take you up on that, I know another ocean diver who's interested in diving after the exams.. so might be able to sort something out.

Cheers,
Tom

[Ferg3333]

yeah sure, go dive doesnt have a good reputation the vyper is a good computer as are some of the uwatec computers like the aladin prime, i'm sure someone will be able to help you in the uni club, but one question has it took you all year to do your ocean diver?

[Tom D]

Cheers for the advice Ferg

Yeah, second half of the first term was the lectures and pool sessions, then the open water dives were throughout the second term. Managed to get in a day at Stoney over Easter ... just waiting until the exams are over then I can try and sort some more out.

Cheers,
Tom

[Sql]

Perhaps you should have posted a poll instead

I'd be seriously tempted with the Quantum, as you get more for your money, well I was anyway.

Also, think for the future. I bought my first computer, for air only, then a few months later did nitrox. Never thought I would do anything more than air of course.

[Mark Chase]

Hi

I had the Vyper then the Vytec and both were good but the Vytec is by far the best in terms of future proofing and resale value. I can vouch for the quality of the no quible after sales service as well being on new Vytec no 3

I like the look and value aspect of the Apex and the two gas abuility may come in handy sooner than you think. However do a serch on here as I think I read about a few little niggles with the unit from a disgruntled owner.

At a glance I would go for a new Apex or (if cash is an issue) perhaps a S/H Vytec. However if my suspision on the Apex proves corect and you simply must have a new one then the Vyper is a very solid unit.

ATB

Mark Chase

[John N]

You might also look at the Mares M1.

£130 for the standard version (with which I've done several hundred dives) or £170 - £180 for the RGMB (deep stops) model.

http://www.simplyscuba.com/ProductDe...?StockID=71278

Certainly worth a look.

[Bandit]

had a vyper for over 2 years now no probs with it at all great computer