Cheeky Suunto Beggers (Vytec vs Vytec DS)

[Scuttler]

Maybe this should be a rant!

For a while now I have had a Suunto Vytec on my wish list as my Aladdin is Air only and I wanted something that would transition me through my journey into trimix when I'll get a VR-3 (shortly after I remortgage)!

It would be great if the Vytec had a vibrate feature like the Tusa DC Sapien but it doesn't and on reflection I'm not thrilled by the thought of a decompression model based on 12 compartments when most of the up to date have 18. So the Vytec remains.

Having recently received some gifts for my birthday I decided to update the wish list and noticed that the price of the Vytec went from £275 up to £339. Further investigation reveals that the £339 model is the DS variant.

Comparing the two items reveals that the DS model has only one additional feature and that is the incorporation of deep stops into the decompression model.

Initially the DS was introduced at a RRP of around £399.

I find it somewhat incredible that Suunto want to charge £124 for a software fix! (Yes, I said fix 'cos frankly the original model should have taken deep stops into account as the product is marketed as an advanced aid for technical diving). Even Microsoft don't charge you for a service pack!!!

Thieving beggers!

[turbanator]

Ah, you've not looked at the VR3 upgrade then?

r
Paul

[Scuttler]

Originally Posted by turbanator

Ah, you've not looked at the VR3 upgrade then?

Not much point as I can't afford it at moment

[chrisch]

As I understand it there is no software fix for the old Vytec. Bin it and buy a new one is the only upgrade route to DS.

Where did you find the info on the s/ware?

Chris

[Scuttler]

Originally Posted by chrisch

As I understand it there is no software fix for the old Vytec. Bin it and buy a new one is the only upgrade route to DS.
Where did you find the info on the s/ware?
Chris

Sorry. My post probably is a bit vague. You are right you cannot upgrade the software from the Vytec to the Vytec DS but this is only because Suunto don't want you to have that option so you have to buy another computer if you want to have the deep stop function. There is no actual difference between the Vytec and the DS other than the software and the colour of some of the plastic! Hardly seems to justify £124 increase!

[Gizmo]

I know what you mean about the Vytec, tis a bit of a shame, I had a borrowed one that I used most of last year and really liked it, so when it came to give that back and buy a new gas switchable I was tempted to go straight for the Vytec DS, however because one day I would like a VR3 I decided to save the extra money for now and bought a Quantum. Does just what I need and incorporates deep stops. Plus is a good £150 cheaper!!!

[Freeflow]

Has anyone run a comparison on the stop times for the DS and non DS? I wouldn't rely on a computer that I was taking in alone, and I plan all deco dives on my PC at home before I go. Yes, I'm that sad. If a dive turns into deco through being good, then out come the tables from the pouch, the computer is the last resort.

[Scuttler]

Originally Posted by Freeflow

Has anyone run a comparison on the stop times for the DS and non DS? I wouldn't rely on a computer that I was taking in alone, and I plan all deco dives on my PC at home before I go. Yes, I'm that sad. If a dive turns into deco through being good, then out come the tables from the pouch, the computer is the last resort.

I use V-Planner at the moment but essentially I feel comfortable handing the number crunching to the dive comp and then if it goes belly up swicthing to tables and my DT.