Recommend me my first dive computer

[Twinsetmad]

Originally Posted by Rob Dobson

Er.....? I presume you've never looked at either the Shearwater Pursuit or the X1? Both are superior to the VR3 in terms of functionality, reliability, deco algorithm, battery life, clarity of display....

Fingers in ears....LALALLALALALALALALALALALLALALAL


I love my VR3.... wouldn't be without it... don't care what anyone says

[Buoyant Babe]

Originally Posted by Martin Owen

I use the Cressi Archimede 2 (it's the same computer as the Apeks Quantum) which IMO is a great bit of kit, the only issue i have had with it was when it needed a new (user replaceable) battery, i replaced it with an Energizer, then a Panasonic (as supplied from factory) but it kept on crashing. After speaking to Cressi, they recommended using a Varta battery as they have the highest milliamp's. This i did and it has performed faultlessly.

I also use a Suunto D6 as a back up, which can take a couple of minutes longer to clear the stops.

Another vote for the Archimede 2. I have dived the Archimede (original version) for six years and loved it. I changed to the Archimede 2 because it allows you to gas switch between two mixes and has a gauge mode

[Jay_Benson]

I have got, and am very happy with, a Suunto Vyper.

Originally Posted by Darren555

Another vote for the Apeks Quantum otherwise one of the Uwatec models.
I too would avoid a Suunto as they don't recognise Newtonian time.

Does this mean that you think that Suunto do not use Newtonian time - Newtonian time is, as I understand it, non-relativistic (i.e. does not take into account Einstein theories of special relativity). I can't really see Suunto being too interested in Einstein's theories in relation to their computers and I doubt if it make a scrap of difference unless the person comes up way too fast at approaching the speed of light.

[Darren555]

Originally Posted by Jay_Benson

I have got, and am very happy with, a Suunto Vyper.

Does this mean that you think that Suunto do not use Newtonian time - Newtonian time is, as I understand it, non-relativistic (i.e. does not take into account Einstein theories of special relativity). I can't really see Suunto being too interested in Einstein's theories in relation to their computers and I doubt if it make a scrap of difference unless the person comes up way too fast at approaching the speed of light.

There is plenty of empirical evidence supporting the theory that time does indeed slow down for the Suunto wearer as they begin their ascent.

[tom]

Originally Posted by Jay_Benson

I have got, and am very happy with, a Suunto Vyper.



Does this mean that you think that Suunto do not use Newtonian time - Newtonian time is, as I understand it, non-relativistic (i.e. does not take into account Einstein theories of special relativity). I can't really see Suunto being too interested in Einstein's theories in relation to their computers and I doubt if it make a scrap of difference unless the person comes up way too fast at approaching the speed of light.

He's referring to the fact that 'suunto minutes' as shown on the stop countdown do not correspond to real time unless you are exactly at the deco ceiling.

Let's say your vyper is telling you time to surface is 10 minutes and your ceiling is 3m (most people would describe this as '10 minutes deco showing').

If you stop at exactly 3m, it will take 10 minutes for the stop counter to count down to zero and for you to be clear to surface.

If however you decide to stop a bit deeper (say 6m) then it will take longer than 10 minutes of the stop counter to clear, because you are not at the suunto algorithm's deco ceiling.

[ralphg]

Another vote for Suunto, either gekko or vyper, the choice really is dependant upon your budget.

Also, as I too am finding myself increasingly optically challenged these days, I can still read the numbers with ease........hmm where was that thread on those little stick on mask reading thingy's......

[ruffy]

Originally Posted by gunner

looking to buy my first dive computer (ease of use and functionality are high on the priority list) and I seem to have narrowed it down to the Suunto Gekko or D4

which would you recommend?

or should I be looking at anything else?


Thanks

You can get a D6 for £340 now! cant go wrong! well happy with mine.

[Roobydoo]

Helloooooo

Read the OP's post.... VR3 not in question.... BUDGET FUNCTIONAL computer... Having dived with both, (and assuming you are staying recreational) look at either:-

Suunto Gecko
Suunto D4
Uwatec Prime

[Mal Bridgeman]

First Computer is a toughie ..... it implies there will be a next.

Initially divers benefit from a good computer to keep them informed about their diving so they can learn about how steady their profiles are....if there's losts of ups and downs, then it can give you info on your buoyancy control, for example.

So one that allows downloading is very helpful .... most do these days, even the Gekko, with a little software fix.

It then depends on the type of diving you do. If you are only going to dive abroad, then you are unlikely to do decompression diving, so whatever you buy will be pretty good for the rest of your diving career. They are all pretty much of a muchness in that regard....so really you want one you can read easily under water ....so big numbers, a "clean" screen, backlight etc, buttons you can operate easily with a gloved hand if needed etc etc. No one has mentioned the Oceanic range which I think do this job well, with their Red Amber Green bar graphs.

If you are going to dive in the UK, then you will get into deco diving pretty quickly I think, then a whole new world opens up for you..... Whilst you do up to 10 mins of deco, again they are all pretty much of a muchness but any longer than that, then you want to be thinking about getting appropriate training which will advise on a number of new strategies .... e.g. cutting your own custom tables which you combine with a watch and depth guage (most computers do this via a GAUGE MODE), or buy a specific Decompression computer e.g. VR3, or learn how to do it in your head (It's not that hard)

In short, go buy one you like the look of that has the features you need now and accept you will probably buy another one at some point

HTH
Mal

[Fiona]

Originally Posted by Mal Bridgeman

First Computer is a toughie ..... it implies there will be a next.

Mal

Of course there will be - I am on my 4th

That nitrox stuff didn't exist when I bought my Monitor 2