Which deco computer

[Kev W]

My beloved aladdin comp is poorly and, as I was thinking of changing it anyway.I am looking for a decompression computer which I can adjust the mix in 1% increments and do gas switching for accelerated deco.As this is not the sort of kit you change regularly I haven't any experience of whats on the market and whats good or best to avoid, so has anyone got any thoughts/advise?
Thanks in advance

[Gareth J]

Kevin


I've got a Suunto Vytec. Air, Nitrox & Gauge. 3 mixes 1% increments, in water switching. Its been great.

I did give the VR3 a run a couple of weekends ago, bloody brilliant. & upgrade proof (well almost).

Its a question of price & what you ultimately want it for.

To be honest the Suunto's been great. Suits normal recreational diving, ERD & when in Gauge Trimix. you can change the battery yourself as well.
Unfortunately I'm switching to CCR so it's run out of steam!

I'm sure you'll get loads of recommendations.

[Ainsleyberryman]

Ive got a suunto and a VR3.

The suunto dosent take care of deep stops very well and cant do less than 21% O2. It also does not show your time to surface inclusive of all your gasses. It also does not allow you to use it to plan and cut tables.

The VR3 does everything and more and is upgradable and you can have the RGBM algorithum instead of the Bullman one if you want. Its designed for the UK user.

So, in my humble opinion, i would buy the VR3. I have both because i started with the sunnto and now use it as a guage - or a backup on shallow non tmx dives.

[Nick Kay]

Basic diving / entry level: go for a Suunto Gecko - has all the features you need (including Nitrox) for < £140 new

Intermediate level / deco: go for the Suunto Vytek - 3 gas mixes so you can do accelerated deco. Theres als an optional transmitter to make it "air integrated"

The DBs: go for a VR3 - everything you could need, upgradeable, can play games and read books under water!!!

Gadgetman: go for the Duunto d9 - though you'd never be able to claim you missed the wreck because you got lost (providing you can read a digital compass)

[Mark Powell]

The VR3 will do just about everything you want but is expensive.

The Suunto Vytec and Apeks Quantum are good options if you are not planning to go Trimix or Rebreather.

The Vytec is more expensive but has 3 mixes versus 2 on the Quantum.

The Vytec doesn't credit you for deep stops whereas the Quantum does to a certain extent.

Both the Vytec and Quantum show time to surface based on current gas. So if you are on back gas the time to surface is assuming you will deco on back gas. Once you switch gases it will then reduce the deco accordingly.

In addition the planning modes on both are unable to plan a deco dive taking into account deco gases.

Any of the three; VR3, Vytec or Quantum will suit Advanced Nitrox/Deco Procedures/Extended Range diving so it's a matter of choice.

If you decide to go the Quantum route then you might want to take a look at
http://www.dive-tech.co.uk/apeks%20pulse%20quantum.htm

Disclaimer: I'm biased, I use a Quantum and I'm also an Apeks supplier and I'm trying to sell you one so make your own mind up.

[MattS]

There is also the VR2.

The guts are the same as the VR3 but it comes in a plastic case and can not be upgraded to Trimix. IIRC the VR2 goes for about 400 nicker - about 200 cheaper than a VR3.

[Juz]

Might be worth talking to Digger before making a decision as he uses the Quantum.

IIRC he did have a problem with it, he was unable to gas switch on one of the dives.

Juz

[wreckweasel]

or cochran....

[Bogwoppit]

Couldn't get my Vytec to Gas switch on my last dive..Luckily I was diving tables and using it as a back up anyway. So I bent it as I didn't want to spend 30 odd minutes at 3M ceiling. After already completing my table obligations.

IMO (Worth diddly) I do not like the fact it does not take into consideration deep stops. But for any relative easy dive its Okay. I just wish it would switch Dam**t!

[NotDeadYet]

You can pick up various Uwatecs for peanuts on E-Bay, there are usually loads of them, nitrox versions too.