Top 10 Best Dive Computers of 2017

How To Find The Best Dive Computer Deals

So how are you able to finding the best dive computer sale on the net? Well, you have come to the right place because I can give you some insider tips. Here are simple steps that you ought to take when looking for a pleasant dive computer deal:

It is so great that increasingly divers are realizing how important it is to own their own dive computers. Dive computers are the most important scuba equipment know-how of the twenty-first century & they will continue to be so for years to come. Scuba gear companies are pouring tons of money in to research & development so that they can keep introducing newer & better versions. The best news about this is that you can now discover a dive computer sale online because the stores require to move through stock so they can bring in the latest versions.

. Read people's reviews & pay attention to their ratings & where they bought their dive computers. Then visit those sites & see in the event that they have a dive computer sale going on. Sometimes you may even find additional coupons or offer codes that you can use on these sites. I that DiveComputerHQ.com has some great dive computer reviews.

. Check out the scuba forums. These forums are filled with divers & scuba masters who are knowledgeable & will point you in the right direction. Plenty of forums even permit their members to sell their own scuba gear, but these dive computers will be used & you will find better prices in the event you look at a dive computer sale on an online dive shop's site.

That is it, hopefully you recognize how simple these steps are & you start testing them out as soon as feasible. Trust me, it is simple to discover a pleasant dive computer sale & it will feel actual lovely to know you have save hundreds of dollars but are still getting a great computer to dive with.

Start by checking out the dive computer sale at my favorite scuba gear site!

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Cressi Leonardo Review – Elegant, Simple, and Functional

Computer Type	Wrist/Console
Air Integration	No
Display	Segmented Dot Metrix
Backlight	Yes
Memory	60 Dives
User Changeable Battery	Yes
Nitrox Compatible	Yes/ 21-50%
Gas Switching	No
PC Interface	Yes (Optional)
Automatic Activiation	Yes
Integrated Digital Compass	No

The Cressi Leonardo is a great entry-level dive computer and is consider one of the best dive computers for beginners on the market today. So, if you are a new diver looking to buy your first dive computer, the Leonard should be on top of your list.

It sports a single button user interface which makes programming and operating  the dive a computer very user-friendly and pretty straight forward.  A large display  with over-sized digits also makes reading dive data super easy.

It can also store up to 60 of your most recent dives with optional PC interface for extra storage or\ to get more detailed information about your dives.

Also, available in 5 different colors and 2 gauge console, you are sure to find one that suits your style and diving needs.

In this Cressi Leonard review  you are going to find out why it is one of the best choices for divers just starting out, it most important features, and what other divers who’ve used it are saying.

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By the way, you can get the Cressi Leonardo for the best price Here

Cressi Leonard Review Video

The following video was produced by the guys over at SimplyScuba.com. In the video, you can get a closer look at the dive computer and some of its main features and functions. Enjoy!

Click Here to Get Updated Pricing and Read User Reviews

User-Friendly Single Button Interface

One of the main selling points of the Cressi Leonardo  is its single-button user interface.

It makes toggling through modes and setting very easy, and ensures that you won’t get lost or have to worry about memorizing multiple button combinations to reach certain features and functions.

Operating the computer is done with presses and hold of the button.  The button is also quite large and easy to press, even if you’re wearing thick gloves.

Simply press to toggle modes or advance, then hold to enter the menu or select. It’s that simple.

It’s so easy you can grasp the main operation of the dive computer without reading the manual. However, it does come with a comprehensive owner’s manual if you ever lost or need help.

Easy-To-Read And Interpret Display

The fairly large 2 inches wide display make reading all your important dive data very easy to read.

It features a segmented dot matrix display with weird abbreviations and the digit are large, which takes the guess-work of intercepting what is actually being displayed on the screen.

On the dive screen, you will find your current depth, max depth, NDL, dive times, temperature, and battery level. While the alternate screen will show you conservatism factor, gas mix, and Po2 setting.

The screen can also be  backlit which allows you to read the computer at night or in low light condition, and last for about 5-7 seconds.

Three Dive Modes Including Air, Nitrox, and Gauge Mode

The Cressi Leonardo dive computer can be used in 3 different dive modes. bellow is a brief discretion of each mode.

• Air Mode – The Leonardo is factory set on dive mode, with the Nitrox mixture set at 21%, which is the same as diving with standard air.
• Nitrox Mode – This mode is used when diving with Enriched Air (Nitrox) with oxygen levels greater than 21%. You can also program for nitrox up to 50%, and PO2 from 1.2 to 1.6.
• Gauge Mode – In this mode the Leonardo will not make any decompression calculation. You can only use it as a bottom timer and depth gauge.

Cressi RGBM Algorithm With Additional Conservative Adjustments

The Leonardo dive computer uses Cressi’s new RGBM Algorithm, which allows for safe decompression calculations for multiple dives spread out over multiple days. This makes it a great choice for traveling or Liveaboard dive trip.  The computer can also be reset after each dive, which makes it a favorite for rentals and dive centers.

It also has altitude adjustments up to 12,139 feet (3,700 Meters), and tree levels of user-adjustable conservatism for a greater margin of safety.

Alarms and Warnings to Keep You Safe

There are both on-screen warning and audible alarms to let you know when important limits are being approached or reached. The Audio alarms are distinct and easy to hear, even if you get distracted.

There is also an ascent rate alarm (10m per minute), and an onscreen indicator which uses a stack of arrows to make sure you ascend from your dive safely. You will also find an oxygen toxicity bar graph and alarm when diving with enriched air.

There are also warnings for approaching deco as well as deep and safety top, but no safety stop timer. There is also a user-selectable deep stop function, which will alert you when a preset depth is reached.

User Changeable Batteries

The Leonardo is powered by a User Changeable CR2430 3 volt battery, which should give you an average of 2 years battery life (About 50 dives per year).

Having user changeable batteries will prevent extended downtime while the battery is being changed at a service center, as well as help keep the cost of maintenance at a minimum.

Changing the battery is pretty straight forward with detailed information on how to do so in the manual.

However, there is no hot swap feature. So, it is not advisable to replace the battery when de-saturation is in progress since all de-saturation calculations will be lost. After replacing the battery, you will also need to reset the time and date.

Extensive Dive Log Memory With Optional PC Connectivity

It is also equipped with an onboard logbook with can hold about 60  (70 hours) of your latest, which is more than sufficient memory if you’re just starting out.

You can also easily download all your logged dives to your PC or MAC with the optional PC Download Interface Kit.

Once downloaded, you can see more detailed dive profiles including colored graphs. Having this additional information can help you become a better diving by  allowing you to see critical dive data not displayed on the computer.

What Are Other Divers Saying About the Cressi Leonardo

The overall feedback from divers how have used the dive computer was fairly positive. At the time of writing this review it got a rating of 4.2 out of 5 five stars at Leisurepro.com and 3.8 out of 5 Stars on Amazon.com, indicating that most customers were happy with their purchase.

Most dives how bought the computer were beginner divers, and felt the that it delivered as advertise. Many liked the single button interface and the large screen which makes the dive computer simple to program and read.

There was much appreciation for the ability  to download dives to your PC or Mac for more detail dive profile and the ability to add additional information to the log.

There was also mentions of the alerts being loud enough to hear clearly, and appreciation for the ascent rate indicator and alarm as well as the ability to adjust the overall safety factor of the dive computer.

However, even thou it does not have gas switching capabilities, it still works well with Nitrox.

Read More User Reviews and Get Updated Pricing

The Bottom Line

The Leonardo is one of the best dive computers for new divers or those who prefer simplicity. It delivers as advertised and priced at a point that won’t break the bank.

Many advanced divers might find it too basic thou,  as its algorithm is on the conservative site and lacks features such as  air integration and multi-gas switching capabilities. However, it’s still one of the top recommendation for an entry-level dive computer.

 

 

 

The post Cressi Leonardo Review – Elegant, Simple, and Functional appeared first on Dive Computer Headquarters.

UWATEC Galileo Sol Review: Take Your Diving To The Next Level

Computer Type	Wrist
Air Integration	Wireless (Not Included)
Display	Full Dot Matrix
Backlight	Yes
Memory	100 Hours
User Changeable Battery	Yes
Nitrox Compatible	Yes to 100%
Gas Switching	Yes (3 Mixes)
PC Interface	Yes (Not Included)
Automatic Activiation	Yes
Integrated Digital Compass	Yes

The UWATEC Galileo Sol is truly a “smart” wrist mount dive computer and features state of the art technology you won’t find on many dive computer.

Despite this,  the Galileo Sol is still very easy to use. Its interactive user interface and extra-large dot matrix screen makes programming and reading important dive data very simple.

It also comes equipped with  four dive modes including Air, Nitrox with gas switching (Up to 3 mixes), Gauge, and even a Free Diving mode. It’s also water activated so there’ s no need to worry about switching the dive computer to dive mode.

Features such as optional wireless air integration that can monitor up to 4 wireless transmitters, full tilt compensating digital compass with bearing memory, and upgradeable  firmware via infrared  would be the envy of any dive computer.

However, apart from all these advanced features, what makes the Galileo Sol unique is its exclusive heart rate monitoring system which tailors your decompression calumniation by incorporating  your overall workload.

The Galileo Sol is truly a computer among computers and in this UWATEC Galileo Sol Review we are going to look at some of these advanced features, a complete video overview, and  what other divers who’ve used the dive computer are saying.

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By the way, you can get the Galileo Sol for the best price online here

UWATEC Galileo Sol Review Video

Following is a video overview of the Galileo Sol done by SimplyScuba.com. In the video, you can take a closer look at some of its features, menu system, and digital compass.

 

Simple To Navigate Interactive User Interface

The Uwatec Galileo Sol is controlled by 3 easy to press stainless steel buttons, which makes programming the dive computer quite simple and very user-friendly – similarly to those of smart phones.

This is because the buttons are multi-functional with each function clearly displayed on the screen under each button. The screen can also be rotated 180° so you can choose whether you like the buttons on the top or underneath the screen.

The dive computer is also operated in 3 basic modes, these are  Surface, Dive, and Sleep Mode.

• Surface Mode – when the computer is on the surface, this mode allows you to change the settings, plan dives, see remaining desaturation, connect to your PC, view your logbook, etc.
• Dive Mode – In this mode Galileo Sol will monitor your depth, time, temperature and perform all decompression calculation.  The dive mode is also water activated at 0.8m/3ft, so if you forget to manually activate the dive computer you can rest assured that all aspect of your dive is calculated once you enter the water.
• Sleep Mode – The computer will enter sleep mode if it’s on the surface for 3 minutes without operation. While it might seem to be turned off it still monitors your environment by checking  the ambient pressure every 60 seconds.

While accessing the basic functions on the dive computer are straight forward, you will need to read the user manual to use all its features.

Wide Easy-To-Read Display

The Galileo Sol has an extra-large full dot matrix display, that allows you to see what you want, when you want, giving you more time to enjoy your dive instead of looking at your computer.

It  also comes with three per-configured display modes, allowing you to display only the dive information you want to see

These are:

• Light – In the mode the dive computer will only show dive time, depth, tank pressure and no-stop information. Because there is little information to display on the screen, the digits are over-sized, making them easier to read if your visually challenged.
• Full – In this mode you can maximize all the information you want to see at once.  It will display your deco information, dive time, depth, tank pressure, remaining bottom time, time of the day, stopwatch, temperature, maximum depth, Average depth, heart rate, average depth, and micro-bubble saturation. At first, the screen may look a little congested, but after a while it becomes easier to digest.
• Classic – This display configuration strikes a balance between the Light and Full configurations. You will find it to be complete while still being clear and clean. Deco Information, dive time, depth, tank pressure, temperature, and remaining bottom time is always displayed on the screen.

The computer is also equipped with a bright backlight, which makes the display quite easy read at night or low light conditions.

4 Dive Modes Including Gauge and Free Diving

The UWATEC Galileo Sol also gives you the ability to dive in 4 different modes,  These are Air, Nitrox, Gauge and Apnea mode (Free Dive Mode).  Below is a brief description of all the modes:

• Air – This mode is used when diving with standard air, and is the same as diving with an oxygen mixture of 21%.
• Nitrox – This mode is used when diving with enriched oxygen mixes with an oxygen level great than 21%(standard air) up to 100%. It also has the ability to easily switch between 3 different gas mixes while on the dive.
• Gauge – In this mode the dive computer only monitor your depth, time, tank pressure, heart rate and temperature, but will not make any decompression calculations.
• Apnea – This mode allows you to track your depth and time when doing breath holding dives. It also has the ability to check your heart rate and alert you when it drops below a certain level. With a fast sampling rate of  4 times per second,  you can be sure the Galileo Sol will always record your deepest depth. However accessing this dive mode requires you to  update the firmware to version 1.6.

Algorithm And Heart Rate Monitor

The Galileo Sol Algorithm uses Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops. Basically what is does is calculate intermediate stops based upon the amount of nitrogen your body has absorbed during the dive. Also taking into account your previous dives and gas mixtures for longer, safer bottom time, giving you more confident while diving.

No two divers are the same, and it’s no secret that  each dive taxes our bodies slightly differently. Up until now, dive computer were “one size fit all” and are not specifically tailored for the individual diver.

However, the Galileo Sol  is the only dive computer that tracks your heartbeat (heart rate monitor optional) on the dive to measure the intensity of the exercise and incorporate it into the decompression calculation. This increases your underwater efficiency and adds an extra layer of  safety to each dive.

It is also adjustable for diving at altitude as high as 13300ft or 4000m. However, there is no need to set this manually as it will deal with altitude adjustments  automatically. It does this by monitoring the atmospheric pressure every 60 seconds.

Wireless Air Integration For Easy Pressure Monitoring

The Galileo Sol also comes equipped with optional wireless air integration, and will provide you with current cylinder pressure and your true remaining bottom time. This allows you to put all your dive data in one place on your wrist.

What makes Galileo Sol stand out from other dive computers is the fact that it will also factor in your air consumption into the decompression calculations, giving you a more accurate representation of your deco status.

It also has the ability to simultaneously monitor up to four wireless transmitters. Three of which can be assign to monitor three different gas mixes for easy gas switching on the dive, and one designated to receive tank pressure  information from your dive buddy’s  compatible wireless transmitter.

Built-In Digital Compass and Navigation

The Galileo Sol also offers an integrated digital compass that  Scubapro claims is virtually unaffected by tilt and can be used at almost any incline. You can now navigate the depths of the sea confidently knowing your heading is accurate and true.

The compass is a graphical representation of a compass rose, and can be called up at any moment during your dive as well as on the surface.

While diving the compass will replaces your main dive computer screen, and will use more battery than normal, you can set the compass to time-out between 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 second to help conserve energy.

You can also set  compass bearings. After doing so, the Galileo will automatically mark the posts at 90, 120, and 180 degrees to help with navigation.

User Replaceable Batteries For Easy Maintenance 

The Galileo Sol is powered by a user power by a 3 volt CR12600SE Lithium user replaceable battery.

This greatly reduces maintenance cost because you don’t need to send it to an authorized service technician to have the battery changed.

The battery should last anywhere between three to five years or 300 to 500 dives before needing to be replaced.

Replacing the battery is pretty straightforward, but requires special attention. If you install the battery improperly you can risk damaging the entire dive computer.

Log Book and PC Interface

The Galileo Sol has a very extensive log book with charts to show a graphical representation of your dives.

It can also store up to 100hrs of your most recent dives. But if this is not enough, you can also upload all your dive dada to your PC using the optional SmartTRACK Infrared device. There you can access charts and graphs to accurately review and evaluate all of your dives and help improve your diving technique.

The SmartTRACK infrared device also allows you to download optional software to the dive computer as well as update the firmware. A feature many dive computer don’t have, which makes them become outdated very quickly.

It also allows you to change settings on the dive computer right from your PC, as well as uploading dive map pictures to aid in navigation.

What Are Other Diver’s Saying?

The overall feedback from people who dove with the Galileo Sol is very good. At the time of writing this review it had a rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Leisurepro.com.

Most divers who use the dive computer feel that it is very well-built and offers everything they could ever expect from a high-end dive computer.

Some of the feature most talked about is the ability they had to customize the display to give added personal information, the ability to upgrade the software, how easy the digital compass was to read and operate, and the fact that the battery was extremely easy to change.

While there are a lot of great things  being said about the dive computer, some users feel that it is a little bit too complicated for their use. Also, while they do appreciate the many built-in alarms,  they suggest adjusting a few of the audio alarms, because you could have alarms going off every two minutes. But, overall the UWATEC Galileo Sol dive computer is  a winner among most divers.

CLICK HERE To Read More Diver Reviews And Get Updated Pricing

What’s The Bottom Line?

The bottom line is, the Galileo Sol might be overwhelming and a little complicated if you’re planning on purchasing it as your first dive computer.

While accessing the basic functions of the dive computer are pretty straightforward, you need to read the manual and take your time to familiarize yourself with the computer to access all the information and features you need.

Your Thoughts

Have you used or own the Uwatec Galileo Sol? We would love to hear what your think.You can share your experience with the dive computer by leaving a reply below.

 

The post UWATEC Galileo Sol Review: Take Your Diving To The Next Level appeared first on Dive Computer Headquarters.

Suunto Zoop Review: Easy To Operate, Great Value

Computer Type	Wrist
Air Integration	No
Display	Segment
Backlight	No
Memory	50 Hours
User Changeable Battery	Yes
Nitrox Compatible	Yes/ 21-50%
Gas Switching	No
PC Interface	Yes (Not Included)
Automatic Activiation	Yes
Integrated Digital Compass	NO

The Suunto Zoop is an easy-to-use entry-level dive computer for recreational divers that won’t break the bank. Although it is a great choice for your first computer, it also has the ability to be programmed for standard Air or Nitrox dives, giving you years of serous fun if you wish to further your dive training.

It is also equipped with 3 operation modes and 2 menu based modes, which makes setting up and personalizing the dive computer very easy and intuitive. It’s also water activated, so there’s no need to remember to turn it on before your dive.

The Zoop dive computer’s large screen and easy-to-read display provides critical dive data quickly and accurately when it is needed. It also has a detail log book that can store about 50 hours of dive time and equipped with optional PC-compatibility for further storage and analysis of all your dives.

Available in both wrist mount and console versions, it give you the flexibility to choose which suits your diving style and needs.

This neat little dive computer has all the necessary features and tools to ensure that you make the right decisions and stay safe while underwater. And, in this Suunto Zoop review you will find out what makes it a great choice for your first dive computer, a complete video overview, and  what other divers who used the dive computer are saying.

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By the way, you can get the Suunto Zoop for the best price Here

Suunto Zoop Review Video

Following is a complete video overview of the Suunto Zoop Dive Computer done by SimplyScuba.com.  In the video you can take a closer look at the dive computer, its menu system, and many features.

Easy-to-Operate User Interface

Suunto Zoop Yellow

Operating and programming the Suunto Zoop  is designed to be simple and user-friendly.

It features 3 operating modes (Standby/Time, Diving, and Surface). It’s also a water activated computer, so as you enter the water it will automatically switch to dive mode. However, you can also access the dive mode manually if needed.

There are also  2 menu based modes (Memory and Set). These allow you to access the dive log and history, as well as change any of the user definable settings and alarms.

The computer is operated by 3 easy-to-use  push buttons; these are the Mode, Plan and Time buttons. The Mode or Smart button is the key to operating the system. The Plan and Time buttons are used to show alternative displays as well as  to scroll up and down the menus.

Easy-to-Read and Interpret Display with Graphical Bar Graphs

The Zoop uses a segmented display with big digits which makes reading important dive information quite easy. The screen is also separated in to 3 sections which makes easy work out of digesting important dive data at a glance.

The are also 2 bar graphs on either side of the screen. These are shared by different functions depending on a certain dive situation or which mode you’re in.  They’re used to show a graphical representation of your no decompression time, oxygen toxicity while diving with Nitorx (Enriched Air), assent rate, and battery status.

The display does not have backlighting by demand, but the super bright phosphorescent LCD makes it easy to see in low light conditions when charged with a dive light. However this can be an issue if you need to read your display quickly as it can take a few second to charge.

Air and Nitrox Dive Modes

The Suunto Zoop dive computer can be programmed to be used for regulator Air (Air Mode) or Enriched Air Nitrox (Nitrox Mode). Flowing is a brief discretion of both.

• Air – This mode is used when diving with standard air. This is the same as diving with 21% oxygen, however this is calculated in the background and not shown to simplify the display.
• Nitrox -.All things being the same, diving with enriched air allows you to have longer bottom time at shallower depths, than if you were diving with standard air. However, diving with Nitrox has its own inherit hazards and require special training.  Once trained for diving with Nitrox, you can plan to make dives with Nitrox mixtures of 21% to 50% oxygen and adjusted for oxygen partial pressure of between 1.2 to 1.6 bars.

RGBM Algorithm and Dive Planner

Similarly to other Suunto Dive Computers, The Zoop also uses the RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubble Model) algorithm which provides flexibility and safety during ascent through continuous decompression.

The Zoop can also be adjusted for both diving at altitude and to increase the conservatism. This can be achieved by 3 altitude modes ranging from 0 to 3000m and 3 personal adjustment ranges which make the computer progressively more conservative.

The Zoop also has a Plan mode to calculate no-decompression limits before even setting a foot in to the water.  By default it will display the no decompression time for a dive to 30ft (9m), you can then scroll through the rest of the no-decompression limits in increment of 10ft (3m) up to 150ft (45m).

Alarms and Warnings

Suunto Zoop Orange

The Suunto Zoop has a vast number of  alarms and warnings to let you know when preset limits are approached,  as well as two user definable alarms  – Maximum Depth and Dive Time which can be set to On or Off.

There is also a built-in Safety Stop warning for every dive over 33ft (10m), which will prompt you to perform a 3 minute safety stop  between 10ft (3m) and 20ft (6m).

User Changeable Battery and Power

The Suunto Zoop Dive Computer is powered by a CR 2450 battery which should last about 100 dive/1.5 years before you need to replace it.

When you do need to change the battery, It is user changeable so you can change it yourself, saving you money on maintenance costs.

It is important that the battery change be done in a proper manner to avoid completely ruining the computer thou. If you’re unsure about changing the batteries it is advisable to contact an authorized Suunto dealer to get it done.

A plus when changing the batteries is that all your history and dive data, as well as your altitude, personal and alarms settings will remain in the dive computer. However, you will need to reset the clock time and time alarm settings, as well as any Nitrox settings.

Dive Log and PC Connectivity 

The Zoop also has a very detailed log book with the ability to show 4 pages of data for each dives, which make it a great too for debriefing after your dives.

It also has a high-capacity profile memory that can store about 50 hours of dive time at a sampling rate of 30 seconds, which is more than you’ll ever need if you’re just starting out.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of diving, you can also us the optional DM4 software to transfer all our dive data to your PC/Mac. The software will allow you to keep a more detailed logbook as well as a graphical representation of all your dives.

What Are Other Divers Saying

The feedback from divers are quite positive, at the time of writing this Suunto Zoop review it got a rating of 4.3 out of 5 at Leisurepro.com and 9 out of 10 at SimplyScuba.com.

Overall divers liked how simple the dive computer is to operate, the fact that it only shows your relevant dive information, the easy to read display, and its affordability. However, one of the few complaints about the Zoop is the lack of backlighting on demand.

Below are a few snippets of what divers who used the computer had to say:

CG – Found the display very easy to read and like the fact that all relevant dive information was right there. After diving with the computer for a few dives he is completely satisfied.

Leisurepro.com

Andrew Burns – Found the Zoop to be a very good and reasonably priced dive computer. The only complaint he had is the lack of Backlighting. However, found that the phosphorescent background was surprising easy to read in low-light, but does need to be recharged by a dive light at night.

SimplyScuba.com

Beth – Loves how simple the Zoop is to use. She also like how it shows everything she needs to see while diving, and the fact that the logbook shows your average depth which some computer don’t. And, because it is Nitrox compatible she feels she doesn’t need anything else form a recreational dive computer.

Leisurpro.com

Click Here to Read More Reviews and Get Updated Pricing

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is the Suunto Zoop is a very solid and reliable dive computer and one of the best choice for your first dive computer. Its great if you want a dive computer that is simple and easy to use without extra features like a dive simulator or gas switching, but is still flexible enough if you decide to start diving with Nitrox.

 

The post Suunto Zoop Review: Easy To Operate, Great Value appeared first on Dive Computer Headquarters.

Scubapro Chromis Multi Sport Computer

Scubapro are living up to their usual level of excellence with their Chromis multi-sport computer.  Designed to be a wrist dive computer the Chromis is a true sports computer with a lightweight housing and a range of colourful options.  The Chromis is perfectly happy at 30m on 32% EANx, in the pool counting strokes and distance or on a cliff with it’s built in altimeter.

Dive Chromis

The Chromis comes with Scubapro’s core dive features with a new crisp display that has a new font exclusively designed for the Chromis which is easy to read even at depth.  In the water you have a full-featured deco computer with Nitrox, Gauge and Apnea mode to dive on air/nitrox, act as a simple gauge or to freedive without decompression obligations.  Scubapro’s MicroBubble feature lets you choose from five levels of conservatism that will suggest a more conservative dive profile or you can choose to stay deeper and the Chromis will adjust accordingly without penalising.

Swim Chromis

On the surface you can set the Chromis to count the number of strokes as you swim and you can calibrate it to work out your distance traveled in the water.

Climb Chromis

The built in Altimeter, Thermometer, Stopwatch, Dual-Time, Alarm and full time features make the Chromis useful in and out of the water and the light weight, low profile housing is perfect for the sportsman who does more than just dive.

This Article First appeared at http://www.simplyscuba.com/blog/scubapro-chromis/

Suunto D4I Review: A Great All-Around Watch Sized Dive Computer

Computer Type	Watch
Air Integration	Yes/Optional
Display	Partial Dot Metrix
Backlight	Yes
Memory	140 Hours
User Changeable Battery	No
Nitrox Compatible	Yes/ 21-50%
Gas Switching	No
PC Interface	Yes (Not Included)
Automatic Activiation	Yes
Integrated Digital Compass	NO

The Suunto D4i  is part of Suunto’s completely renovated D Line of watch-sized dive computers and is the upgraded version of the popular D4 series.

The main difference between the two versions is the option for wireless air integration (which the “i” signifies), a feature that was lacking in the original D4.  It also had a few other improvements inducing a faster sampling rate for  improved accuracy and the ability to now use the stopwatch underwater.

It is basically a trim down version of the Suunto D6i  with all the great features you would expect,  but without the digital compass and gas switching capabilities.

Still, features like optional wireless air integration, and the ability to use it for air diving, nitrox mixes, free diving, or as a casual sports watch makes the Suunto D4i a great all-around dive computer.

It also has a host of other great features, and in this Suunto D4i review we are going to look at what make it standout from other dive computer watches, as well as what other scuba divers are saying about this great little dive computer.

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By the way, Click Here to get the Suunto D4i for the best price online

Suunto D4i Review Video

Below is a video overview of the computer done by the guys over at SimplyScuba.com. In the video you can get a closer look at some of the features and functions of the dive computer.

 

 

The New Suunto D4i Novo

The Suunto D4i Novo comes in a variety of colors

The Suunto D4i Novo is the newest version of this great all around watch-sized dive computer. It has the exact same features and abilities as the original D4i, however Suunto has upgraded the aesthetics of the Novo to make it more comfortable and stylish.

Some the cosmetic improvements includes:

• New silicone straps, making it more flexible, much softer, and more comfortable to wear.
• A more professional look to the display surrounding.
• The housing and strap are now color matched. Unlike the original D4i, which only had a strip of color in the strap, the Novo consist of one vibrant  consistent color.
• The bezel and buttons now have a black gloss finish, but in the white version it is finished with chrome trim instead.

Click Here for updated pricing and reviews of the Suunto D4I Novo

Intuitive User-Friendly Interface

The Suunto D4i has four control buttons which make programming and retrieving data  from  the dive computer very easy and intuitive. These are the MODE, SELECT, UP, and DOWN buttons, which utilizes a combination of sort press and holds to select and activate certain features of the dive computer.

It also has 4 basic operation mode (TIME, DIVE, PLAN, MEMORY) which can be toggle by pressing the mode button and the UP/DOWN buttons to select between sub-modes. Other features such as back-lighting can be activated by pressing and holding the MODE button for longer.

Thanks to it user-friendly interface you can pretty much operate the computer without reading the user manual. But, you will still find the manual very comprehensive and easy to understand with detailed graphics and charts on how to program and access all it features and functions if you ever get in a jam.

Easy-To- Read Display

The center of the D4i screen features a full dot matrix display allowing all your vital diving information to be read clearly at a glance. The other digits above and below are segmented but also very easy to comprehend.

The display layout is also separated into 3 section which makes for easy digesting of all your diving data.

• Top – Here you will find your current depth, daily alarm icon, no-fly icon, etc.
• Middle – The middle is used to show mode selection, current time, no decompression time, total ascent time, ceiling depth, remaining air time, safety/deep stop, surface Interval time, no-fly time, and tissue saturation.
• Bottom – Here you will find other important information like wireless transmitter indicator, cylinder pressure, max depth, temperature, Nirtrox Information ( when in Nirtrox Mode), etc.

It also has two bar graphs on either side of the displays.

• Tank Pressure –  Located on the left of the screen it shows you a graphical display of your current air pressure when paired correctly with a wireless transmitter.
• Ascent Rate – Located on the right of the screen shows a bar graph of your current accent rate.

In low light conditions the screen can also be lit by an elector-luminescent backlight. The backlight can also be programmed for duration of 5, 10, 20, 20, 60s.  giving you enough time to read the screen before it turns off.

Four Operation Modes Including Free Diving

Despite its small size the Suunto D4i dive computer watch also features four different operation modes. These include Watch, Nitrox, Air, and Free Diving. Below is a brief description of each mode:

• Watch – This computer functions great as a watch and timer when not diving. It also has the ability to set daily alarms, dual times, date, and even a stop watch that measure elapsed and split times.
• Air – This mode is used when diving in standard air and with calculate no decompression limits on your dive.
• Nitrox – This mode is used when diving with oxygen enriched dive mixtures between 21% and 50% and PO2 limit between 0.5 and 1.6 bars.
• Free Dive – This mode is perfect if your are serious about breath-holding diving. It sample your depth 3 times per second, giving you highly accurate data on the true depth reached on you dive.

Optional Air Integration For Hassle Free Pressure Monitoring

No more chasing hoses and consoles to find out your cylinder pressure. The optional wireless air integration on the D4i allows you to easy track current tank pressure and remaining air time with a quick glance at your wrist,  along with other critical information, giving you more time to truly enjoy your dive.

Great Tool For Planning and Debriefing Dives

The Suunot D4i is also a great tool for planning and debriefing after your dive.

The built-in dive planner gives you the ability to test upcoming dives and view no-decompression data before even putting a foot in to the water.

It also has a very sophisticated logbook and profile memory to review you recent dives. Depending on the sample rate it will record all your important dive data as well as graphical representation of dive profile for about 140 hrs of dive time. However, you can also transfer all your dive data to your computer  using the optional Suunto DM4 software, which also includes a graphical representation of all your dives. You can also upload you dive to movescount.com where you can share your dives with friends.

What Diver’s Are Saying About the Suunto D4i

The overall feed back from divers were great. The majority of divers found the computer very easy to read, intuitive, and don’t require training to operate.  They were also a few mentions of it being the best choice for people who both scuba dive and free dive.

Below are a few snippet of what they’re saying.

Rodrigo – Says the Sunnto D4i is a great computer. He found it  easy to use when  free diving and scuba diving, and that you can use it as a daily watch as well.

Leisurepro.com

Backdraft710 – Used the computer on 7 dives and says it works well, easy to read, and overall is very please with his selection.

Leisurepro.com

Read Other Diver Reviews And Get Updated Pricing

The Bottom Line

The Suunto D4i is a great alternative to the Suunto D6i especially for budget minded divers. However, features like optional wireless air integration, free dive mode, and nitrox capabilities, it is still  a great all-around dive computer for recreational divers of all experience levels.

 

 

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