Which dive computer - Suunto Vyper vs Uwatec Aladin Series

I am looking to buy a new dive computer to replace my much used Oceanic Data 100 computer, which has given me good service for the last 10 years. This was bought when price was important and also because I wanted the ability to change the battery myself (I have lost track of how many new batteries I have put in over the years but it's been a few).

Now my diving has progressed into longer duration (up to 80 minutes) and deeper dives (down to 50m) and I'm afraid that this computer isn't the best available for my new needs (and I've noticed that it tends to give me longer no stop times than my buddy on many dives). Please note that I'm not doing 80 mins and 50m in the same dive, and I am primarily a single tank air (or nitrox) diver who typically enjoys a good long multi level dive with a max depth of 25-30m with a good portion (maybe 20 mins) at less than 10m at the end of the dive. I'm not interested in investing in a top of the line multiple mix capable computer with a view to using it in 5-10 years time when and if I move onto regular decompression diving and tri-mix gasses. I'll buy one of those when I need it - otherwise if it floods or gets lost before my diving reaches that stage it won't have been a very sensible investment.

I've tried a few of dives using the Suunto Vyper both in the nitrox mode and in the gauge mode (when running tables) and have found it reasonably easy to understand and use.

Can anyone offer advice on what the comparable Aladin computer model would be to the Vyper i.e Pro, Pro Ultra, Pro Nitrox, Smart Pro, etc?

I've never used an Aladin computer and have shied away from buying primarily on price (never had the money before) and also because I'd like to be able to replace the battery myself. However, I do realise that these computers are widely used and respected.

I'd be grateful if anyone can offer advice on the pro's or con's of going with the Vyper or the equivalent Uwatec Aladin model. If you could focus on the technical points and user friendliness that would be great. Since I am not based in the UK any price comparison may be largely irrelevant.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Tristan

I'd be grateful if anyone can offer advice on the pro's or con's of going with the Vyper or the equivalent Uwatec Aladin model. If you could focus on the technical points and user friendliness that would be great. Since I am not based in the UK any price comparison may be largely irrelevant.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Tristan

Hi- my partner uses the Suunto you are looking at. They are quite conservative but are widely respected. You can download the algorithm they use off their website as a package called Dive Manager. Its quite small and easy to use. This allows planning and also gives you the chance to see how conservative it is. Suunto use a form of the RGBM model developed by Bruce Weinke. Its a good model, although the Suunto doesn't use the deep stop research. I am impressed enough with my partner's to consider replacing my current Oceanic Data with a Vytec (the mixed gas model). Suunto have user-replacable batteries but they are expensive as you HAVE to buy the O ring at the same time. I can recommend this model to you for day to day diving of the type you mention and it is a very easy model to use on EAN as well. It will require you to do a 3 min safety stop every dive though... (and so you should).

BTW You can download the user manual too - this will give you an idea of user-friendliness.

No idea about the Aladin - please someone post their experience about that model
Chris

:=I'd be grateful if anyone can offer advice on the pro's or con's of going with the Vyper or the equivalent Uwatec Aladin model. If you could focus on the technical points and user friendliness that would be great. Since I am not based in the UK any price comparison may be largely irrelevant.
:=
:=Thanks in advance.
:=
:=Cheers,
:=Tristan

Hi- my partner uses the Suunto you are looking at. They are quite conservative but are widely respected. You can download the algorithm they use off their website as a package called Dive Manager. Its quite small and easy to use. This allows planning and also gives you the chance to see how conservative it is. Suunto use a form of the RGBM model developed by Bruce Weinke. Its a good model, although the Suunto doesn't use the deep stop research. I am impressed enough with my partner's to consider replacing my current Oceanic Data with a Vytec (the mixed gas model). Suunto have user-replacable batteries but they are expensive as you HAVE to buy the O ring at the same time. I can recommend this model to you for day to day diving of the type you mention and it is a very easy model to use on EAN as well. It will require you to do a 3 min safety stop every dive though... (and so you should).

BTW You can download the user manual too - this will give you an idea of user-friendliness.

No idea about the Aladin - please someone post their experience about that model
Chris

Thanks Chris,

If the "must buy" recommendation for the o-ring each time you change the battery is the same as the recommendation given for the Oceanic Data I think that will be OK. I haven't ever replaced the o-ring on my computer in 10 years plus. Just cleaned and lightly greased it each time before popping it back in place. This is just my experience and I wouldn't advise it to anyone else - I have had to do this as I haven't ever been near a dive shop when I needed to change the battery and have never got around to buying a spare in advance.

Anyone got some pointers about the Aladins?

Cheers,
Tristan

Anyone got some pointers about the Aladins?

I upgraded for an original Aladin Black to a Pro-Ultra a couple of years ago. I stuck with Aladin beacuse I was familiar with the display which I find very easy to read. I like the fact that it switches on automatically when you hit the water. Some people say they find the contacts fiddley to select functions, but I don't have a problem with that. The battery life has a claimed 8 years doing 100 dives per year. There is a battery life percentage indicator so you can see how its doing. It does need to be sent off for the battery to be replaced (never had to do it yet so I can't tell you what its like, I guess it depends which country you are in). In Nitrox mode you can select the mix from 21% - 50% but only even numbers, so you can't select say 35% mix. If you want to change the ppo2 alarm setting from its preset 1.6 bar you need the datatrack software and interface. Its deco model is claimed to take account of microbubbles, repetitive diving etc, etc, and will for example reduce the ascent rate before warnings kick in if your profile suggests you need it. All in all for the type of diving I do which sounds similar to what you describe I'm very happy with it. You can save a bit of money and get an Aladin Pro Nitrox (the model before the pro-ultra) which does much the same things but in the old style housing, or go for the latest 'smart' range, which claim greater safety.

Check out their website, and of course play with one in the shop. At the end of the day I think the models are much of a muchness it comes down to personal preferences.

HTH

David

I use a Cobra (air integrated version of the Vyper)

Based on our recent 4 days diving down in Lyme Regis...

1. The Cobra seems to be more conservative than the Aladin
2. It throws 3min safety stops (though it did throw a 4min one last week) whereas the Aladin doesn't seem to
3. You can easily preset ppO2 via the buttons - don't need to resort to a PC
4. It doesn't seem to get thrown by deep stops, doesn't seem to want to add on time either. 42m dive with stops (as I recall) at 24m 18, 12m, 9m... Same deco showing when we got to the 6m stop as when we arrived at 24m
4. FWIW, we did a Trimix dive on run-times using ProPlanner (with 25/25 safety/bubble settings) and the Cobra gave approx the same total deco as the run-times

:=Anyone got some pointers about the Aladins?

Like David, i got used to the display and stuck with Aladin when i upgraded. I recently had to get the battery changed and it cost ?75 (albeit with some overseas postage to pay).

I dont know if that makes a difference....

HTH
Steve

I have a (now old) Aladin Pro.

It is generally more conservative than most of the other computers...

But, I find it very easy to use, easy to read, and most importantly, virtually indestructible.

A strong recommendation from me!

Nicole

Suunto have user-replacable batteries but they are expensive as you HAVE to buy the O ring at the same time.

I got replacement battery for 2.00 GBP over the internet from battery house (inc postage). The O ring can be reused, just use common sense. Check it over, clean it and a smear of silicone grease. If its damaged they can be suppled by RS or Maplin for about 50 pence.

I like the Suunto. After recent problems with the Aladins (Air X nitrox & the Smart range being recalled) I'm inclined to stick with a Suunto if I ever update.

Darren

I have used the Aladin pro ultra for 3 years now, about 50 dives per year and it still has 80% battery life. I have found the memo mouse connection to the PC to be very useful for logging and examining dives (doing away with a traditional log book) it is well worth getting for around ?80 if you shop around.

I understand that when the battery is changed Uwatec also run diagonistic and sensor checks on the computer. This service is in my view a good idea.

I agree that is is very easy to use (I used mine from my 4th dive), has nitrox capability and a very clear display.

Regards,

David

I have dived the Alladin Air X for some 6 years now, I choose this for several reasons, Large display being an important one as I can read this without my reading glasses, ease of use and its air integration. I tried the hose connected version first but did not like this setup so swapped to the conventional wrist type with radio link for the Air integration.
Very conservative has varible ascent rate, and coupled with the data mouse keeps my logbook data without laborious post dive writing. Something I was never good at.
I find the air inegration data very useful in that it does give high work rate warnings that make you slow down and control your breathing during the dive. I now can get my air consumption down to 11/Litres per minute on dives to 30+ meters, not bad for a 57 year old duffer.