Hi Jake,

We were there in March and really love the place, particularly the dive freedom. Thanks to you and Linda for having this board, it was so easy to function there after reading all the tips and info before we went.
I've read a couple times on this board that you have a Mosquito computer. I think i'm going to buy one. Can you tell me some likes(dislikes)now that you have used it a while? Do you use it as a primary computer?

Thanks!
Dave

Well, I am not Jake, but have been diving with a Suunto Stinger and am very happy with it. The Stinger is slightly larger than the mosquito, but the display format and functions are essentiall the same.

I believe the Stinger has a larger memory bank as the primary difference. About the only "complaint" I can possibly come up with about the Stinger is that the batteries are not user replaceable, but I am pretty sure the Mosquito's are, so the only nitpick I have with mine would not apply to to the Mosquito anyways.

Also, depending on what is attractive to you about the Mosquito (if it is the price my suggestion will not apply), you may also want to look up the Vytec from Suunto as well. I t is the newest wrist watch computer from Suunto that includes wireless air integration as well. The msrp is $1190 USD though.

Ouch! $1190?

I actually dive with a Mosquito on my wrist and a Suunto Cobra as my air integrated Nitrox computer. They both appear to use identical dive tables, so that also creates a nice redundant system (for the dive computer part, not the SPG part).

I got the Mosquito about 14 months ago, and had to replace the battery (pretty simple to do, but make sure to relube the o-ring) about 2 months ago.

It's very similar to the Stinger except it's cheaper (plastic housing instead of titanium) and it does have user changeable batteries as Greg indicated). I'm very happy with it.

Jake

Jake, That 1190 would be why I don't have one. It looks to be a really nice unit, but that is just too much $$$$. Does your Mosquito do the dive planning and all as well? I am not sure how much of a difference there really is between the two computers other than case and battery change (which the less expensive Mosquito handles better, lol).

The Mosquito does dive planning too - the only differences I'm aware of are the case and battery change feature.

Jake

thanks! Just wanted to get that out there for Dave.

$ 1190 is not out of line for an air-integrated computer with all the features a Vytec has. You have 3 operating modes: Air, Nitrox and Gauge. It has complete Deco stop data and does not get upset and lock you out if you do deco dives. It allows 3 different Nitrox mixes to be programmed in containing from 21 to 99% O2 and allows you to switch them underwater. Depth range down to 450-ft. user changeable metric or imperial readout. And many more features that that I can't remember at the moment yes I want one and it has been ordered. You can also get it with out gas integration for $ 695.

Walt,

Agreed! Particularly for the quality that I have experienced with my current Suunto, I would not balk at that price as being a fair one, but $1190 is still eleven hundred and ninety dollars. Just alot of dough is all, but if I was ready to jump up to an air/nitrox integrated this would be my first choice nonetheless, with Suunto I truly feel you usually get what you pay for.

Walt, I just noticed you said you had ordered it, congrats! We do now expect a full product review. I would actually appreciate some feedback once you have used it on the integration portion, the other features are fairly common to Jake and my models, but I am very interested to hear how the wireless interface works out for you.

Man, $1190 is another week on Bonaire

Would one be better off to buy a trimix computer instead of spending almost $1200 for an advanced nitrox computer? I have been looking at DiveRite or OMS or Abyss. Any comment Walt? I now own a Uwatec " Z" with O2 capiblities but it's not for Trimix.

"Would one be better off to buy a trimix computer instead of spending almost $1200 for an advanced nitrox computer? I have been looking at
DiveRite or OMS or Abyss. Any comment Walt? I now own a Uwatec " Z" with O2 capiblities but it's not for Trimix. "

It really depends on what your plans for diving are, right? If you're planning on becoming a tech diver, then maybe yeah. If you've not, then trimix capability doesn't mean much.

Darryl

Exactly, great point. I personally would much rather have the Suunto i have now or the Vytec as they both handle NITROX (which I am not even certified for yet, but plan to), and are much smaller than any TRIMIX computer I have ever seen. I do not plan to use TRIMIX, so that is a mute point for me.
The quality and size of the Suunto Vytec you get for 1190 makes it's price very fair.

Only the VR3 and Abyss Explorer are true Trimix computers. The NiTek 3 only supports 3 mixes of air through 100% O2. The last price I saw on the VR3 was $1800.00 without air/gas integration, only the wrist unit. I have to admit I don't know too much about the Abyss Explorer other than what can be read off web sites.

Personally I like the flexibility of planning my dives with computer software as I can program in where I want stops what safety factor I want what depth I'm cleared at ect.. ect.. Basically I just use my computers as digital depth and timers. I use a Vyper and a Uwatec Z O2 unfortunately the Uwatec can't be put in gauge mode and usually spends an extra half-hour decoing at 10 ft after we get out. I still use it because the display is large back lit and easy to read at depth. That is why I'm looking forward to having a Vytek to see how it does being able to switch gases during deco. If it doesn't do well there is always gauge mode.

I have found the Suunto computers to be more conservative during deco dives than other brands of computers. Just an observation, it is a tough choice, get out and "bend the computer" or stay and make it happy. Depends on whether you plan on doing any more diving in the next 2 days as it locks you out. Well you can always pull the battery and clear it that way.

Then again if you plan on going past 218 ft. only the VR3 and Abyss Explorer let you program in a Hypoxic mix. All other computers are happier in gauge mode at these depths.

My bottom line is I use Computer Dive Planning Software to plan all my Deco Dives. I plan them on Voyager and check it with GAP. Never trust just one computer or one software program with your life.

That's my 2 cents worth.

I agree entirely with Walt. Of all the tech divers I talk to, not one of them uses a computer other than as a timer.

Darryl

I agree with Darryl that if you don't need a expensive piece of equipment you probably shouldn't buy it.

As far as the size of equipment that Greg talked about "fun" divers usually don't carry anymore than what they need- I believe that tech divers carry whatever will cover all their "bases" so size don't matter all that much. The bigger the screen on the computer at 165ft+ the better as far as I'm concerned. It depends on the setup of the screen and how everything is spaced for readibility.

I too plan my dives with software, Z-Plan in my Air Deco dives, and run different scenerios with depth and time limits. I always wear a bottom timer even when "fun" diving along with my computer. I know the new OMS will handle up to 10 gas mixes and program previews on the go incase incidents happen [they shouldn't but Murphy's Law is always waiting in the wings] while in dive mode. The price is, I believe, in excess of $2000. The sport of diving is only limited to how much money and time we want to spend and what we want to accomplish to obtain the results.

JIM

Greg,
Guess it's slow at work lately eh !!!

DJ, ssshhhhhh. actually, we've been pretty busy, just have been cruising the site during breaks and lunch (honest) lol

DJ, looks like 18 days for us, what are you down to now? (i know i is less) 8^)

Greg, twelve days and counting. We will be waiting to meet you at the airport with gills on the neck and at least a dozen new dives in our log books when you and Angie arrive. For all of our friends on Bonaire Talk Group this is my daughter and son-in law who are joining us for their first visit on the world's best dive island (our sixth year). We are debating about where to take them for their first Bonaire dive experience. What are the thoughts of all you Bonaire veterans. Where would you take them for their first dive?

D-I need to check my buoyancy/weighting with this new BC, I will probably get it in the pool here once first, but have not dove with it yet. If there is a dive with an easy entry area where i can play with weighting and then go on out to the dive maybe? That would give us a chance to figure out your and Angela's computers first, too. Once I get the weight down with the new gear the right place to go is simple, EVERYWHERE!

Greg,

Why not explore diving at your dive op to do the weight set/dive? Good diving at most of the dive ops and the weights will be right there also.