Tusa DC-Sapience Wrist Dive Computer IQ-800

[Bahamabru]

I'm in the market for a new computer and I've been thinking about the Tusa Sapience 800. Does anyone have any firsthand experience with this or other Tusa DC's?

Thanks!

[Airborne!]

Not sure if you found my previous post in another thread during your search, but here it is again in regards to the IQ-800.
I have been using one for over a year now and here are my observations.
It has nice Big Numbers that are easy to read unlike some tiny wrist watch styles. It sits on the wrist nicely and the band allows it to be shifted easily during the dive to different angles while still staying secure on the wrist. It is a surprisingly light and comfortable unit both in and out of the water. The buttons are also easy to operate both in and out of the water and with gloves.
It has Nitrox capabilities and don’t fool yourself you will at some point want to get Nitrox certified and thus need a Nitrox Computer. Get a Nitrox Computer the first time.
Unlike almost every other Dive Computer the Tusa’s have a full 2 year warranty and not a 1 year.
Another plus is the battery is user replaceable. Some other Companies require you to return the unit to the manufacturer for battery replacement. While some do offer free for life batteries, this is only for the original owner. No big deal unless you ever want to sell.
I thought the Vibrating Alert would be just a gimmicky sales ploy, but it does actually work really well. It keeps you from always looking at your computer when you hear other people’s alarms ringing all through the ocean. I am surprised other manufactures have not come up with this idea yet.
Another thing about Alerts in general. At first I thought the Tusa was overly sensitive to fast ascents and the Ascent Alarm (Vib) would go off quite a bit. Over time I came to realize that it was in fact doing its job. As soon as I begin to ascend too quickly then it alerts me like it should. It has no idea if I am just going to go up 2 feet too fast or 22. It alerts me as soon as it detects a possible problem and I have come to appreciate that warning. Besides, it has kept me from getting sloppy with my buoyancy control.
The PC Download Kit and Software is pretty user friendly although maybe a bit pricey. It is a nice way of downloading your dive information and getting a good view of your dive profiles. You can get your SAC Rate and many other little tidbits that the average diver probably will never think about. I think most people will just use the Software as a Computerized Logbook, but the other information and functions are there if you ever need or want to look at them.
Another thing I like about the band is that the little piece that keeps the excess band down when worn is fairly large and strong. You can run a small diameter piece of bungee through it with a knot to keep it from coming through. Then make a nice bungee loop that fits over your wrist. That makes a nice safety feature if the band were ever to be kicked or knocked off in deep water.
Make no mistake, the IQ-800 is made for diving. It is not designed to be worn after a dive or for a night on the town like a number of other Dive Computers trying to do double duty.
All in all I like this unit and have had no issues. I would purchase it again if I had it to do over again.

[SHAGGY]

I didnt see it listed on the ST site,.... so how much is the downloader and software?


shaggy

[ReefHound]

Seiko Computer Download Cable

[wopsushi]

make sure you request the right cable, if you have the iq 800 make sure you click on the box for the right one. $120.00 is pretty good. i found it on ebay a few bucks cheaper but your getting it from ST. and they are really good with the customer service. they sold me my TUSA IQ 800 SAPIENCE at an awsome price. couldn't pass it up. $299.00 free shipping. and awsome customer service....