Suunto D9 vs. Galileo Sol vs VT3

[Love2Fly]

For those who have an opinion, experience, knowledge etc, which computer would you prefer, the Suunto D9 or the Galileo Sol?

Are these computers worth the extra money compared to a computer like the Oceanic VT3? (The type of diving one does may determine the answer to this question)

[doczerothree]

There are plenty of very good basic computors out there. Many under $250, wrist or console. it depends (your right, what type of diving you do) Shop ask questions. Going to try nitrox at some point? Do you want a "lock out" feature? This feature will render your computor almost useless if you violate a deco stop. It is a safety feature, Shop around. you'll find one that suits you type and style of diving.

[buddhasummer]

Originally Posted by Love2Fly

For those who have an opinion, experience, knowledge etc, which computer would you prefer, the Suunto D9 or the Galileo Sol?

Are these computers worth the extra money compared to a computer like the Oceanic VT3? (The type of diving one does may determine the answer to this question)

they are two very different computers, and yes you are correct, decide what it is that you need for the type of diving you do or think you are gonna do in the near future, then do a search on the models you are interested in, there is information on just about every dive computer of one diving forum or another. Good Luck

[terrillja]

I would say if you are buying now, consider getting a computer with a more liberal algorithm than Suunto uses. I just know that I have been with some people before when they locked up and it really messed up their plans. With a more liberal algorithm, you can look at it and decide how far you want to push it- say keep it in the yellow, rather than the computer completely locking you out.

Some manufacturers using the more liberal algorithms are Oceanic/Aeris, which I prefer. Do a search on liberal/conservative computers and you will find more than enough info on them.

[Love2Fly]

thanks for your input

[CompuDude]

Suunto D9 for the look... and plan to dive in gauge mode, since I hate the algorithm. Hope your eyes can handle the tiny size. Mine can... for now.

VT3 for pure function.

Galileo Sol for pure function, looks, and bells and whistles... if you can afford it.

There are few dives you can do with the Galileo that you can't with the VT3, and unless you're regularly exceeding 300', I wouldn't worry about it, functionally.

The Galileo is an awesome computer and I want one badly, but even I can't justify the money. Yet.

If something happened to my Uwatec SmartTec (which I love) and I had to buy a new comp right now, I'd be diving a VT3.

[rawalker]

The VT3 for the price is hard to beat. Your get a very functional computer with plenty of features.
The Suunto D9 is more expensive but has a compass feature. As has been mentioned the algorithm is very conservative.
If you feel you need more conservative I'd still go with the VT3 and turn on conservative in the program.
If the size of the D9 interests you consider an Atom 2.0 it functions like the VT3 and has full digital watch functions.
I'm not familiar with the Galileo Sol so I can't make any comparisons on that score.

[Love2Fly]

Compudude and rwalker those are similar to my thoughts.

Thanks

[MadDiver]

My buddy has a Galileo Sol and sometimes, I'm lucky enough to use it for one or two dives.

It's very confortable. I use for vertical excercices and the size of the screen helps a lot.

You can choose differents displays :
-basic with only the main informations in big size
- medium with some extra informations
- full a lot of informations but also a little confusion

We don't use the heart rate monitor, not easy to fit and not confortable underwater.

If the pressure gauge is not a must for you, you can give a look at the new Galileo Terra.

[cummings66]

For the money a VT3 is hard to beat, for features or bells and whistles the Galileo is the recreational computer to have. To be frank, when it comes to that much money I'm actually leaning towards some of the newer technical computers out there.