If you regularly dive or have just started to dive, you will be more than aware of the dangers and safety procedures you have to follow when starting a diving session. Because of the dangers associated with spending so much time underwater, it is essential that you keep track of all that is going on during your dive. To track this information, divers either use a watch or a dive computer. The most popular of the two that people choose to use is the dive computer due to its ability to provide real-time diving information.
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We’ve created a general guide to help you learn what you need to know when choosing a dive computer, and then we go into more detail about the Suunto Zoop Novo and why we think it’s a fabulous dive computer.
If you want to check the current price of the Zoop Novo on Amazon just now, then you can head over to do that.
Otherwise, continue reading on to learn about what you need to know to pick the right dive computer for you.
What does a dive computer do?
A zoop dive computer focuses entirely on your safety by tracking the dissolved nitrogen in your body with both the time and depth of your dive through a decompression model. This basically allows you to figure out how much longer you can continue to dive before your safety becomes compromised.
What should you take into consideration when purchasing a dive computer?
What is your diving level?
If you are someone that dives recreationally at lower levels, you will not need a high-tech computer or any computer at all, depending on the depths you often reach. Dive computers can be quite expensive, so make sure that you’re not buying one when you don’t need one.
Your dive style
Not every person has the same dive style, and so different dive computers will be suited for different kinds of diving. If you are someone that uses complete scuba equipment, such as a mask, you need to make sure that you are picking a dive computer that is easily visible. For example, if your face is going to be obstructed by eyewear and other equipment, you will need to pick a dive computer with a more extensive interface.
If you are someone who regularly dives at night or in darker areas, you will also want to make sure that you are picking a backlit dive computer. This will not just help you see what the computer says, but it will also be helpful if you are trying to navigate your way around a darker area.
Understanding the data
Even if the dive watch you decide to purchase promises to give you the stats for many features, this isn’t very helpful if you don’t understand what these stats mean. You don’t want some high tech yet confusing watch that you can’t understand, so make sure that you do a bit of research for what features of diving you will need to focus on, as some models may come with information that you don’t really need, especially if you’re doing more shallow diving.
Mounted or watch
Though you can get dive watches, those don’t necessarily have all of the information that you need on them. Because of this, many manufacturers have made their dive computers much more flexible by allowing them to be adapted to a watch form or mounted straight to the swimsuit. If you want the ability to see your stats quickly, it would be advisable to pick a dive computer that can be used as a watch. However, if you are someone that works in positions like wildlife recovery, you may need to wear special equipment around your wrists and hands, so it would be better to have a dive computer that can be mounted to your suit.
Air integration
Some dive computers that are available on the market right now include air integration that links up to your tank and tells you how much air you have left. This will give you a good idea of how much longer you can dive for and is a handy feature that you should look out for.
What is the memory like?
Though many dive computers have similar characteristics, they are not the same. Memory and download speed are major differences between these machines. To keep track of your diving progress and depths, you’ll need a computer with lots of RAM. If you like to retain a dive history, you may want to upload it to other devices. Some allow this via wifi, which is quite beneficial. Some require direct connectivity to other devices, which may be cumbersome for fast uploads.
Modes
Based on the kind of diving you intend to do, you may need access to different modes on your computer. A decent dive computer will have around four modes.
Air/nitrox mode
Air and Nitrox mode differs depending on the air that you are using during your dive. If you are using regular air tanks, you will be in air mode, but if you are using oxygen-enriched gas mixtures, you will use the nitrox mode. These modes will let you know how much air you have left in your tank.
Gauge mode
Gauge mode will not go into details about depth and compression, but it will tell you how long you have been in the water and what direction you are heading in. Some will also tell you what your tank pressure is like, making this mode exceptionally useful when diving in shallower water.
Freedive mode
Again, this is for more recreational use and will not tell you the details of aspects like compression levels. When using this mode, you will be able to see some key stats from your dive, such as; the time, the depth, a compass, and how long you have been underwater. Again, this mode is extremely useful if you are not planning on doing a very deep dive.
Our Recommended Dive Computer – The Zoop Novo
Now that you know all that you need to know about picking the best dive watch, you may be wondering where to start your search for the dive computer perfect for your needs. Look no further, as the SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer is one of the best and most efficient dive computers available on the market right now.
SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer
The Suunto Zoop Novo is one of the most recommended entry-level diving computers available to purchase right now. This dive computer was made with recreational diving in mind and included all of the features that are necessary to ensure the users’ safety. It has a basic setup that makes it easy to use and all the essential functions that makes it a must-have for any diver out there.
The Specs of the Zoop Novo
Console or mounted: Both
Modes: Four
Menu options: 4 buttons
Decompression data: Yes
Depth: 100 meters
What does this diving computer have to offer?
This is one of the most sought out diving computers due to a number of reasons. First of which is the flexibility that it has to offer. When using this dive computer, you have the choice between using it in its mounted form or as a watch. Using it as a watch makes it much more accessible and easier to see when diving.
The interface itself is also extremely convenient to use and provides all of the essential information you would need to drive safely. Navigating the interface is also much easier as the computer depends on the use of only four buttons, which means you won’t be aimlessly fiddling with buttons that you don’t know the use of.
The interface is also quite large, with all stats displayed clearly, which means you won’t have much issue reading what you need to know when underwater. If you are someone who often dives into darker areas, you will also be glad to know that the interface is backlit; this means that you will easily be able to see what is on the screen, no matter what environment you are in.
What special features does Zoop Novo have?
As a human, it is natural to be forgetful, and so more often than not, you are bound to forget to set up your diving computer. For many other dive computers on the market, this would mean that you would have to resurface and set up all of your diving presets. However, if you reach depths of one and a half feet, this diving computer will instantly turn on to dive mode and instantly start checking all of your data.
The Zoop also focuses on self-preservation to ensure that you can continue to use it. If you don’t really need to see all of the data and the computer is on low battery, it will go into idle mode. During idle mode, the interface will display basic information such as the time. This will at least let you know how long you have been underwater, and so you will be able to resurface before your estimated tank time runs out.
Algorithm
This particular dive computer operates on RGBM, which includes multi-day diving and repetitive diving features. It adjusts depending on patterns that you have formed in previous diving sessions but must be manually updated.
Log keeping
This particular dive watch can log up to 140 hours of dive time within its system. This will enable a user to keep informed of previous diving trips logged, which is extremely useful for those of you who do expeditions and want to know what ground you have already covered. One disadvantage of this diving computer is that it does not use Bluetooth or wifi tethering, which means you will have to manually connect it to another device in order to share the information.
Decompression
One issue that divers continuously have to deal with when diving is the sick feeling that comes with decompression. This usually occurs the deeper down you go and can be troublesome for any diving trip.
A feature of the Zoop that is extremely useful in the effort to combat this issue is that it detects when you are doing behaviors that may trigger decompression, such as if you are doing inconsistent ascents. If the Zoop notices these behaviors, it will send an alert to the computer interface and advise you to spend some more time on the surface of the water.
Alerts
The Zoop will constantly alert you if your safety may be compromised, such as if you dive too deep or if your battery is low. This is useful because it’s easy to lose track of time underwater and forgot you’re wearing a diving computer.
Why is the Zoop Novo such a good diving computer?
There are plenty of reasons why the Zoop is one of the best diving computers for beginners available on the market right now, but what it really comes down to is just how easy to use and how accessible all the features of the computer are. It would help if you didn’t have to be a genius to enjoy a diving experience, and this watch makes sure that you’re safe while continuing its simplicity. Before choosing a dive computer, you may need to Know Dive Tables when Using Dive Computer.
FAQ
How long does Suunto Zoop Novo battery last?
The brand new Suunto Zoop Novo watch utilizes a CR2430 coin lithium battery, which battery life is supposed to last for approx 1.5 years or 100 dives per year!
Does Suunto Zoop Novo have a compass?
The short answer is NO. Suunto Zoop Novo does not have a built-in compass, but it is an option available for sale.
How do you change the dive mode on a Suunto Zoop Novo?
If you want to use your device as a diving watch, make sure that in time mode (and while underwater) is pressed DOWN with SELECT active. Next press UP or DOWN for different modes of water conductivity level: no metals like plastic & rubber; sea salt plus some other trace elements – this includes mercury too! Lastly, release the MODE button when ready, and congratulations!