Suunto D9 Diving Computer – Standard for Dive Computers
Posted on Jun 08, 2009 under Scuba Diving | No CommentThe Suunto D9 is an invaluable diving aid to all kinds of recreational, professional, military divers, or even competitive freedivers who take the quality, material and functionality of their diving computer very seriously. The Suunto D9 diving computer promotes diving safety with all its state of the art features; this is what distinguishes the Suunto D9 from other dive computers.
When you are diving in a place that you are totally unfamiliar with, then features of the Suunto D9 diving computer such as the depth, time and decompression data, along with air integration and compass will prove more than useful. You will be able to know exactly how much time you can spend underwater, when you have to surface and how fast you can ascend, and you will also be able to know how deep you are when underwater. These features in dive computers alone will cover your diving safety while maximizing your performance at the same time.
The Features
The features of the Suunto D9 diving computer will not only amaze the most professional divers but it will also amaze novice divers and people who have never been diving or seen dive computers before. Its well known features are:
Digital Compass
Suunto D9 was the first dive computer to integrate a digital compass. This digital compass contains a graphical compass rose which shows the general direction. It also shows the exact bearing in a numerical display and the headings can be stored in the Suunto D9’s memory for later use. Most people assume this compass to be superior to the traditional compass as it can be used on land as well.
Air Integration (Optional Wireless Transmitter)
This feature allows the diver to monitor vital information like air consumption data and tank pressure from the dive computer. The remaining tank pressure is displayed both numerically and graphically, and an estimation of the remaining air supply throughout the entire dive is given by this dive computer which is useful as it gives divers a good idea of how much time they have left to stay underwater. It is a very handy feature, particularly for technical divers and dive instructors. The real time for air supply can be stored in the memory as well.
Gas Mixes and the Deep Stop Option
This feature enables the Suunto D9 diving computer to use up to three different gas mixes containing 21-100% oxygen and allows the diver to switch gases during the dive. The Suunto Deep Stop RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubble Model) is where the decompression calculations are based on and it provides iterative deep stops as an alternative to safety stops which can be used as well which adds extra safety. Deep and technical divers may suit this feature well as it also has a maximum depth display set to about 660 ft. (200m).
Dive Logbook
The built-in dive logbook provides a graphical data profile where real time water temperature and tank pressure data can be analyzed on the dive computer. Since the Suunto D9 comes with PC software and is USB compatible, this dive log also enables you to store extra information about the dive site, conditions, equipments, notes, and photos from the dive.
A Few Weaknesses:
The air integration wireless transmitter can be a problem only if you forget to activate it before the dive, according to some reviews on Suunto D9 dive computers. If you forget to take a spare SPG when this happens then you will have to resurface in order activate it. Something else to take note of is that the PC software for the Suunto D9 is not available for Mac.
To Conclude
The Suunto D9 diving computer is undoubtedly the golden standard for all dive computers and is the forerunner for future dive computers. It has everything that is needed in a dive computer from its stylish appearance to its digital compass that can be used anywhere. It has a complete package with air, nitrox, and gauge modes, along with its black elomaster and luxury titanium straps and Suunto Dive 2.0 software. You will not be disappointed with this range of dive computers.