Suunto D9 Diving Computer - Standard for Dive Computers

Many divers who are professional, military, recreational or even competitive freedivers that take the quality, functionality and material of their diving computer very seriously have considered the Suunto D9 to be an invaluable diving aid. The thing that distinguishes this device from all the other dive computers is that not only does its state of the art features fit perfectly for all sorts of diving but they are committed to promoting diving safety in all areas of the dive.

The Suunto D9 diving computer will be the best device to take when you are diving in a place for the first time as its features will prove more than useful. With it you will be able to know exactly how much time you have left to stay underwater, how deep you are, and how fast you can ascend when surfacing. It can all be made possible with key features like its air integration compass, and depth, time and decompression data. Given a range of dive computers, these features alone will maximize your dive performance and be a key factor in your diving safety as well.

Features of the Suunto D9

The Suunto D9 diving computer contains features that will amaze both veteran and novice divers and even people who have never been diving or seen dive computers before. Its main features which are most talked about include:

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 D9s 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

With this feature, the diver is able to switch gases during the dive as the Suunto D9 diving computer can use up to three different gas mixes containing 21-100% oxygen. Decompression calculations are based on the Suunto Deep Stop RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubble Model) where iterative deep stops are provided as an alternative to safety stops, this adds extra safety to your dive. The maximum depth display is set to about 200m (660ft) and this may best suit deep and technical divers.

Integrated 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:

According to some reviews on Suunto D9 dive computers, the air integration optional wireless transmitter can be a problem only if you forget to activate it before the dive. If you are not equipped with a spare SPG when this happens then you may need to return to the surface to activate it. Another disadvantage, more of an inconvenience for some people, is that even though the Suunto D9 has PC software and USB compatible, it doesnt have software available for Mac.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the Suunto D9 diving computer is the golden standard for all dive computers and is the forerunner dive computers in the future. It is jam packed with everything needed in a dive computer from its digital compass that can be used anywhere to its stylish appearance suitable for any occasion. Containing 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 in this range of dive computers.