Suunto's first dive computer Suunto SME-ML, was launched back in 1987. Still, the company's history goes back over 80 years when Tuomas Vohlonen, adventurer and avid outdoors enthusiast, invented the liquid-filled compass with a highly accurate needle. The new Suunto compass was so reliable that thousands of them were produced and adopted by the Finnish army just in time for the 2 WW, where they were extensively used in the Winter war and earned the catchphrase "Replacing Luck" by its users.
The first Suunto underwater compass was invented by an accident when in 1965, a British scuba diver took his favourite Suunto SK-4 compass for a dive and discovered that it worked well showing the correct heading underwater . The underwater compass was born. Since the beginning, Suunto instruments have received worldwide recognition for dive instruments that are accurate, well-made and reliable.
Moving to the most recent times, Suunto achieved another milestone by producing a top-of-the-line, multi-lever dive watch-style dive computer in the body of the SUUNTO Spyder. The quality of this first watch-type Suunto dive computer can be seen even today as we receive quite a few Suunto Spyders for regular battery servicing in our Servicing Department - still going strong after all these years.
Suunto SME-ML, released in 1987
Suunto Algorithms
Suunto has been developing its latest algorithms with Dr Bruce Wienke for over a decade. The RGBM algorithm (Reduced Gradient Bubble Model) is at the heart of every Suunto Dive Computer. Presently RGBM algorithms are used in Zoop Novo, Wyper Novo, D4i and D6i. In contrast, the more advanced algorithm Suunto Fused™ RGBM, Suunto Fused™ RGBM 2, is used in technical diving computers such as Suunto Eon Core and Suunto EON Steel. But nobody can explain SUUNTO Algorithms like Dr Wienke himself below:
Suunto Entry-Level Dive Computers
Suunto produces reliable, great-value-for-money entry-level dive computers such as Suunto Zoop Novo or Suunto D4i Novo. Both Computers are excellent units if you want a simple-to-use, fully decompression air and nitrox dive computer that uses the standard Suunto RGBM decompression model.The Suunto ZOOP may not have air integration or Bluetooth connection but will do all needs to be done to execute the air and nitrox calculation every single time:
Suunto Advanced and Extended Range Dive Computers
Suppose you are a beginner scuba diver looking to expand your diving skills further and engage in more advanced and extended-range decompression diving in the future. In that case, you should consider a dive computer that allows managing different breathing gases and multiple tanks underwater. Extended range gas-switching computers:
- Suunto Vyper Novo with air integration
- Suunto D6i Novo
- Suunto D5 watch-style dive computer
- Suunto Cobra 3 Integrated Console
Suunto Technical Dive Computers
The technical range of Suunto dive computers started with the release of the Suunto HelO2 dive computer - the first dive computer with full open circuit gas capability with the possibility of switching gases underwater, including air, nitrox and trimix. The latest models, such as Suunto EON Core or Suunto EON Steel, employ The Suunto Fused™ RGBM algorithm supporting rebreather capability and dive down to 150 m.
Suunto Comparison Chart
Suunto Free DM5 Software
Suunto - the market leader in producing quality dive computers as one of the first dive computer manufacturers, introduced a free DM5 Dive Planner in October 2014. The Suunto DM5 offers a quick and easy method of planning your dives, logging, storing and analysing your dive history. It is a handy function, and you can plan your dive gas mixes and transfer them ahead of the dive directly to your dive computer via Bluetooth or transfer cable (depending on the model). Suunto DM5 also allows customising screen displays on the most recent models, such as EON Core, EON Steel and Suunto D5.
DM5 supports the following Suunto dive computers: D4, D6, D9, D4i, D4i Novo, D6i, D9tx, DX, Zoop, Vyper, Vytec, Vytec DS, Cobra, Vyper2, Vyper Air, Cobra2, Cobra3, HelO2, EON Steel. Once installed, DM5 automatically recognises your Suunto dive computer.
Get In Touch with Us
If you have any questions about any dive computer, including tips and advice, please email us at support@mikesdivestore.com, where we have a team of diving professionals here to assist you in making the right decision on dive computer options.
Or, if you live locally or in the surrounding areas of London, pop in and come visit us in-store, where you can try on a wide range of dive computers and accessories for yourself and get a feel of which styles you like best.
