Suunto Dive Computer Comprehensive Review


Suunto Dive Computer - Suunto D4F Black Freedive Computer

*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Image source: Amazon

Whether you are an experienced diver or are only just starting to think about diving, a high-quality diving computer will prove valuable for your safety and convenience. Though it looks like a wristwatch, it does much more than tell the time. A Suunto dive computer can track your dive depth, dive time, and surface intervals—keeping you safe and allowing you to enjoy the dive rather than trying to remember these important details.

COMPARISON TABLE

[amazon box=”B06XKVLDQ3, B005VTPYOC, B0076REARE, B06VWVHNDP,” template=”table”]

What Is a Suunto Dive Computer?

Suunto, pronounced “Soon-toh,” is a trusted brand among divers that offers several high-quality dive computers to meet your needs and fit into your budget. The word “Suunto” comes from the Finnish word for “direction,” which is fitting because the Suunto dive computer will help you maintain your sense of direction while you are underwater. Other important dive information is also displayed, helping you to monitor details such as dive depth and breathing quality.  The Suunto dive computer also stores your dive information in a logbook for you to review later. This gives you the opportunity to improve your diving and breathing techniques before embarking on your next dive. With its sleek look and functionality as a watch, you can wear the dive computer in and out of the water.

Product Specs

[amazon box=”B06XKVLDQ3″]

The Suunto dive computer we will look at today is the Suunto D4F Black Freedive Computer. This freedive computer is lightweight, comfortable, and packed with features. The mineral crystal face is surrounded by a stainless steel casing, offering durability and an appealing look, and the elastomer strap is comfortable and strong.  The dive computer always displays your current dive depth and maximum dive depth, preventing you from going too deep. It is constantly calculating dive details and will provide your dive time and surface intervals as you go. One unique feature in this dive computer is the apnea timer, which gives you the feedback you need to work on better breathing techniques. Improved breathing is an important factor in diving safety and success. As mentioned before, the dive information will be stored in a dive log for later review, and Suunto offers additional software products that allow you to enhance your dive information with photos, memories, and locations. You can also download your dive logs into the Suunto DM5 program for analysis of your dive info and planning of future dives. All of this information can then be shared with friends, family, or fellow divers. All firmware for the Suunto dive computer can be updated for free, a benefit not seen in many other dive computers. The Suunto dive computer should be used at depths of up to 100 meters, but the computer will function at up to 3000 meters. It is equipped with several useful notifications including alarms for dive depth, dive time, and surface time. It also displays current water or air temperature. The display is easy to read and features a back light for darker environments. The Suunto dive computer is ideal for freediving, snorkeling, and spearfishing.

Pricing

The Suunto dive computer can be purchased for around $450 and is available on Amazon or from a sporting goods or diving equipment retailer.

How It Compares

We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.     

  • Cressi Leonardo Dive Computer
  • Mares Puck Pro Wrist Computer
  • Cosmiq+ Dive Computer

Suunto D4F Black Freedive Computer

[amazon fields=”B06XKVLDQ3″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

[amazon fields=”B06XKVLDQ3″ value=”button”]

Ease of Use – 4 Stars

Although it is packed with more features than other dive computers, the Suunto dive computer is still easy to use. That being said, learning how to set the alarms and use all of the features does take more time than learning to use a dive computer with fewer features and options.

Durability – 5 Stars

A stainless steel shell with mineral crystal glass makes this a strong and durable option.

Design Quality – 5 Stars

The Suunto dive computer has the look of a high-quality sports watch while also maintaining comfort and durability. This dive computer could easily be worn as an everyday watch.

Warranty – 5 Stars

Suunto provides a 2-year warranty for the dive computer as well as a 1-year warranty for all accessories. This is a very standard warranty length for dive computers.

Pros

  • Apnea timer to improve breathing technique
  • Updatable firmware
  • High-quality design
  • Compatible with Suunto software

Cons

  • High price point
  • More challenging to learn how to use

Cressi Leonardo Dive Computer

[amazon fields=”B005VTPYOC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

[amazon fields=”B005VTPYOC” value=”button”]

The Cressi Leonardo features a one-button design and three modes: air, nitrox, and gauge. It also features distinct alarm sounds and provides information on dive depth, dive time, rate of ascent, air decompression status, and surface interval times. Cressi uses a specially developed algorithm for determining RGBM, which is what really makes this dive computer stand out. The Leonardo has a depth limit of 120 meters and keeps up to 70 hours in the dive log. It also displays water temperature while you are diving. The Cressi can be reset between uses, which is helpful if the dive computer is being shared or used for a rental. This is also helpful if you are planning to use it for instructional purposes.

Ease of Use – 5 Stars

The single button system is easy to use and is great for beginners.

Durability – 3 Stars

Due to the materials used, the Cressi is not the most durable dive computer; however, the durability is good compared to other models in a similar price range.

Design Quality – 3 Stars

This one-button design is convenient and easy to use. The Cressi dive computer doesn’t look as high-quality as the Suunto dive computer; the materials used are of lower quality. The Cressi is also a bit bulky with a long wristband. 

Warranty – 5 Stars

The Cressi Leonardo features a 2-year warranty for the dive computer and a 1-year warranty for accessories.

Pros

  • Low price 
  • Up to 120-meter dive depth
  • Up to 70-hour dive log
  • Single button interface

Cons

  • Only has basic features
  • Lower quality design and materials

Mares Puck Pro Wrist Computer

[amazon fields=”B0076REARE” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

[amazon fields=”B0076REARE” value=”button”]

The Mares Puck Pro is an affordable option for beginning divers. It will store up to 36 hours in the dive log and has a single button design. It has very few features, sticking with only the basic necessities and is very easy to use. It does have an ascent rate indicator and is nitrox programmable. Unlike many low-cost options, it features upgradeable firmware.

Like the Cressi, the Puck Pro uses the most advanced RGBM algorithm for reducing the formation of micro-bubbles without causing any noticeable difference in dive time. The Puck Pro has three modes: air, nitrox, and bottom time. It is designed with all divers in mind, meaning the screen has been evaluated specifically for readability, the one-button design ensures ease of use even when wearing thick gloves, and a precautionary program can be implemented to allow for a more conservative dive profile.

Ease of Use – 5 Stars

The primary appeal of the Puck Pro is its ease of use. The Puck Pro boasts of the intuitiveness of its single button design.

Durability – 3 Stars

For a computer in this price range, the Puck Pro has decent durability, but the lower quality materials mean it won’t hold up like some of the more expensive competitors.

Design Quality – 2 Stars

The design is very sporty but definitely appears to be made of lower quality materials than some other dive computers. 

Warranty – 5 Stars

This dive computer includes a 2-year limited warranty.

Pros

  • Low price
  • Easy to read and use
  • Great for beginning divers

Cons

  • Does not include some valuable features such as depth alarm
  • Dive log only stores 36 hours

Cosmiq+ Dive Computer

[amazon fields=”B06VWVHNDP” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]

[amazon fields=”B06VWVHNDP” value=”button”]

The Cosmiq+ Dive Computer is unique due to its interaction with the DeepBlu app. The Cosmiq+ connects to the app wirelessly, uploading dive information automatically for later review. This connectivity also makes it a great dive computer for sharing dive information on social media, and firmware updates are also automatically installed wirelessly.

Instead of updating many of the settings on the dive computer, the Cosmiq+’s DeepBlu app is used to change the settings. This is very innovative but may also be a problem for many divers because it means the computer is not fully functional on its own. For young, tech-savvy divers, this reliance on the smartphone app shouldn’t be a problem, though.

Unlike the other dive computers we looked at, the Cosmiq+ has a rechargeable battery. This is handy, but the battery only runs for 6 hours on a single charge. Instead of being able to put in a new battery if needed, the Cosmiq+ would need to be placed on the magnetic charger.

The Cosmiq+ has more features than the lower priced options we looked at, including a bottom time function. It has three modes: freediving, recreational, and technical diving. It is also a nice size, not bulky like some other dive computers. It comes with two wristbands and a solid carrying case.

Ease of Use – 4 Stars

The Cosmiq+ is fairly easy to use, especially for divers who are comfortable with technology. For divers who aren’t as familiar with smartphone apps or don’t own a smartphone, the Cosmiq+ could lose some value due to its reliance on the smartphone app for functionality. Dive logs and other dive data are synchronized to the app automatically and will be very valuable if the user is able to access the information, but there could be a learning curve or barrier for less tech-savvy consumers. Most of the dive settings also must be controlled through the app rather than on the dive computer itself.

Durability – 4 Stars

While it is still relatively new, there have not been any complaints regarding durability yet. Since it is newer on the market, time will reveal more about the lifespan of the Cosmiq+, but the high-quality design lends itself to more durability, so we don’t expect to see a problem in this area.

Design Quality – 4 Stars

The Cosmiq+ has a more modern design than the other dive computers we looked at. It is also a nice size and has a fun look with its bright color options. The only downside of the design is the fact that the screen is hard to read in bright light.

Warranty – 5 Stars

The Cosmiq+ comes with a 2-year warranty.

Pros

  • Color options and modern design
  • Wireless firmware updates and dive log synchronization
  • Integration with social media platforms
  • Single button interface

Cons

  • Relies heavily on the smartphone app
  • Rechargeable battery instead of user replaceable

Conclusion

The Suunto dive computer is the most expensive dive computer we looked at, and for good reason. It has several features that are not available in the other dive computers, and it features a great-looking design. It can be worn as a watch when not being used for a dive, something that is very important to a lot of divers. The apnea timer, which improves breathing technique, is unique to the Suunto dive computer and will ensure your safety as you dive. Safety is of utmost importance when you are far from the safety of the water’s surface.

The Suunto includes upgradeable firmware so you can always stay up-to-date with the latest diving technology without purchasing a new device. There are also great software programs available from Suunto that can make tracking, editing, sharing, and remembering your dive log information easy and fun. The dive log software does cost extra, but it is worth the price, much like the Suunto dive computer itself. Suunto is a trusted brand with a good reputation among experienced divers for creating high-quality dive computers.

Whether you are an experienced diver looking for a great dive computer, or a new diver hoping to purchase your first one, we recommend the Suunto D4F Black Freedive Computer. You can get a less expensive dive computer, but you will soon want to upgrade to something with more features and better reliability, and you will most likely find yourself considering the Suunto dive computer again. If you think you will continue diving for any length of time, starting with a high-quality dive computer is the way to go.

Recent Posts