Comparison of 32 freediving computers

[Kars]

I'm sorry Ivo, my English appears to be f'cked up at the moment,

For instance I mend the D3 continuous countdown timer is very handy for 16x50, not the stopwatch. I mend to say it's acting not on wet or pressure activation, it starts and stops like a stopwatch with the push of a button.

To Dave,
Too bad Suuto does not update all off their D4's with the improved software.
I think it would be a simple and cheap way to make the D4 stand out better among the competition.

Maybe I'm today in a dark mode, but I'm really starting to hate the marketing strategy of building products that leave so much to be desired. :rcard

Kars

 

[trux]

For instance I mend the D3 continuous countdown timer is very handy for 16x50, not the stopwatch. I mend to say it's acting not on wet or pressure activation, it starts and stops like a stopwatch with the push of a button.

OK, I see now. From what I understood, at the Pelagic computers this recurring alarm is indeed depth activated (finally they call it "EDT" or "Elapsed Dive Time" interval alarm). At some other computers it is a plain timer, similar to D3 - btw, that function is unfortunately not available on other Suuntos. It wasn't even on Mosquito and Stinger who are otherwise basically clones of the D3 with scuba modes in plus. And I agree that it is a quite useful and important function, so its lack is quite disturbing.

At some of the watches with the countdown timer it is not clear from the manuals whether it is automatically recurring or not, but even if at some of them it is probably not, mostly it is very easy to restart the countdown (a single button activation), so it still may be useful for this purpose.

 

[trux]

I added also the arm unit of the Freediver's Recovery Vest to the list, since the unit works as a freedving computer too. You can access the details with this direct link:

http://apnea.cz/computers.html?computerID=36

It is still missing some data (for example about the available alarms), but I will complete the data sheet when I get the info from Terry.

 

[trux]

I finally managed to get my hands on the Liquivision X1, and I can tell you that it is the most amazing diving computer I ever saw. The hardware simply has no comparison, and blows away anything else miles away. Well, it is true that the freediving community did not really accept it well, and so it is now marketed almost exclusively among tech divers.

Currently all the software packages that are available for X1 are designed for tech and advanced scuba divers, but another excellent advantage of the X1 computer is that it is an open platform, and qualified programmers can write own applications for it - that feature alone makes it the best ever diving instrument I saw. No more any need for begging manufacturers to fix the bugs in their firmware, or to add functions we really need. It only falls on deaf ears anyway, and they do not even dare to answer such requests. With X1, we can take it in our own hands and design the firmware in the way we desire.

And if you know me, you may imagine that I cannot resist such a challenge, so stay tuned for some updates (thought that will certainly take quite a while before I put together all what I planned).

I just discovered a video introducing the X1. Of course, it was done for scuba/tech divers, so perhaps not all the video is that interesting for freedivers, but I recommend all of you to look at least at the Drop and Crash tests - starting at around 4'05" into the clip. Please watch it carefully, then try it with your D3 or F.10, and post here the result for comparison rofl

[ame="http://vimeo.com/11069591"]http://vimeo.com/11069591[/ame]

 

[Herup]

Hi Trux

If you do that, I'll send you a lot of love and start saving a lot of money to send to EricF
What happened to the old F1 firmware; does it not run on the newer platforms, Eric?
Well, so far F10 will have to do for me despite it's annoying issues (sometimes I think the plastic in them were better used as road bumps... aaah, a little harsh maybe ;-)

Very best regards
H!

 

[trux]

I do not know the original F1 software, but I guess it is more or less the same that comes with the X1, named Bottom Timer. It is already pretty decent and contains functions not available in other computers. However the possibilities of the instrument are endless - the memory is huge, the processor powerful, the operating system and the development tools maximally flexible, and there are plenty of amazing hardware components that other manufacturers can only dream about. It is simply a bonanza for a programmer, and there are limitless possibilities.

 

[trux]

BTW, I also got feedback from Uwatec regarding the Galileo computers, this time from the person who is responsible for the freediving mode (Niklas). The communication was much more pleasant with him, than with the first guy, and I will likely put back the computers into the review. I am just waiting the official withdrawal of the original statements asking me to remove the computers. So far I had the approval only from Niklas, but need it from the first guy (I think it was a media person).

Niklas told me that the Heart Rate monitor belt is rated to 120 meters, and on request can be filled with oil and made waterproof to over 300 meters. And they also changed the lower HR limit from 30 bpm to 15 bpm. Both of this was done in cooperation with Herbert Nitsch. I'll try to borrow a sample instrument for testing, so hopefully will tell you more details later.

 

[Herup]

Very interesting with the Uwatech as well!
Well Trux, with your abilities the future in respect to FD computers seems much more interesting

Very best regards
H!

 

[trux]

Herup, as for your reputation comment (thanks for that, BTW) - I indeed already started with the programming, but for the moment I am only in the very initial phase when I just compiled a version with a very trivial modification. I will need weeks and perhaps months to read through all the code and the hardware specifications, to learn the structure, and then several more months to actually code all the algorithms I need to. So my rough estimate is about a year of work. Perhaps an intermediate version faster, in a few months, but at this moment I still cannot make any reasonable estimates. In any case, I think I let you time enough to save the money you need for the X1. BTW, I noticed the price of X1 just dropped by 20% this week, getting so almost to the level of the original F1, despite being a much more mature, more redundant, more complete, and more reliable product today than at the very beginning.

 

[Herup]

Your welcome I would imagine a programming venture like that would take some time. Well, apparently none of the manufactures are doing much to get in front of you, so I guess you can take your time

Very best regards
H!

 

[trux]

OK, I've put back all three Galileos into the review. They are more or less identical though, just with the difference the Terra is discontinued, and Sol has already all the optional features (HR monitor, transmitters, free updates included) while at Luna you have to pay for them extra.

I added also the new Beuchat Mundial freediving computer (made by Pelagic OEM), which is likely a clone of the Aeris F.10.

And there is another new computer that I found. It was developed by Linde-Werdelin, a Danish manufacturer of luxury watches and instruments. So it does not surprise you can also buy a luxury version with button made in 16 karat gold Not sure if it helps with your freediving though. However, the computer is quite interesting and offering a big color display and plenty of new features. As for the freediving mode, I did not manage to get much info from them - although there are apparently some instruments among users, and they even lend them for testing, it looks like it is still under development, and the developers I spoke too were not very communicative.

There are now in total 35 freediving computers in the review:
APNEA.cz - Freediving Computers

You can see the details of the Galileos, Beuchat Mundial and the Reef of Linde Werdelin on this page:
APNEA.cz - Freediving Computers

However, the data at those computers is not compete yet

 

[Erki]

If I understand correctly then Suunto 4D is the only computer that could be used in pool trainings?

Why special freediving copmuters have so deep activation point? Now seems that I have to buy half of price for scuba funtions that I'm not going to use.

 

[trux]

Yes, unfortunately most of the computers are not really designed for pool training, but they are rather made for spearos and/or for depth disciplines. Even at Suuntos, the functionality is far to perfect, and the automatic measuring of your laps does not always work. What is needed is the possibility to fine-tune the activation depth and other settings, and to switch among diverse profiles, matching the pool and the type of training. We'll have to wait. Unfortunately manufacturers (except of Liquivision) are not willing to listen to such demands - the market is apparently too small, and probably not worth of any effort, for them.

 

[Kars]

Great Ivo,

I'm looking forward to the Beuchat Mudial reviews, and hope they improved over the Aeries model, not having the battery, dive mode and other flaws. I'm already happy with their design, more slick, less bulky appearance.

 

[trux]

Uwatec Aladin 2G

I have added couple of new computers, so the total number is now 37. The last additions were the Xen computer from Liquivision, and also the Aladin 2G from Uwatec.

The amazing Xen (from Eric Fattah) is already discussed in another thread, but I'd like to briefly introduce the Aladin. It looks like an extremely good deal, almost too good to be real. You get more freediving features than with the Aeris F.10, plus the handling of scuba, nitrox, and dual deco gas, for the same price as the F.10 - you can order it at Leisure PRO for just $324.95! Rather surprising at a full featured Swiss made computer!

And unlike at most other computers, Uwatecs are equipped with a standard IrDA interface, so you can transfer the date to your PC without buying the usually quite expensive data cable (many notebooks already have an IrDA, or you can buy one in a hardware store for a few bucks).

You can see the features, and compare it with other computers here:
APNEA.cz - Freediving Computers

From the highlights, I mention the multitude of alarms: 2 standard depth alarms + another interval depth alarm (repetitive each x meters), dive time alarm + recursive dive time alarm, surface alarm, and even an ascent speed alarm specially for freediving!

The activation depth is 0.8m, which is a healthy compromise between the needs in a pool and in open water.

The claimed battery life (user replaceable, of course) is rather surprising too - the write 2-3 years!

It has also other gimmicks, like an automatic altimeter. The memory is huge - it can record 6 hours of profiles at 1s sampling rate.

It is rated to 120m, but I am persuaded Martin Stepanek won't break it at 122m like he did with the F.10

Well, check it out - might be a good idea for a Christmas present. Uwatec promised sending me one for testing already earlier. I'll have to remind them, so hopefully I will be able to tell you more later.

 

[Kars]

Great Trux!

Sounds like a very worthy follow op to my D3. One of my D3 buttons just came off last week :'( <after 6 years of daily use!>
I'm keen on checking the computer out, and I'm very happy to know that Uwatech did pick up the gauntlet and take a BIG step forward in offering MUCH more functionality without the usual erasing of useful features the previous model has, like so many companies do, leaving the user with another compromise.

 

[trux]

From what I hear from Uwatec, they are indeed quite interested in serving freedivers, and from what I understood, we may expect more development in that direction.

 

[mikeM]

Thanks, great tip! I am looking for a freedive computer and had my eyes on the Aeris F10. But reading about the problems of the earlier models and without a dealer close by (where I can hand over the computer in case of a defect instead of having to ship it) I had my doubts about ordering one.
The impression that I get from the user experiences that I can find on the Internet is that it is a solid and reliable computer and it is available for a good price! I called a Dutch diveshop this afternoon that sells it for 210 euro's and they have it in stock.

 

[trux]

Just make sure the model you are going to buy has a firmware with the freediving mode - I am not sure if the freediving mode was there since the beginning or added only lately. I just know I did not see it at Aladin last time I checked (in May), but found it by hazard just a few days ago. So either I have overseen it originally, or they added it later. You better ask the dealer.

 

[trux]

So besides the Liquvision Xen, and Uwatec Aladin 2G, I also added the Citizen Cyber Aqualand Nx, so the total number of freediving supporting computers is now 38.

After some requests, I am also starting to add some integration of Facebook functions. So you can now "like" (or recommend) not only the website, and individual pages (like competition results or ranking profiles), but you can also use the Facebook "recommend" buttons to vote for your favorite computer. So if you particularly like any of the computers in the review (or several of them), please use the Facebook buttons on the detailed page. The counters will then show other visitors the popularity of individual computers, and it may help them in their choice.

The "recommend" buttons are available only on the detailed page - you get it when you click the name of one of the computers, or when you select up to 6 computers for a side-by-side comparison. The button is then in each column, at the bottom of the first block. Originally I've put the buttons also on the main brief table with all computers, but unfortunately the Facebook API is pretty slow, and the page loading was unbearably long, so I only kept them on the detailed pages.

You can see it for example on this page of 6 computers:
APNEA.cz - Freediving Computers