Suunto D3 neoprene or regular strap?

[feign]

I am planning on getting the D3, and was thinking the regular strap because it seems more durable. Though it isn't very long and probably won't fit over my wetsuit/glove thickness. Is the neoprene strap any longer. Also I know Suunto makes an extension strap for the regular band, but that seems like it might complicate things - any thoughts?

Also, does anyone know if I did go with either strap, is the interface the same for both so that I could order the opposite type replacement strap and install normally? Thanks

 

[Frank O'Donnell]

I have a Mosquito with the regular strap, and recently got a D3 with the neoprene strap.

The neoprene strap is definitely longer. Without an extender, it's challenging to attach the Mosquito with the regular strap on my wrist when in a thick wetsuit.

I think it's really a matter of personal taste, but I've found that I prefer the neoprene strap overall.

The basic watch is the same, I believe, so you can swap the straps back and forth if you change your mind. Besides the Suunto straps and extender, I've seen third-party products in dive shops that are supposed to attach watches to your wrist more securely.

 

[DevonDiver]

go for the neoprene. the plastic one, even with the extendable strap is too fiddly and not worth it

 

[caymandiver]

I've got a blue D3 with a neo strap. I'm sure you can order the plastic ones if you choose to.

Just a friendly warning.

The strap does not float in the Cayman Islands' ocean. I don't know about anywhere else but the thing sinks. Only place where it floats is in my bath(where I assume they tested the D3). :duh

I would go with the stap because it's easier to let your buddy try it on with wetsuit on. Don't want to drop it :t

Whatever you do I think the D3 is a great watch!

 

[feign]

Thanks for the advice guys... I did end up buying the D3 with the neoprene strap. I love it. I had no problem using on my 7mm wetsuit at the lake or on my wrist in the pool.

 

[Simon Reid]

Watch/computer straps

I just came across this subject.

There is a strap I use for my D3 (I use one for the Stinger too and my normal dive watch) it is made by Waterborne (Australia) and is a really comfortable nylon strap which goes through and behind both fixing pins so if one pin fails you don't lose the watch. There is another company that makes a copy which I saw last week in a shop in Sharm so seem to be widely available.

The strap is quite long so will go round the wrist even with a thick suit on, they also come in two widths. A great product in my opinion.

Try this site http://www.watchworksintl.com/straps.htm

Simon Reid - Team Deepest Bear.

 

[Simon Reid]

I found a picture of the Waterborne strap.

Simon.

 

[feign]

Thanks for the info Simon, I will check that out as maybe a replacement band.

 

[Kimmo]

One thing though: if you get your pants wet and you are wondering why, it is the neoprene strap. Neoprene stays wet quite long time (specially with the salt water).
I also found out that neoprene strap won´t work with neprene suit in the deep freedives (even D3 stays in the hand but it can be found almost anywhere in the wrist after the dive

cheers,

- kimmo