Review: SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer


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The SUUNTO ZOOP dive computer is an easy-to-use, entry level gadget packed with many features. Designed and crafted with your dive career in mind, it offers you all the convenience and utility you need during your favorite recreational activity.

The SUUNTO ZOOP comes with a large display that makes it readable at a glance. It is a wrist computer that lays out everything you need to see while diving for your ease of use. There are no weird abbreviations like is the case with some computers, and you can easily navigate through the menu system to access computer functions.

What Is the SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer?

SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer

​This gadget serves as a wrist-worn device that can guide professional divers in the middle of their sub-surface excursions. You can set its functions according to your preferences, and then you can rely on the feedback you get during your dive to be reliable. This device arms you with confidence as you dive, allowing you to enjoy the sport and marine life to a maximum.

The SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer is engineered to handle all the complicated calculations for you, so your focus remains where it should — on the dive. Your underwater experience will be longer than when you rely on dive tables, as the computer gets rid of rounding. It deals with real numbers in real time.  

One reason you should not miss out on having SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer is the advantage it gives you of recording your adventures. It functions as your logbook, capturing and recording all your precious moments below the surface. All you need to do is to plug in and get on the move.

You can enhance your dive logs or relive and share them by adding them to digital services like SUUNTO Movescount.

SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer Specs

​SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer can be set to five different modes, namely nitrox, free, air, gauge and off. The air mode sets the computer for dives when you are breathing air. It displays the depth at which you are and how long you can remain at that level. It also shows other information useful to your recreational dive.

“Nitrox” mode serves to adjust the decompression algorithm related to the EANx mixes from 21 percent to 50 percent. This mode makes it possible to change your ppO2 and set it to the level you prefer. An alarm will go off in case you go deeper than what you have set. Divers using tanks will most often have their dive watch set in this air mode.

“Free” mode is an apnea or snorkeling mode with a dedicated system that records your maximum depths. Your dive times are also recorded without penalizing you for quick ascent or decompression of your recording information.

“Gauge” mode serves to turn the computer into a bottom diver companion and a simple depth gauge. In this mode, the computer does not record decompression info. To change out of the gauge mode will take 48 hours because during this time the computer is not recording decompression information.

“Off” puts the computer in a non-sensitive position that doesn’t activate whenever it gets wet.

The SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer includes an audible alarm. It operates on the Reduced Gradient Bubbles Model algorithm. SUUNTO displays a depth of up to 328 feet or 99 meters. It lets you adjust the altitude, and the backlight makes it possible for you to use it even in darkness.

Pricing

The SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer is available conveniently for ordering online at Amazon.com. Purchasers can expect to pay an approximate price between $290 and $360.

How it Compares

We picked a few similar products currently available on the market to see how they compare to the SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer. We analyzed them using the parameters of features, dive log, benefits, perceived disadvantages, design quality, ease of use and their warranties. The computers we chose for comparison are:

  • ​Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer
  • ​Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer Watch
  • ​Garmin Descent Mk1

SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer

SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer

​Price      

The SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer costs anywhere between $290 and $360.

Ease of Use​

SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer comes with a large segmented digital display that shows you your current depth in the water. The central section of the display has a dot matrix screen, which allows you to view more complex information with ease.

The personal device comes with a four-button interface that easily allows your navigation through the menu. The menu structure is similar to other SUUNTO computer models, and hence navigation is quick and easy.

The backlight on the screen provides illumination for darker areas underwater. It also glows in the dark when a bright light or a torch charges it.

Dive Log   

The SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer has a detailed graphical dive log and dive data that operates on the SUUNTO DM4 software. Once the actual dive is long over, the dive log will help you review your experience. The log has a memory capacity of 50 hours, and it automatically starts recording as soon as you first touch water.

Design Quality​

The design allows you to wear the computer as a wristwatch or mount it on one of the consoles from SUUNTO. Its design gives you the convenience of use.  

Warranty​

SUUNTO gives a limited warranty of two years after purchase. It also gives a one-year warranty period for the accessories, including the wireless transmitters and sensors, chargers, rechargeable batteries and cables. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear.

PROS 

  • ​Affordable
  • ​Display is large
  • ​SUUNTO ZOOP is excellent for beginners
  • ​Design makes it durable
  • ​Easy-to-navigate menu

​ ​CONS 

  • ​Not the best option for advanced divers
  • ​Comes with no advanced features
  • ​Cannot be used as a viable daily watch
  • ​When underwater, it’s not possible to switch the gas mode

Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer

Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer

Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer is the size of a watch. It has previously won the SCUBALAB’s Best Buy Award because of the full suite of features that make it a suitable choice for entry-level divers.

It is a sleek computer with a slim profile design compared to other dive computers. It can easily pass for a sports watch. Along with its elegant design, it has all the features a beginner needs and is not overly complicated to use. The explicit information layout lets you read and understand the information from the computer. It has an intuitive dual button interface, enabling you to cycle through information during your dive.

The three sections of the computer are dedicated to giving you the maximum understanding of the information on the screen based on where it is. Information about the depth you want to reach appears at the top, followed by your current depth. Decompression information appears at the central section while every other auxiliary details show at the bottom. Alarms ensure you remain at your decompression levels so you don’t go beyond the safe oxygen saturation level.

Ease of Use​

​Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer is very easy to use, especially when you are reading the information. It only takes you two buttons to navigate through the menu.

Dive Log   

​Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer has a dive log memory of 36 hours.

Design Quality​

​The design quality of Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer allows you to wear it as a wristwatch so it can remain in position while on your diving mission.

Warranty​

​Warranty for Mares Smart Wrist Dive Computer is limited to a period of two years from date of purchase. A valid sales document must verify the date.

PROS 

  • ​Super sharp, bright display for ease in reading
  • ​Easily switches to gas mode while underwater
  • ​Comes with mineral glass display
  • ​Is possible to upgrade the software
  • ​Features an indicator that shows the battery levels
  • ​Audible daily alarm and stopwatch
  • ​Maximum depth of 150 meters

​ ​CONS 

  • ​No air integration mode
  • ​Has no compass
  • ​The display is relatively small

Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer Watch

Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer Watch

An exclusive dual algorithm powers the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer Watch. It comes with four user interfaces, namely watch, norm, gauge and free. The watch interface alternates between time, daily alarm, countdown timer and chronology.

Norm mode comprises the air and nitrox modes, while the gauge is the run timer. The free interface tracks calculations allow you to switch between norm and free. The optional PC interface and OceanLog download and settings allow for 24 dive log memories and 99 dives in the free mode.

Ease of Use​

​Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer watch has a user-friendly interface that allows for backward and forward navigation through the menu and settings. The single button access displays the last dive, showing the maximum depth and the bottom time.

Dive Log   

​The computer comes with a battery that can record up to 300 dive hours at an operational depth of 100 meters.

Design Quality​

​Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer is designed as a wristwatch, transitioning easily from daily wear to your diving activities.  

Warranty​

​Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Computer has a limited warranty of only 24 months from the date of purchase.

PROS 

  • ​Comes with a countdown timer
  • ​Data retention for an indefinite time with charged battery
  • ​Backward and forward navigation menus
  • ​Goes into dive mode as soon as it comes into contact with water

​ ​CONS 

  • ​The menu is more complicated compared to other dive computers
  • ​Warranty is short

Garmin Descent Mk1

Garmin Descent Mk1​

​Garmin Descent Mk1 is a GPS-enhanced, fully capable dive computer. It comes with powerful tools for everyday lifestyle activity tracking. As such, it combines the technology of a dive computer, a watch, an altimeter, a GPS and HR Monitor. If you are into fitness, then you can use it as a fitness watch. It records data from the trail or gym, as well as from the reef you are diving. Garmin Descent Mk1 supports five different modes and has many features for use above water. It is a favorite among professional spearfishers.  

Ease of Use​

​With the Garmin Descent Mk1 dive computer, you can receive in-water alerts at different intervals. You can also record dive information like time of dive, water temperature, current depth, max depth, and heart rate.

Dive Log   

​The battery allows the computer to record 40 hours of diving, 20 hours GPS and 10 days as a smartwatch.

Design Quality​

​The design of the Garmin Descent Mk1 rated at five stars because it comes with a super-long strap that fits around dry suits and bulky wetsuits. It is waterproof up to 100 meters. The depth gauge conveniently measures your status in real time.

Warranty​

​Garmin Descent Mk1 has a limited warranty of 1 year from the date of purchase.

PROS 

  • ​Easy to use and comfortable to wear
  • ​Comes with several widgets, watch faces and apps
  • ​Dive-related vibration alerts underwater
  • ​Contains a heart rate sensor
  • ​Includes diving compass
  • ​Boasts a long battery life
  • ​Excellent GPS system

​ ​CONS 

  • ​Only defaults to True North
  • ​The keeper does not stay in place and comes undone

Conclusion

SUUNTO ZOOP Dive Computer

​In doing this review, we concluded that the SUUNTO ZOOP dive computer is the best on the market today because of its user-friendly interface that makes for easy navigation. Although it lacks some advanced features present in other dive computers, it has the simplicity that makes it great for beginner divers.

The readable N2 loading bar graph is chunky and friendly, and very legible. The computer looks sporty, with the bright bezel colors that make it visible under water. It’s easy for other divers to identify you while underwater.

The price of the computer matches its functionality, stable. It does not incorporate a digital compass like some high-end computers do, but for any diver that wants to have a memorable experience, the expensive options are not necessary. The easy-to-navigate menus, long-lasting and durable design and large display are factors make this the optimal dive computer of choice.

Jack Thompson

Jack Thompson, a scuba diving enthusiast from San Diego, has spent over a decade exploring the underwater world across the globe. Sharing his passion through captivating stories and informative articles, Jack aims to inspire others to embark on their own scuba diving adventures and uncover the ocean's hidden treasures. Follow Jack on Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit, and Facebook or email him at Jack@diving-info.com

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