SCUBALAB GEAR REVIEWS: DIVE COMPUTERS

Suunto D9tx
SPECS
» Mounting Options Wristwatch
» Operational Modes Watch, Air, Mixed, Gauge
» Gas Mixes Eight
» User Controls Four Button
» Air Integrated Yes (optional transmitter)
www.suunto.com/diving

TEST STATS 4 (VERY GOOD)

PERFORMANCE
The D9tx is truly something new: a full-function, wristwatch trimix computer. Able to switch between eight gases — including helium up to 92 percent — it has the functionality of Suunto’s HelO2 technical computer with the addition of a 3-D tilt-compensated digital compass. The D9tx uses the new DM4 software for recreational-dive use, and the Dive Manager and Multigas Dive Planner for tec diving. Additional features include the new matrix display, chronograph functions in both watch and dive modes, and sapphire crystal-glass. Testers found the D9tx easy to configure, the menus relatively simple to navigate, the display easy to read, and the backlighting effective. LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE In an air dive profile, the D9tx was moderate to liberal in most objective tests, yielding conservative figures in only one test. It has five user-adjustable personal factors to make the system more or less conservative.

BOTTOM LINE The Ferrari of dive computers.