My current dive computer is the Suunto D5. Generally, I’m really happy with it. Its watch-style form means that it doesn’t necessarily look like a dive computer, but it’s very much up to the job of recreational diving.
Recently, Suunto gave me the opportunity to test out the EON Core. It isn’t new, and is essentially the same computer as the D5. The key difference is the display. The EON core is a large display dive computer, and cannot really be mistaken for anything else. So, what are the pros and cons of the EON Core over the D5? Take a look below.
Pros
The large display – it really is awesome to look at. In my “default” set up I get a graphical compass, time of day, water temperature, ascent rate, dive time, NDL time, tank pressure, battery life, and dive time. The best thing is, it isn’t cramped at all.
Customisation options – you can set up the screen in so many different ways, including having lots of different views.
Battery life – the battery lasts for so many diving days. I haven’t actually worked it out, but I can do 10 dives in a week and not even need to think about charging it.
Compass calibration – there is no need to calibrate the compass after charging with the magnetic USB connector. This is a real pain on the D5.
Graphical compass – the D5 does have a graphical compass, but I prefer seeing the whole thing on the EON Core.
Cons
The large display – it might just be me, but I find it much more difficult to read the display underwater. The large amount of glass seems to pick up quite a bit of glare.
Bulky size – this is obvious, but I find myself always taking the computer off between dives because otherwise it gets caught on everything. This means I’m without a watch during the surface interval, causing a small amount of inconvenience.
Similarities
So, both the D5 and EON Core have Bluetooth, wireless air integration, compasses, multi gas use etc etc. You can find all of that out on various other websites. What I’ve tried to provide above is, what I deem to be, the key differences.
Have you used either, or both? What do you think?