A slight side-step away from our usual smartwatches and sports watches to something specifically geared toward those who enjoy scuba diving. The Suunto D4F dive computer.
Do not mistake this for a dive watch.
A diving watch is:
A watch intended to survive immersion to a depth of at least 100 metres and to comply with the criteria stated in ISO standard 6425.
The Berner’s Illustrated Professional Dictionary of Horology
The ISO standard specifies the use of a measurement system that must be visible in the dark to show time and duration. This is the bezel of a diving watch that can be changed underwater. Shock resistance, salt-spray resistance, anti-magnetic, water resistance, and a condensation test are among the other features.
Dive watches must meet stringent ISO requirements. Back in the day, scuba diving watches were extremely popular. For the wearer, it represented money, elegance, and adventure. As you can see, these diving watches were made to exacting standards by well-known jewelry companies. Scuba divers (at a time when diving seemed to be an exclusive activity) used dive watches in conjunction with a depth gauge. Divers may use the Dive Tables to calculate their No Decompression Limits by utilizing a time-measuring gadget and a depth gauge.
What is a dive watch?
In today’s world, a dive watch is often referred to as a dive computer, so it’s an easy mistake. This computer should be worn like a dive watch; on the wrist. It will feature a digital display and will tell you the following information underwater at a minimum:
- Date and time
- Temperature of the water
- Current level of depth
- The greatest depth you were able to reach throughout the dive
- The length of time since the dive began
- The time you have left at that depth before you collect too much nitrogen and risk Decompression Sickness is your No Decompression Limit
- The oxygen percentage that you will set yourself (most dive computers will default to Air 21 percent, however if you are diving on Enriched Air, you may alter the amount) (nitrox)
If you were here for a smartwatch for divers, check out the Garmin Descent Mk1.
Suunto’s only watch-sized dive computer in this price range before the D4F was the D4i Novo. For scuba divers, free divers, and spear fishers, the D4i Novo has long been a favorite option. In the D4F, Suunto has removed the Scuba decompression feature. In contrast, the price is significantly lower. The D4F costs about half as much as the Suunto D4i Novo.
User-Friendliness
The Suunto D4F has a big matrix display with large buttons that are simple to use both in the water and out of it. There are many functions for divers to utilize, but they’re built in such a manner that they don’t overwhelm them.
Functionality
The Suunto D4F offers a lot of features that may help you dive more effectively and safely. This diving computer lacks certain functions, such as a built-in compass. There is also just a free dive mode.
Design
This watch has a comfortable design. It’s intentional for use both in and out of the water. However, like with other diving watches, it is bulkier than a normal watch, making it unsuitable for wearing in a more professional environment.
Price
Suunto D4F provides excellent value for money. It is somewhat more expensive than its rivals, but it comes with the Suunto name’s reputation for longevity and quality.
Overview
The Suunto D4F is a freediving, snorkeling, and spearfishing computer. It is reasonably priced and bursts with various features that you can tailor to your specific requirements and tastes. Divers searching for the best dive computers have taken notice of the Suunto D4F for reasons like these.
There are several configurable features on the Suunto D4F. However, all of these capabilities aren’t at the expense of usability. Even novice users will find these capabilities simple to use and manage.
The five depth notifications and customizable sample rates are simple to manage. It also assists you in keeping track of everything you need throughout a dive, such as your current depth, surface time, maximum time, and personal dive time settings.
The Suunto D4F has excellent readability as well. It features a big matrix display that can be seen quickly whether you’re underwater or on the surface. This is partly due to the big display, which displays all you need to know at a glance. A customizable electro-luminescent backlight helps emphasize the data you need in murky waters or late-night expeditions. Backlight duration can be set in increments from 5 to 60 seconds.
If you’re searching for a dive computer for a novice or recreational diver, this Suunto offers many useful functions at a fair price.
What’s special about the Suunto D4F?
Snapshot
- Large buttons and a matrix display make the interface simple to use
- With wet and dry suits, it’s pleasant to wear
- There are many customisable features
- Depth alarm with visual indication with programmable electro-luminescent lighting that can go off at your chosen depth
- Suunto’s excellent reputation for durable diving gear assures you that the computer will endure years of diving
- For the price, it provides incredible value
Specification
- Weight: 86 g
- Dimensions: 48.6 by 43.8 by 16mm
- Suunto RGBM algorithm
- Stopwatch
- Apnea mode
- Electro-luminescent backlight
- Maximum Depth Display: 100m
- 140 hours of logbook memory
- Temperature range: 0° C to +40° C (32° F – +104° F)
- Rates of sampling: 1, 2, 5 s
- 1.5 years of battery life with 100 dives per year
Materials
- Composite case
- Stainless steel bezel
- Mineral crystal glass face
- Elastomer rubber strap
Features
The Suunto D4F dive computer has a lot of functionality and usability that comes at a reasonable price. This investment will last you for many dives, particularly if you know how to maintain your dive computer best.
It has the following characteristics:
Large display with electroluminescent lighting that can go off in increments from 5 to 60 seconds.
Programmable imperial and metric units: You can alter the configuration on the computer to show either metric or imperial values, eliminating the need for mental conversions.
When you reach 1.2m deep, the surface countdown timer starts.
The dive log can save up to 140 hours of dive time, which can then go onto your computer using a USB connection (available separately)
Apnea timer with ventilation duration, number of intervals, and increment time for internal training. The last ventilation cycle must last at least 5 seconds but not more than 20 minutes.
The battery is replaceable and lasts around 1.5 years at 100 dives per year or up to 2 years in time mode. When it’s time to change the battery, the low battery indicator will tell you.
Sizing
The Suunto D4F strikes a good balance between being big enough to see and compact enough to wear comfortably. There have been several concerns regarding the dive computer’s strap. While the strap is generally pleasant to wear, some users have complained that the holes for the adjustable strap are too wide apart. Despite the size problem, users said the Suunto D4F was pleasant to wear both in and out of the water.
Readability
It’s as simple to read as it is to operate. It features a large display with a matrix screen and a divided display, making it simple to determine on-screen information. It also features a customizable backlight that can turn on or off for up to 60 seconds, making it simple to see in low light. You may easily switch between imperial and metric units, which eliminates the need for mental conversion.
Ease of Use
The Suunto D4F’s ease of use is a feature that has received a lot of acclaim. It features a basic UI that you may customize to your needs and tastes, like setting alarms, lighting duration, and depth alerts. Even for novice divers, there aren’t too many functions to make it difficult to operate. Even with gloved hands, the buttons and interface are simple to operate since they are big.
Functionality
As a freediver watch, the Suunto D4F has just one mode. This eliminates some of the more sophisticated functions that experienced or regular divers may want. It is, nevertheless, an excellent and inexpensive choice for novice and recreational divers who do not need the same sophisticated features.
That isn’t to suggest the Suunto Freedive computer isn’t packed with helpful functions. The apnea timer, for example, may help you practice perfecting your breathing technique when swimming. Change the increment and ventilation times and the number of intervals to achieve this. Users may also set depth alerts to sound if the diver dives deeper than anticipated. It also includes a self-activating surface countdown timer after you reach a depth of 1.2m.
Advantages:
- Even novice divers will find the simple UI to be very straightforward to use
- Programmable features allow for a great deal of flexibility and adjustment
- Rugged design that will endure for years of diving
- Suunto has a strong reputation in the diving industry
Disadvantages:
- The USB connection needed to transfer dive logs and data to a computer is not included. It must be purchased individually
- The mineral crystal face that protects you isn’t scratch-resistant
- The battery may be replaced, but it cannot be recharged
- The hefty design may not be appropriate for everyday use
Overall
The Suunto D4f is a compact yet powerful freedive computer that enhances your underwater activities. When you’re diving, the D4f shows you your current and maximum depths, as well as dive duration and surface intervals, so you can focus entirely on exploring the underwater environment. Improve your breathing technique by using the apnea timer.
After your dive, you can go through the logbook to see the specifics of your dive. Suunto D4f’s lightweight body, stainless steel bezel, and mineral crystal glass make it not only a reliable instrument for diving but also a stylish everyday watch.
It’s a high-quality dive computer at an affordable price. Although there are certain characteristics that experienced divers may overlook, it is an excellent option for recreational or novice divers.
If you’re interested, check out this great article about Seiko dive watches.
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Last Updated on February 28, 2022
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