Aqualung i200 vs Suunto D4i Review
This is a review for 2 well priced entry level, watch type computers. Most of the features are standard with every computer so I have just concentrated on the salient points.
Aqualung i200
It has 4 modes:
- Air
- Nitrox
- Gauge
- Free diving
- User replaceable battery
- High visibility alarm light – cool feature!
- Nitrox up to 100% 2 mixes
- Free switching from free diving to scuba, the D4 will lock you out from scuba if you do a free dive. Most annoying as it is for 48 hours!
- The Free diving mode is far better than the D4
- Deep stops
- Logs 24 dives, free dive logs can only be seen by connecting to a pc.
- The D4 is far better in this department.
- Weight 76g, 9g lighter on the wrist than the D4.
- Screen size 33mm, 5mm larger than the D4. Important.
- Single Pixel Display similar to a digital calculator
- Does not penalise for missed safety or deep stops
- Auto altitude
- Auto salt/fresh water
- Max depth 100m
- Warranty 2 years
Suunto D4i Black
Not the D4 Novo – its the older standard D4 with the elastomer strap, much cheaper than the Novo.
- 3 modes and an off mode
- Air
- Nitrox
- Free diving
- Air integration, a big plus for those that want it (transmitter is a lot extra).
- Logs 140 dives depending on sample rate but with transmitter 35 hours
- Deep Stop option
- Nitrox up to 50% no alternate mixes
- Battery cannot be changed by user.
- The elastomer strap is rubbish and does not last, to add insult to injury the replacement cost is eye watering.
- Weight 85g
- Screen size 28mm
- Matrix Display – much clearer more pixels
- Max depth 100m
- Warranty 2 years
The Verdict
Winners
Air integration – D4i
Logging – D4i
Looks (subjective) – D4i
Running costs – i200
Ease of use – i200
Auto altitude, sea/fresh – i200
Screen size – i200
Display – D4i
Nitrox mode – i200
Free diving mode – i200
The D4i
If you want a transmitter the D4i is a clear choice.
The unit is heavier and feels more substantial as a result. I preferred the look and weight for a man.
However the screen is much smaller.
It does have a great logging system compared to the i200
I hate the nanny style that penalises you when you miss a safety or deep stop. Its easy to get locked out for 48 hours!
Free diving and scuba cannot be mixed is a huge failing for any one that likes a spot of breath hold.
The elastomer strap is a big problem.
The i200
If you don’t want or need a transmitter this is the clear choice.
A must if you ever want to use a computer when free diving.
The warning light is a big plus as is the bigger screen and ease of use.
100% Nitrox is nice an can be used with semi closed rebreathers and the 2 mixes will handle basic tech deco mixes.