Suunto makes a splash with new-look dive trio – 09/11/06 : Moodie Davitt Report

The new Vyper2 and Cobra 2

FINLAND. Leading wrist-top computer maker Suunto, which is handled by Dutch firm Sea & Sky Supply in travel retail markets, has unveiled its redesigned Cobra and Vyper models, plus the new titanium-look D9.

Spotlighted in Florida at this month’s Diving Equipment and Marketing Association Show 2006, the new products will be available in early 2007 at selected shops worldwide.

The Cobra2 and Vyper2 build on their predecessors, says the company, each featuring an electronic compass, graphic dive profiles, Suunto RGBM deep stop algorithm and simplified four-button operation.

Features:

Electronic compasses with tilt compensation, which guide divers both graphically (with arrows) and numerically (in degrees).

Built-in dive simulators. Vital information – including graphic dive profiles – is contained on a new matrix display.

Can be used for diving with air or nitrox, or as a depth gauge and timer – all with profile memory. In nitrox mode, there’s a choice between two different gas mixes, pre-set before the dive. The diver can choose from 21% to 100% oxygen content, with the ability to change the partial pressure of the oxygen for each mix. During the dive, the user can switch to the second gas within allowable safety limits (maximum operating depth).

Suunto RGBM deep stop algorithm, which tracks both dissolved and free gas in the diver. The deep stop function gives the diver the option of taking safety stops at depth by using the iterative deep stop approach, or in the traditional shallow water range.

Memory functions, including lifetime history, and a 42-hour (Cobra2) or 80-hour (Vyper2) logbook with dive profile. The default 20-second sampling rate can be changed to one, 10, 30 or 60 seconds. With the 60-second sampling rate, the diver can increase the total logbook memory of the Cobra2 to 128 hours and the Vyper2 to 240 hours. The logbook memory and the graphic dive profile show real-time water temperature information, which can be seen on the screen immediately after the dive. Bookmarks that have been entered during the dive will also appear on the graph.

Additionally, the Cobra2 incorporates air integration, with temperature-compensated tank pressure and estimated remaining air time with low cylinder pressure warning. It is also 300 bar (5000 psi) compatible.

The Suunto D9 in titanium

Suunto D9 released in titanium

Suunto has also given a fresh look to its flagship D9 in the form of a titanium strap, to go alongside the traditional black option.

The D9 is said to combine all dive-critical information: dive time, depth, decompression requirements, direction and cylinder pressure. Everyday functions include dual time, calendar, alarm and stopwatch.

A digital compass, which also works on land, shows the current bearing in degrees and steers the diver by means of arrows. By using the D9’s optional wireless transmitter, the diver can monitor tank pressure and air consumption from the wrist.

Remaining tank pressure is displayed both numerically and graphically, and an estimate of the remaining air time is updated throughout the dive. This allows the diver to simultaneously monitor remaining air, depth and time. Real-time air consumption is also stored in memory.

The D9 can be used with up to three different gas mixes containing 21-100% oxygen and incorporates the Suunto RGBM deep stop algorithm.

The Suunto D9 is a nominee for the German Design Award competition.

About Suunto

Founded in 1936 and celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Suunto is a leading designer and manufacturer of sports instruments for training, diving, mountaineering, hiking, skiing, sailing and golf. Suunto is one of the world’s biggest compass manufacturers. Headquartered in Finland, Suunto employs more than 500 people worldwide and distributes its products to nearly 60 countries. The company is a subsidiary of Helsinki-based Amer Sports Corporation.

For details on Suunto watches in travel retail, contact Sea & Sky Supply, tel: +31 78 653 4142; fax: +31 78 653 4324; e-mail info@seasky.com Visit www.seasky.com

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