Screen in dive mode showing cylinder pressures in a twinset compass springs into action. Various options to customise the information layout and prioritise what’ s on screen are available via the menu.
As the Nautic is compatible with Suunto’ s Tank Pod( up to a total of five) then gas consumption rate and tank pressure can also be displayed. Sidemount configuration is also supported.
There are audible and vibration alarms for depth, duration, ascent rate, PP02, CNS toxicity plus exceeding NDL and decompression limits. If you’ re connected to the wireless pod, you can also get an alert for low gas pressure. Two selectable visual alarm options can be selected: Notify( cyan) or Caution( yellow).
Settings and ceilings
Suunto’ s Bühlmann 16 GF algorithm( an adaptation of Bühlmann’ s ZHL-16C model) can be user-modified using gradient factors to set the level of conservatism. Deco can be selected as continuous or stepped.
In no-decompression use, the computer indicates a minimum ceiling of three metres and a countdown of three minutes. During a decompression dive the NDL( No Decompression Limit) display changes to DECO with the relevant amount of decompression time displayed. Ceilings are displayed along with a countdown of remaining deco time.
Up to five gases may be used with the Nautic, and while at the time of writing there was no CCR( Closed Circuit Rebreather) capability, this is set to be added in a future update.
Any such updates are downloaded via the Suunto App, which also records your dive profile to your chosen device, be that a phone or tablet, thanks to the wonder of Bluetooth technology. Weather and tidal information can also accessed via this linkup.
The computer itself has an integral dive log so you’ re covered either way. Enabling GPS on the Nautic will record your descent and ascent positions for posterity or to use the information and plan return visits to interesting dive sites.
As is becoming popular in many diving computers, the Nautic also has a dinky little LED torch. While it won’ t ever replace the real thing, it is a useful tool for examining marine life close-up or signalling to a buddy.
Although it’ s been a long time since the Suunto Steel hit the market, the Nautic has proved to be a more than worthy successor. While our increasingly poor winter conditions restricted my time with the device, I really enjoyed using it and what I did experience was a computer that seamlessly slotted into place.
While my own preference has always been to combine the features of a wristwatch and computer in one for convenience, if I were to opt for a diving-only device then the Nautic would be very near to the top of the list. However, if you’ re in the market for all the above features but do prefer a smaller package, then Suunto’ s Nautic S is exactly that in wristwatch form.
While a touchscreen is a nice thing to have, it certainly isn’ t a major deal-breaker given the reasonable price-point of £ 625( or £ 825 bundled with a tank pod). If your eyes ain’ t what they used to be, then the computer’ s excellent screen will prove a more comfortable prospect than squinting at arm’ s length to a much smaller watchstyle device.
With an upcoming software update, the Nautic will soon be capable of following a diver’ s journey from novice through to mixed gas and onto CCR. It’ s been nigh-on 40 years since the SME-ML arrived on the scene( I still have a pair in full working order) and if Suunto’ s latest dive-only computer has even a quarter of that longevity it will prove a worthy purchase. Neil Hope
SCUBA SAYS
A welcome update to Suunto’ s EON Steel and Core models, the Nautic is a compact, well-specified, dive-specific computer that will fit the bill for new and experienced divers alike. Rated to 200 metres, this easy-to-read device offers excellent value for money.
Dive mode display in compass mode
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