Suunto Vyper Novo Dive Computer
The Suunto Vyper Novo Dive Computer is a feature-rich wrist-mounted scuba dive computer engineered for divers seeking more than a basic dive computer. Manufactured in Finland, it integrates industry-standard Suunto RGBM decompression calculations with advanced functionality such as wireless air integration, tilt-compensated 3D compass, and multi-gas switching. This positions it as a potential best dive computer for divers transitioning to more technical or deeper recreational diving, while still retaining intuitive usability.
Designed for use in Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Freedive, and Off modes, the dive computer accommodates standard air dives, enriched air Nitrox (21–99% Oâ‚‚), manual bottom-timer mode, and freediving with apnea timer support
Its optional wireless integration with the Suunto Tank POD allows live display of cylinder pressure and remaining air time on the wrist, enhancing dive planning and situational awareness
The Suunto dive computer employs the continuous Suunto RGBM model for nitrogen tissue tracking, deep-stop guidance, and ascent rate alerts, with user-adjustable conservatism (P0–P2) and altitude settings up to 3,000 m above sea level
It supports switching between up to three breathing gas mixtures in a dive session, with oxygen partial pressure programmable up to 3.0 bar for technical flexibility.
Weighing 134 g and measuring approximately 71 × 71 × 29.5 mm, the robust composite construction with acrylic lens and elastomer strap offers durability while staying dive-gear friendly
Its display is a 49 × 22‑pixel dot‑matrix LCD with configurable electro-luminescent and phosphor-luminescent backlight durations (off to 60 s) for readability in low light underwater
The onboard logbook holds ~140 hours of dive data at a default 20-second sampling rate (or ~40 hours with air-integration data), and ~3 hours in freemode with a 2-second interval. Logs include bookmarks, dive profile, depth, temperature, gas use, CNS/OTU tracking, and ascent/descent profiles
Download is via a USB cable into Suunto’s DM5 software for dive planning and post-dive review
Battery life is supported by a replaceable CR2450 coin cell, lasting approximately 1.5 years assuming ~100 dives annually; a low‑battery indicator alerts users in advance
The device is certified to water resistance up to 80 m (ISO 6425, EN 13319) and operates between 0 °C and 40 °C, with storage from –20 °C to +50 °C
Main Features of the Suunto Vyper Novo
- Five dive modes: Air, Nitrox (up to 99 % O₂), Gauge, Freedive (with apnea timer), Off
- Wireless air integration: Optional Tank POD compatibility shows cylinder pressure and remaining air time
- 3‑gas switching capability: Supports three gas mixes during a dive, gas switching prompts included
- Integrated tilt-compensated 3D compass: Directional navigation with declination correction and bearing lock
- Display: 49×22-pixel dot-matrix LCD, configurable electro‑luminescent/phosphor backlight (off–60 s)
- Suunto RGBM decompression model: Continuous curve-based algorithm with deep stop, CNS/OTU tracking, and ascent alarms
- Logbook memory: ~140 h (with default sampling), bookmarks, gas usage, dive profiles
- Dive planner: Built into the device for pre-dive planning mode
- Dive alarms: Configurable alarms for depth, time, ascent rate, gas switching, CNS limits, tank pressure
Benefits of the Suunto Vyper Novo Dive Computer
- Advanced multi-gas support enhances dive planning and flexibility for decompression or technical diving.
- Live air integration improves real-time safety by monitoring cylinder data directly.
- Underwater navigation via built-in compass adds confidence in complex diving environments.
- Configurable decompression conservatism and ascent alerts improve diver safety.
- User‑replaceable battery and USB connectivity simplify maintenance and log review.
- Wide compatibility with Suunto DM5 software allows dive data transfer and analysis.
Physical & Build
- Dimensions (with boot and display shield): 71.2 × 71.2 × 31.3 mm (2.8 × 2.8 × 1.2 in)
- Weight: approx. 134 g (4.73 oz)
- Materials: Composite bezel & case, acrylic (hesalite) glass, elastomer strap
Dive & Operating Specs
- Maximum Operating Depth: 80 m / 262 ft (EN 13319 compliant)
- Depth Display Range / Resolution: 0–300 m; 0.1 m increments up to 100 m (1 ft increments up to 328 ft)
- Water Resistance / Standard: 80 m / EN 13319 (some sources suggest up to 120 m)
Temperature
- Operating temp: 0 °C to +40 °C (32 °F–104 °F)
- Storage temp: –20 °C to +50 °C (–4 °F–+122 °F)
- Display range: –20 °C to +50 °C; Accuracy: ±â€Ż2 °C within 20 min; Resolution: 1 °C / 1 °F
Multi‑mode & Dive Planning
- Dive Modes: Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Free‑Dive, Off mode
- Nitrox support: 21%‑99% Oâ‚‚, up to 3 gases, with gas switching and user-configurable low‑Oâ‚‚ alarm (pOâ‚‚ range 0.2–3.0 bar, OLF 0–200%)
- Decompression model: Suunto RGBM continuous decompression, with personal and altitude adjustments (altitude settings: 0–300 m / 300–1500 m / 1500–3000 m)
- Safety & deep stops included; tool can enter error state ("Er") if alarms are ignored
Compass
- Integrated digital compass: tilt‑compensated (up to 45°), global balance
- Accuracy: ±â€Ż5° (some sources say ~±â€Ż15°), Resolution: 1°, with bearing lock, declination correction
Power & Battery
- Battery type: CR 2450 user-replaceable
- Battery life: ~2 years in time mode; ~1.5 years with ~100 dives/year
Display & Logbook
- Display: matrix LCD, resolution 49 × 22 pixels, backlight (electro‑luminescent + phosphor‑luminescent, configurable duration from off up to 60 s)
- Units: metric & imperial, 12/24‑hour clock, dual time, daily alarm, stopwatch timer
- Logbook Memory: ~140 hours at 20 s sampling (≈40 h with air‑integration data); freedive log (2 s sampling) holds ~3 h
- Sample Rates: programmable (air & nitrox: 10, 20, 30, 60 s; free‑dive: 1 or 2 s)
Connectivity & Software
- Connectivity: USB cable via inductive link, compatible with Suunto DM5 for dive log download and planning
Wireless Air Integration (optional)
- Tank pressure receiver: Suunto Wireless Tank Pressure Transmitter (5.3 kHz transceiver, 110 mW, ~1.5 m range)
- Pressure alarms: fixed at 50 bar (700 psi); user‑adjustable additional alarm (10‑200 bar configurable)
- Low‑battery & no‑connection warnings for transmitter pairing and signal issues ns.suunto.com
Additional Features & Functions
- Built‑in dive planner (no‑decompression planning based on residual nitrogen and profil history)
- Apnea/freedive timer, general stopwatch available in dive mode
- Alarms & warnings: audible visual alarms for ascent rate, diving limits, safety/deep stops, transmitter & battery issues
- Error state (“Er”) for ignored unsafe conditions, resets with reactivation ns.suunto.com
What's in the Box
- Suunto Vyper Novo Graphite
- Display shield
- Warranty leaflet
- Safety leaflet
- Quick guide
- Suunto logo sticker
What dive modes are available on the Vyper Novo?
It supports Air, Nitrox (21–99 % Oâ‚‚), Gauge, Freedive, and Off modes for versatile scuba or freediving activities
How many gas mixes can I use?
You can program and switch between up to three gas mixtures during a dive, with POâ‚‚ limits configurable up to 3.0 bar .
Can I integrate cylinder pressure data?
Yes, optional wireless Tank POD integration displays current tank pressure and remaining air time on your wrist
Is it a good scuba dive computer for serious divers?
It’s widely considered a strong mid-level suunto dive computer, offering advanced safety, gas support, and navigation, making it a contender for best dive computer in its class.
How long does the battery last and is it user-replaceable?
Runs on a CR2450 coin cell, typically lasting 1.5 years (≈100 dives/year). It’s user-replaceable, with low-battery alerts to help plan maintenance