Suunto D9 - The sleek and multifunctional dive computer

The Finnish manufacturer of measuring equipment in its offer has a real gem – the D9 model, which, in addition to a highly developed functionality offers a sleek, aesthetic and elegant appearance. In the most extensive product of the family, marked with the letter “D”, you will find everything you would expect from a dive computer… Well, almost everything.

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Suunto D9, it top-shelf dive computer. Whatever type of diving you do, you’ll find what you need in its menu. There are 4 fairly large buttons so you should have no problem using them, even with thick gloves.

It is the first multi-gas computer to have a built-in electronic compass. This may come as a surprise, given that the model in question is the size of an average men’s watch. Even more interesting is the fact that the compass can be activated both underwater and on land.

The D9’s decompression algorithm, Suunto Deep Stop RGBM, allows for optional deep stops (1min or 2min, user-selectable), or standard 3min safety stops at depths of 3-5m.

Using the radio transmitter (it is placed in the HP port, 1st stage of the breathing apparatus), it is possible to read information about the gas pressure in the cylinder wirelessly. The data is given in bar. Additionally, the computer informs us, depending on the depth and individual air consumption, how long we can stay under water. When the cylinder pressure drops to 50 bar, the diver is warned by the display flashing and an acoustic signal.

This is complemented by functions such as maximum depth alarm and ascent time alarm. A detailed dive profile is stored in memory, with all alarms and tabs, temperature and cylinder pressure drop profile. Inside, the computer is set in a robust titanium envelope with steel inserts. On top, however, it is “covered” by a scratch-resistant mineral glass.

We can set our D9 to work in 4 different modes:

Air, where you get readings for dive time, depth (max. 200m), maximum depth, no-decompression time, ascent rate, safety stops, and optional cylinder pressure information.

Nitrox, allows you to control 3 mixtures from 21-99% oxygen, with an accuracy of 1% each. We can easily switch between the different gases. We can also set a maximum partial pressure of oxygen (PO²max) between 0.5 and 1.6 bar.

Gauge, when the computer adopts a depthgauge mode. It then indicates depth to 200m, time and temperature. For freedivers, it allows you to record breath-hold dives.

Time, it’s a simple watch mode with timekeeping functions, alarm clock, stopwatch, calendar and second time zone.

Suunto D9 is available in two versions. The basic version with an elastomer strap and the titanium version with an elegant titanium bracelet. Included with the device is Suunto Dive Manager, an interface and logbook software. With it, you will be able to save your dives in the memory of your desktop or laptop. This will enable you to analyse your dives in detail at a later stage. With regular use of the D9, the battery should last 1-2 years.

In my opinion, this is an interesting dive computer with very extensive capabilities. Its versatility means that there is no specific type of diving for which it is dedicated. It can be used both by recreational and advanced divers, as well as by freedivers. It is especially popular among the latter. William Trubridge , the undisputed king of free diving, has broken records many times using this model.

On the minus side, we can write down the small size of the display, which in difficult conditions may not be very legible, and quite a high price. However, it should be remembered that this is a high-end computer, characterised by exceptional durability and care in workmanship.

Source: suunto.com