Suunto D4F - Mares Smart Apnea - Oceanic F11

  • hello everyone hope you're all good,


    My biggest concern is about choosing a good and simple freediving computer, I did my online reviews research but I prefer to check your personal experience and feedback on the following computers:
    - Suunto d4f
    - Mares Smart Apnea
    - Oceanic F11


    And for sure I would be glad to check other than the three I mentioned above computers.


    Looking forward to hear from you...


    Thank you all


    joe

  • The Oceanic F11 was discontinued three years ago. If there are some still available it's old stock. I don't know why it was discontinued only one year after being released.


    I understand that if the user replaces the Suunto D4F battery themselves it voids the warranty. I think the Suunto D4F is an elegant watch. If I was on the market for a freediving computer I'd get the D4F and replace the battery myself anyways when the time came.



    The Suunto D4F case back is fastened with two Torx screws.


  • Thank you Dan,


    well concerning the Oceanic F11, the diving shop beside my home has 2, I didn't know that the watch was discontinued form the market !!!


    Suunto D4F is actually on the top of my list but I wanted to check some experts like you and the others here...


    Because as I read online, the D4F is very easy to use and straight forward for free divers it has not that complications...


    I just want to buy a good computer that I won't have to change it within 1 or 2 years laters, even if I will have to pay $$$ I don't know if because the D4F isn't that expensive it might not be that good so it can last long !!!


    that's why I said ask the expert they know better


    thank you again Dan

  • I went through the same selection process a little over a year ago and decided to buy the Mares Smart Apnea. Along with ease of use, battery life and ease of changing the battery were big factors for me. I'm happy with my choice.

  • I went through the same selection process a little over a year ago and decided to buy the Mares Smart Apnea. Along with ease of use, battery life and ease of changing the battery were big factors for me. I'm happy with my choice.


    so i understand from you that it's easy to change the battery for the Mares Smart Apnea because concerning the battery thing i've read a lot of people who messed up their diving computers while changing the battery which made water leaks into their watches at the end !!!


    Thank you for your feedback Wayno

  • I have not yet had to change the battery, but I consulted with Marco from this board who has been diving with this watch for a few years. He confirmed the battery is easy to change and usually lasts about 2 years.


    Here is a video showing how t change it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MovEcxlzSzs


    The user manual that comes with the watch also provides step-by-step instructions on changing the battery.

  • As Wayne said, I have the Mares and I'm happy with it.


    BTW, I haven't been very lucky with my freediving computers. All of them have lasted about 2-3 years.


    And if you ask me, the Suunto Mosquito was the worst. The rubber buttons cover came appart after a year, then some numbers fade away to finally freeze/die after 2-3 years.


    I had the Aeris and it was nice until it lasted (2 years!), but suddenly it didn't get into the dive mode again...


    Now I have the Mares for 2 years and so far, so good. I haven´t change the battery yet, though, but the manual says it can be done by yourself.
    Numbers are big, looks nice and it has all the info you need when freediving.


    I recommend to put some silicone grease (the one used for scuba tanks o'rings) in the o'ring and change the o'ring every two battery changes (if it lasts...).


    Another recommendation when using a diving watch is to put a piece of clear vinyl in the glass/screen to protect it from scratches. It works very well, it's cheap and it's easily replaceable. :)

    Marco Melis

    A bad day fishing is ALWAYS better than a good day at work.

  • Marco thanks a lot for all the details :)


    i'm taking the Mares :D:D:D


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