Suunto OCEAN vs. Garmin Mk3i Head to Head - Dive Computer Showdown: in a full comparison with DECO

[@wib1400]

Thank you very much. You have saved her the trouble of comparison. This channel is an unrivaled reference for buying diving computers

[@TeachMeToDive]

We're glad we could help you find the perfect diving computer!

[@smpopov]

I bought a Suunto Ocean two weeks ago and retuned it to get a Descent Mk3i. A few observations: - Suunto SpO2 sensor was giving false readings, so I'm concerned about reliability / accuracy of the sensor suite - 3 physical buttons turn out to be not enough for me (after using Garmin Instinct 2 for two years). I was really missing the "back" button. - watch faces selection is very limited on Suunto - touch screen swiping was a bit laggy / jerky on Suunto - Suunto can't track naps during the day. Garmin can.

[@TeachMeToDive]

Nap measurement certainly is important:) It certainly is hard to give up the Garmin for the Suunto. The PO2 being off is certainly VERY strange and the laggy and jumpy sounds odd as well. These aren't things we have seen, I wonder if you go a bad one? It certainly happens. It is an electronic device. Just. a thought.

[@shipwreckdonna]

Finally! A head to head comparison of these 2 computers. Thank you for a great video.

[@TeachMeToDive]

That is exactly what we thought too

[@michaelbytner9346]

Two? I count here three...

[@M.M.M.M.M890]

Garmin Fenix 8 has entered the recreational dive computer competition. Looking forward to your review of it :) It does not have air integration, but still could be an interesting alternative to the Suunto Ocean and the Shearwater Tern. Although the Fenix 8 is a bit more expensive.

[@TeachMeToDive]

We are looking into this

[@m1ch4Lko]

​@@TeachMeToDiveWould be cool

[@TechforToastmasters]

Excellent comparison. I just received my Ocean yesterday and just testing it out. Love it so far. I am just a recreational diver so this review aligns with my thoughts on why I decided to go with this instead of the Garmin.

[@TeachMeToDive]

Glad it was helpful! It should be perfect for you!

[@cyklopPL]

I love your channel. Very very detailed comparison. Data driven opinions 👍🏻

[@TeachMeToDive]

Thank you so much :)

[@mischiefpays]

I'm looking to get my first wrist mounted computer and I am really glad you guys have this video! Thanks for the information!

[@TeachMeToDive]

Our pleasure!Thank you for watching and commenting :) Make sure to share with your friends :)

[@somerandomperson8282]

Great comparison thanks! I think a used Mk2i for $700-$800 with T1 transmitter is currently the best option overall.

[@TeachMeToDive]

I used a Mk2 for a long time for sure, and it was awesome. The Mk3 is certainly a great upgrade though.

[@mikeholdsworth1862]

Thanks for sharing this. Great to see the +/- Was surprised you didn’t mention the annoying chirp emitted by the Garmin tank sensor. This is clearly audible and takes some time to get used to. Also, that chirp doesn’t always get through to the watch. I’d have been interested to understand the GPS dive tracking capabilities between the watches.

[@TeachMeToDive]

With the mk3 and the T2 transmitter we haven't heard the sonar all all on any situation. I did used to hear it with the mk2 and the t1 in the pool until I turned down the power. Interesting, because it is sonar it is reflecting through your bones to your ear. As for nav. We use it a lot, but it is tougher to share on video. I'll work on that though

[@MattChalwell]

Great comparison video. When recently looking for a new dive computer I was drooling over the Mk3i but could not justify the additional cost especially as I dive recreationally and usually no deeper than 35m. Bought an Ocean instead and loving it! Love the default dive display with the big fonts, as it isnt just the brightness I need (being on the older side and getting blinder by the day) so the big text helps me a lot. Thanks for your video!

[@TeachMeToDive]

I get you completely. For what you are doing, the Suunto is a great choice!

[@mickeypenker8020]

Love your review! I think viewers will be happy to see Suunto Ocean vs Garmin Fenix 8! Both are rated for the same depth with almost the same features and price. I'll be following to see the Garmin Fenix 8 review ❤

[@mickeypenker8020]

there is a bug in Fenix 8 where it shuts down in cold water. a new firmware is about to fix it.

[@TeachMeToDive]

The challenge here is that the Fenix 8 doesn't and won't be adding AI. The advantage is, the Fenix uses the same software and interface as the Descent. This means could have things. Better compass and navigation features. More dive data. Customizable screens and no nanny feature like the suunto. The suunto adds additional conservativeness to all profile gradients and makes it even more conservative than the algorithms are designed to be or the user would be accustomed to. Overall, in the Fenix, you lose AI but you gain a lot of other features. In the Suunto, you gainAI but loose a lot of cool features and have the Suunto many governing your dive profile

[@TeachMeToDive]

@@mickeypenker8020 Interesting, I hadn't heard that. I will check in with Garmin though. We are beginning the process of doing a review video of the Fenix 8 for diving.

[@mickeypenker8020]

@@TeachMeToDive thank you for responding to all of the posts. I feel like I'm talking to a celebrity, how exciting!

[@TeachMeToDive]

@@mickeypenker8020 you're always welcome to come out and dive with us. We also have a shop on Florida

[@schartup3]

​ @TeachMeToDive Do you know why the Mk2i and Mk3i showed slightly different stop duration and depth during the dive? E.g. 4:11 through 6:00 they display different stop durations and the delta between the two varies. At 7:47 Mk3i recommends first stop at 40ft while Mk2i was recommending 30ft. I am confused because I thought you said at 0:26 that all computers were set to same GF? Or did you mean that Suunto and Mk3i were at same GF but not Mk2i? I am curious if maybe the Garmins had read your pre-dive altitude differently and recommended different stops for that reason (my Garmin's Altimeter must be constantly calibrated to maintain accuracy)? Thanks for the review and for your answer to my question!

[@TeachMeToDive]

That is a great catch. But, first, altitude for the Descents is automatic and can calculate by GPS or Atmospheric Pressure, so that wasn't the issue. The issue was actually fairly interesting in that I had a deco blend of 100 set in one of them so it originally calculated everything based on that. Then, when I turned off the blend (during the deco) and it had to recalculate based on "air" only, it created a stop that was close to the other, BUT not the same. I retried this with other computers like the Shearwater, where one computer had npo deco blend and the other did. Then, just before OR into deco I turned off the deco blend. None of them recalculated the same. There were always difference (and usually to the LESS conservative). Even though they always matched up on the SurGF. Lesson, if you don't plan to use another gas during your dive, DON'T have that gas on.

[@gregzapia]

Thanks a lot for this review. I was about to pull the trigger on the ocean, but the too conservative setting is really questionnable. I am doing recreational to technical dives between 20 and 50m and the way deep stop time increases like hell once NDL is reached could be really annoying. I am currently diving with a good old nemo wide and may remain with it The MK3 looks great but it is so expensive... 500€/$ cheaper, garmin would sell a truck of it.

[@TeachMeToDive]

With the conservatism, you can always choose to set a more aggressive gradient factor to compensate. We tested the Suunto Black and discovered that if we do exactly that, it comes a ton closer to other dive computers.

[@BenX74]

I compared the manuals. When I go diving only two times a year when I'm on holidays, I feel I'll make way less mistakes and will have way less head scratches WHEN IT COUNTS with the Suunto.

[@TeachMeToDive]

Sounds good

[@Team_399]

The Garmin app is completely cloud based. If you don't have wi-fi (like on a live aboard dive boat) none of your data is available on the app. Even though the watch is connected to the app via Bluetooth it won't sync. The Dive app won't open unless you are connected to wi-fi. Maybe it had something to do with Australian networks, but the Garmin servers were down at least once a day while there. Also check if you need to pigtail the transmitter as the wider base wouldn't fit in the hp port on a Zeagle F8 unless the other port was empty.

[@TeachMeToDive]

It's super frustrating when you can't log your dives. The good thing about the Garmin Mk3i is that it's got a super generous dive memory with more than enough space to store dives for several months. So you've got lots of time to get back into service without losing your data.

[@Team_399]

@@TeachMeToDive It's frustrating that the dive log app won't even open without an LTE or wi-fi connection, that all of your data disappears from the Connect app without an LTE or wi-fi connection in a watch billed as a device that will work in places where you have neither LTE or wi-fi. Garmin's incredibly poor customer support is more frustrating. Wait times on three calls this week were 45 minutes, 20 minutes and over 2 hours. When I did get to talk with someone he admitted that he didn't know much about the watch. He said that they have a very small group of people who know the dive watch and that they are generally not available. I really regret buying these.

[@TeachMeToDive]

@@Team_399 can you send me your contact information. I spoke with Garmin directly and sent your comment to them. They responded to me in a very short time frame and asked if they could contact you directly :)

[@1lopezd]

Thank you so very much!! Wow got to understand better Garmin vs Suunto.

[@TeachMeToDive]

That is exactly what we hoped would happen :)

[@Krottix1976]

Awesome comparison, and very helpful. I am a bit surprised though about the comments regarding navigation capabilities of the suunto. It's even able to present a 3D map of where you went, and compass should be there or come soon. Isn't it possible to view/follow the crumb trail back to the entry point underwater?

[@TeachMeToDive]

unfortunately, no. The GPS portion and dive mapping is only available post dive in the ap. It is reasonably accurate and certainly interesting

[@davidb5195]

Fantastic comparison.

[@TeachMeToDive]

thank you so much

[@aaziizkhan]

Compass is updated for suunto?

[@TeachMeToDive]

nice

[@wineweasel]

How accurate is the 3d dive map?you need to dive a known wreck with the suunto

[@TeachMeToDive]

We are looking at that. On some dives it was decent, on others, it was off for sure. A lot of this could be due to the fact that it was on our gimble. So, time will tell. I think the hard part with that, is that we (divers) are curious and not robots, so... No matter what, that info will only be useful once in a while at best.

[@wineweasel]

How about posting a video and showing a map of dive site and the course plot​@@TeachMeToDive

[@spynolimits]

Thank you, will you compare them with the Shearwater tern TX?

[@TeachMeToDive]

At some point

[@catgroove1273]

Mk3i is up to 200m though. Great Video, thanks!

[@TeachMeToDive]

you are right. That is absolutely from the Mk2i info. Thank you for seeing that

[@Panagiotis-Skordilis]

Best channel 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@TeachMeToDive]

thank you so much!

[@diogro80]

How about a comparison table as you did for Mares Sirius? That was very informative.

[@TeachMeToDive]

THANK YOU for the feedback. I liked that too, but wasn't sure if anybody else did. I will add it to the next comparison.

[@Gareth999]

Does the suunto work well with third party apps such as divelog or divemate, the Garmins do not

[@TeachMeToDive]

I haven't tried as of yet.

[@kilo1175]

More and more I'm leaning towards the Mk3i

[@TeachMeToDive]

@@kilo1175 certainly depends on how much dive watch you need for sure. But the cool pods are hard to pass on

[@d.s.4297]

@@TeachMeToDive the super conservative deco algorithm really bothers me. Do you think it can be adjusted so it’s similar to the garmin?

[@mellamodiego8458]

I have one and I like it

[@wilsonsing]

Thanks for the amazing video and great contents as always! During the dive, especially in quieter surroundings, do you notice the sonar noise emitted from the Garmin transmitter? And if you do, do you find it bothering?

[@TeachMeToDive]

I did in the pool and warm water without a hood when we dove the MK2 with the T1. I spoke to Garmin about this and turns out the sonar was reflecting off my bones and into my ears. Lol when I put the T1 in low power mode this went away. With the MK3 and the T2, I've never heard it at all on any power setting. I've also noticed that the T2 transmitter has an incredible range of transmission. I was picking up my wife's pod at 90', in cold water with 30' of viz.

[@wilsonsing]

Thanks for the detailed reply, your review’s really helpful! Sounds like an improvement is made on the T2!

[@subaquaticspr]

Good comparison. Should add the shearwater Teric to it.

[@TeachMeToDive]

Thank you. I'll work on that video.

[@ThomasTiotto]

Any feedback on how the two computers compare for freediving?

[@TeachMeToDive]

I haven't tried the Suunto in Freedive, but it is looks very similar to the Mk3i. BUT, not being an actual freediver, I wouldn't be the right person to evaluate

[@squeakyhaggis]

From the point of view of purely recreational computers, how do you think the Suunto ocean compares against the Garmin G1?

[@TeachMeToDive]

That one is easy, The Ocean is MILES ahead and better. it has AI and you can see it underwater!

[@squeakyhaggis]

@@TeachMeToDive thank you

[@mickeypenker8020]

​@TeachMeToDive The second challenge is the price, as Suunto ocean costs half of the Fenix 8 and third of the mk3i, in my country anyway. I'm a recreational diver, won't pass the 40 meter mark (for now at least). I go diving 3 - 4 weekends a year. I owen googles and booties. Now looking for a dive computer but as a daily driver to monitor sleep, steps, nothing fancy, great battery life for 2 - 4 weeks if possible. would be great to be able to take calls with it but not a must. Also I rent the equipment (i think most recreational divers do) , and dive clubs won't allow attaching AI modules, hence tinkering with their equipment. So I don't know what to buy.

[@TeachMeToDive]

I would recommend the Fenix 8 over the Suunto for sure

[@ActiveIdeas]

Excellent video ❤

[@TeachMeToDive]

Thank you very much!

[@patriciaoneal8222]

Great information!

[@TeachMeToDive]

Thank you for watching and finding the information helpful!

[@RIKO14000]

Hello, and if you had to compare the SUUNTO OCEAN with the Shearwater TERN / TERN TX and the SCUBAPRO GALILEO 3 (G3) ?

[@TeachMeToDive]

Our next video will be for the Garmin Fenix 8.

[@RIKO14000]

@@TeachMeToDive thanks for your repo but you didn't answer to my question. If you had to compare the SUUNTO OCEAN with the Shearwater TERN / TERN TX and the SCUBAPRO GALILEO 3 (G3) ?

[@TeachMeToDive]

@ we don't have that on the near future. Scubapro hasn't responded to any of our requests. But between the ocean and anything shearwater. Shearwater always wins.

[@d.s.4297]

Thank you! Do you think the algorithm of the suunto can be adjusted so it is similar aggressive as the garmin? If so, what gradient factors would you recommend?

[@TeachMeToDive]

Suunto uses 16c with additional "Suunto" programing on top of it for "safety" To match up with other computers like Garmin or Shearwater, you have to set the GF factors more aggressively by 5%. For Shearwater I typically run 50/80 so with Suunto we run 55/85 or 55/90

[@spynolimits]

Thanks for the video, how would you compare the suunto ocean diving experience with the mares sirius?

[@TeachMeToDive]

The Suunto is a much nicer experience and a FAR better value. The Clarity and visibility during the dive is much better

[@spynolimits]

@@TeachMeToDive thank you, what about the Tern TX from Shearwater?

[@wineweasel]

Id like to see some kind of gps unit that works in tandom with your dive computer in the uk many of us tow a dsmb around on a dive.a gps unit in that would be handy to pair with a computer

[@TeachMeToDive]

Two things. 1. The Ocean provides a dive mapping of your dive from start to ending point. It is somewhat accurate. 2. With Garmin, you could pair an in-reach to your Mk2 or Mk3 and put it on your dive flag and it will pair the dive and the GPS :)

[@Junique3]

Thank you for this comparison! I’ve recently got the Mk3i after jumping ship from Suunto after all these years. Can I please ask what do you have the Conservatism set to in this video: High, Medium or Low? I did 2x dives last week at 30m using air and was shocked how quick the NDL was reached which pushed me into decompression mode. My computer is set to high conservatism and Garmin are unable to comment whether to switch to medium or low to better mimic my previous dive computer, the Suunto DX.

[@TeachMeToDive]

I have all of our computers set use gradient factors instead of pre set factors. I have a few great videos that talk about how those work to determine them for yourself :)

[@Junique3]

Thanks for your quick reply! You have so many videos on your channel 😂 which one is the video I should watch? Thanks :)

[@FrankTheTank_14]

I have been using the Suunto Ocean for a couple of dives and noticed that my NDL was far shorter than my buddy who dives with a Mares Puck. To what would you recommend I would tweak my GF settings so to that it is more in line with other computers, also when I will eventually go to deco dives? Thanks in advance!

[@TeachMeToDive]

In the Suunto manual, it expresses that "Suunto uses 16c, with 'Additional' Suunto programing. Meaning that Suunto adds Nanny protection for you. With that said, If you push your GF to 55/90 you will be in line with 50/85 on other computers for typical (a little more aggressive) technical diving. This should bring you closer to the Mares, BUT keep in mind that the Mares is recreational and if it is set to aggressive, it will be more like a 55/95 for normal computers. (Which I strongly discourage! ESPECIALLY if you are doing repetitive or close to the limit NDL dives).

[@FrankTheTank_14]

Thank you for the info! Yeah im currently diving pretty close to NDL, but no technical dives as im not certified yet for that. So if i understood you correctly, i shouldn't really change anything for the type of diving im currently doing?

[@diogro80]

I bought an ocean, but except for the pod, I'm concerned an apple ultra oceanic plus is better. Suunto ocean is a great hardware with very strict software. I hope it changes with future firmware updates.

[@TeachMeToDive]

I would put those concerns to rest. The Ocean is a far more durable and capable dive computer than the apple for sure. It is purpose built and you will have far less issues. The apple watch added diving to a surface watch, the Suunto accepted surface functions to a dive watch. :)

[@diogro80]

​@TeachMeToDive thank you for your kind reply. I believe and agree with your opinion. My comment is directed to Suunto software/firmware. It includes a lot of good information, but they are hide. The main screen in dive mode includes 4 information. It is impossible to have tank pressure and ceiling at the same screen, just to mention two. The ocean needs a full reorganization of the dive screens or at least new dive screens. It would be great to have all desired information in a single screen or two screens, instead of 10 pushes on the button to find a required information. Just to let you know my opinion. Congrats for your channel. 👍🏻 Best.

[@dean_murray]

I understand its targeted for rec divers but they make some strange choice with the GF implementation. Half the point is that it is a defacto standard. 50/85 on one computer should give same profile as 50/85 on another computer. Frankly i dont think they can call it buhlman zhl 16c with gf if they are adding their own stuff on top. They could have set whatever gf's they want for default options high / med / low conservativeness settings but if user picks a specific gf then it should honour that.

[@TeachMeToDive]

It is interesting that, in the manual, it states that they are proud to use the 16c but that they "add Suunto programing" on top of it. I agree though. It is their way of babysitting divers, and I am not a fan. To make the Suunto Black act fairly closely to a Perdix or Garmin at 50/85, we have to set it to 55/90.

[@M.M.M.M.M890]

Great video yet again :)

[@TeachMeToDive]

Thank you so much!

[@peterpanci78]

Can you do an comparation between Garmin Fenix 8 and suunto ocean.

[@TeachMeToDive]

The Fenix 8 doesn't have the dive features

[@peterpanci78]

@TeachMeToDive I thought he has diving mode up to 40 metres?

[@TeachMeToDive]

@@peterpanci78 nope. It has a swim mode. The descent series are all unique from the rest of the Garmin line because they were built specifically as dive computes first

[@peterpanci78]

@TeachMeToDive I understand now, thank you very much

[@M.M.M.M.M890]

@@TeachMeToDive This is incorrect. The new Garmin Fenix 8 has a full scuba diving mode down to 40m (even down to 45m depth, beyond 45m it will lock-out). But down to 40m (even 45m) it will officially give you full dive computer capability (incl. NDL, Deco, TTS, underwater compass, gradient factors, no-fly, dive planner, etc., it even supports Nitrox up to 40%) similar to the Descent series (except technical diving, multi-gas, air integration and diver communication). Please check the technical specifications more carefully. Other channels have even very briefly shown some dive screens. It would be great if you did a proper scuba diving review of the Garmin Fenix 8.

[@amazingtazz1579]

I get to test the Mk3i and the Ocean and forums type of diving the Ocean is more than enough. And on top of that I saves 700 euro! 💪🏻💪🏻 The screen is lots bright and easy readable in all types of water!

[@TeachMeToDive]

Sounds like you made a good choice for you

[@12sakar]

Um, the Gramin kills on above surface features. There's to these features than HR and activity tracking.

[@TeachMeToDive]

The suunto is no slouch for surface features. It has the majority of the same surface features, but below the surface. Garmin is hands down the best

[@sergeguerin2342]

I bought the Ocean two weeks ago and returned it and go for the mK3i I play golf Suunto tell they have a golf app It is absolutely false The MK3i have a realy good golf app, like on their golf watches

[@TeachMeToDive]

Good to know!

[@marcinhorodynski6244]

Great video. Is Garmin made in China?

[@TeachMeToDive]

Taiwan :)

[@waleedfarrash]

Mk3i 200 m not a 100 m

[@TeachMeToDive]

You are absolutely correct

[@scubanetworkLI]

Garmin is hands down better- but if you want to “only” spend $900- you are FAR better off with a Shearwater Teric or Tern-they are everything a Suunto is with actual deco and customization features - they have a compass…. Etc…. Why recommend a second rate dive computer when Shearwater is Garmin’s only analog….plus Sunnto’s customer service is NOT good. Do you remember 10 years ago when they refused to replace their failing pressure sensors until a court ORDERED them to when a class action was brought against them for their defective product? A good company would have stood by their customers instead of forcing them to sue them to get a repair for their defect. Shearwater and Garmin don’t play that sort of game and stand behind their products.

[@TeachMeToDive]

for what is does as a total package, I would still recommend it over the tern or teric for sure. Honestly, I love Shearwater, but the teric and tern just aren't in the same category as the Garmin or the Suunto. They have non existent data functions and really loose when it comes to this. They are really just shrunk down versions of the Peregrine and Perdix. So, for the money and features for somebody considering a daily that dives recreational. The Suunto is a nice alternative and saves a fair amount for sure. Suunto certainly did fall on their sword a few years ago, but has stepped it up. NOW, if they would just STOP messing with the 16c and let it be 16C. Do we really need a baby sitter? lol

[@scubanetworkLI]

@@TeachMeToDive sounds more like a product push than an honest review…. So you want a dive watch that can’t handle actual deco or complex gas mixes…. That’s better than a dive watch that does that? Are you buying a watch that can go in the water or a dive computer in watch form? Better off with an Apple Watch and the Oceanic app… any dive pro or shop that starts their explanation with “Honestly I love shearwater BUT” clearly isn’t someone being objective - shearwater is the benchmark for dive computers and has been for 20 years.

[@meonyoutubenow]

Garmin made Sherwater and Heinrich Weikampf obsolete.

[@TeachMeToDive]

@@meonyoutubenow lol, not really true but certainly hopeful

[@meonyoutubenow]

@@TeachMeToDive I use it with both sidemount and CCR, stages, fun dives, and office, running, meetings, and everything else. I honestly cannot think of one thing that I ever needed that Sherwater HW has that this doesn’t. I stopped using my grown-up watches too since the MK1 came out. 🙂

[@TeachMeToDive]

@@meonyoutubenow lol I get it. For me, I like having gas density as well as GF99 available. I also like the larger size of the Perdix as well. But for simple tech and below. The mk3 is great and I use it as a primary, for teaching tech or for my advanced tech dives, it moves to second fiddle and the Perdix is primary

[@ybkseraph]

Gents, only 1 answer: Shearwater

[@TeachMeToDive]

Not really, when it comes to this category. The Shearwater Teric and Tern lack all of the surface features that these two have.