Suunto Zoop Novo Review: Key Features and Benefits
Suunto is recognized as a global leader in innovative dive computers, and the Suunto Zoop Novo continues that tradition. The Zoop Novo is a fantastic entry-level dive computer, handily outperforming similarly-priced competitors.
For many recreational divers, the Zoop Novo may be the only dive computer they will ever need. For those who eventually want to upgrade, the Zoop Novo is also a great way to become familiar with the Suunto line of dive computers, making future upgrades easy and intuitive.
Below are some of the feature we think makes this dive computer stand out:
Now Featuring 5 Dive Modes
One of the major upgrades over the original Zoop is the addition of 5 dive modes. Instead of only Air and Nitrox, the Zoop Novo now come equipped with Gauge, Freediving, and Off modes.
- Air Mode is used on recreational dives when breathing air.
- Nitrox Mode- Is used when diving with enriched air from 21-50% Oxygen.
- Free Mode is a dedicated mode for Freediving.
- Gauge Mode turns the computer into a simple depth gauge and bottom timer, it will not make any decompression calculations.
- Off Mode ensure the computer will not activate once in the water.
![Suunto Zoop Novo [Review 2023] 1](https://scubadiverhq.com/wp-content/uploads/suunto-zoop-novo-blue-divegear.jpg.webp "suunto-zoop-novo-blue-divegear")
Logbook Memory And Bookmarks
Compared with the original Zoop and with other models, the Zoop Novo has a whopping 140 hours of logbook memory, and the ability to add logbook bookmarks. This enhanced memory allows you to make the most of your dive logs and optimize dive plans.
Easy-to-Read Dot Matrix Display
The Suunto Zoop Novo uses large segmented digits and full dot-matrix to make it very easy to read. Your depth is display at the top of the screen in large segmented digits, while the center section is dot-matrix and clearly spells out more complex information.
The screen is now fully backlit to illuminate itself in the dark, and will also glow when charged with a bright dive light.
![Suunto Zoop Novo [Review 2023] 2](https://scubadiverhq.com/wp-content/uploads/suunto-zoop-novo-blue-diving.jpg "suunto-zoop-novo-blue-diving")
Intuitive 4 Button User Interface
Another great change Suunto made to the Zoop is the addition of a fourth button to the user interface. This allows for an easy to sure menu structure similar to other high-end Suunto Computers.
The buttons are large enough to press even while wearing thick gloves. They are also well-spaced on the computer making it hard to press the wrong one.
Personalized Settings
With the Suunto Zoop Novo, you can adjust how conservative your dive and altitude settings are, adjusting for travel, dehydration, overall fitness, or other factors to make your dives as safe as you need them to be.
Durable Design
The Suunto Zoop Novo is built to last. The big, backlit display, protected by acrylic and composite material, make it too big to wear as a watch. But the rugged design, well-spaced buttons, and ease of use make it ideal for new divers to learn enjoy, and allow it to last for years of use.
Suunto Zoop Novo: Manufacturers Specification
Computer Type | Wrist |
Display Type | Partical Dot Matrix |
Air integration | No |
Nitrox Compatible | Yes |
Gas Switching | No |
PC Interface Compatible | USB Cable |
Integrated Compass | No |
User Changeable Batteries | Yes |
Free Dive Mode | Yes |
Trimix Mode | No |
Rebreather Mode | No |
Our Rating: Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computer
Design
The Sunnto Zoop Novo is stylish dive computer designed with beginner divers in mind. With its intuitive user interface, it also boasts four operating modes: Air/Nitrox, Gauge (with Run-Timer), Free and Off. Also, the monitor case is made of high quality polyurethane material making it lightweight yet durable.
Funtionality
This computer is perfect for the basic recreational diver. It has all the essential features like an easy-to-read display, a durable construction, and intuitive navigation. The simple 4 button operation makes it user friendly. However, it may lack more advanced feature for some divers.
Ease of use
The Zoop Novo is incredibly user-friendly, making it a breeze to learn, navigate, and utilize. With intuitive access to relevant data and the ability to customize alarms, it provides a seamless and efficient experience.
Cost
Priced at a reasonable rate, this computer stands out from its competitors in the same price range by offering a rich set of capabilities. With its diverse range of features and functionality, it provides excellent value for the money, making it an ideal choice for new diver.
Overall Score
4.1/5
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What We Like
The four-button interface saves time over single-button dive computers because there is less navigating of menus and stepping through options like you would find on the Mares Puck Pro Plus or the Cressi Leonard. We like that the alarms are customizable and that the big, clear display shows all the needed information at a glance.
Bookmarking allows you to save the current time, depth, and temperature in your dive log for later and is a great feature for those who want to perform more analysis of their dives.
What We Don’t Like
For entry-level diving, it’s hard to fault the Suunto Zoop Novo. But, for more advanced divers who would like to get more out of their diving computer, the Zoop Novo might come up a little short. If having more advanced features like wireless air integration, and a digital compass is a must you should check out the Suunto Vyper Novo.
It’s a small complaint, but the no-fly icon doesn’t display in standby mode. On an active vacation, a person may not always remember to check the Zoop Novo before an altitude change, and it would be nice to have the icon reminder even when we haven’t activated the device.
For the price, the USB interface is not included, so you have to buy it separately to connect your Zoop Novo to a Laptop or PC.
Should You Buy The Suunto Zoop Novo?
This product is for new divers who want the convenience of all the necessary data at their wrist, without having to learn a complicated interface, spend a lot of money, or spend a long time with a user manual, learning about advanced features and options they don’t require.
This isn’t a dive computer for more advanced or technical divers who want air integration and gas-switching capabilities. There are other, more advanced Suunto products that are a better fit for intermediate and advanced divers. It’s specifically designed to keep diving easy, simple, and safe for beginners, to maximize dive times and enjoyment, and minimize focusing on your gear.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Zoop has an automatic altitude adjustments.
Yes, it is compatible with a Mac. You can easily download the software from Suunto's website.
The Bottom Line
The Suunto Zoop Novo is a great all-around dive computer, ideal for beginners. For many recreational divers, it may be the only dive computer they ever need, with features that can grow with the user, and a rugged design for years of use. The reasonable price, ease of use, and durability of the Suunto Zoop Novo make it a no-brainer to recommend.
Still Looking For The Right Dive Computer?
Find the right dive computer for your diving needs by checking out our top 10 list of the best dive computers on the market today.
I find my wife’s Zoop Novo much harder to use than my original Zoop, particularly when looking up logged dives. Even the shop manager who sold this agrees. We use air and Nitrox, but beyond that added features seem to have just made the basic needs harder to access, even with the extra button.
Yes, I have read the manual, but I should not have to memorize it.