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. And for those who eventually want to upgrade, the Zoop Novo is a great way to become familiar with the Suunto line, making future upgrades easy and intuitive.
Manufacturer: Suunto
Overall Score:
8
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Summary:
The Suunto Zoop Novo is an easy to use entry-level dive computer that improves greatly on the original by adding better capabilities and providing a great introduction to the Suunto family of premiere dive computers. Its large dot-matrix display and four-button intuitive user interface make the Zoop Novo one of the easiest dive computers to program and use with minimal training. Offered at an affordable price point, it makes an excellent first computer if you’re just starting out.
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Suunto Zoop Novo Review Video
The guy over at ScubaLab did a quick video review of the Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computer. In the video, you can get a feel for what it is like to dive with the Zoop as well as what they thought about the Computer.
Suunto Zoop Novo: Key Features
Below are some of the main features available ton the Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computer
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.
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.
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 Review: Specs
Computer Type | Wrist |
Display Type | Partical Dot Matrix |
Air integration | |
Nitrox Compatible | |
Gas Switching | |
PC Interface Compatible | USB Cable |
Integrated Compass | |
User Changeable Batteries | |
Free Dive Mode | |
Trimix Mode | |
Rebreather Mode |
Our Rating: Suunto Zoop Novo Review
Design: 8
The large size that makes it a great, rugged entry-level dive computer does make it a little heavy to wear for long periods, and too big for a watch
Functionality: 6
All the essential features for an entry-level dive computer. Lock more advance features like air integration and digital compass.
Ease-of-use: 10
Very easy to learn, navigate, and use, with relevant data easily accessible and customizable alarms.
Price: 8
Reasonably priced, and has more capabilities than competitor products in the same price range
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.
Overall Score
8
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Who Should 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
Does the Suunto Zoop Novo come with the data download cable?
Is the Suunto Zoop programmable for altitude dives?
Is the Computer Compatible with a Mac computer?
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.
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.