The VR-3 profile is basically the Buhlmann algorithm with 2-min Pyle stops, but called "microbubbles stop". It means less deep and intermediate stops in exchange for longer shallow stops.
The general GF profiles should start deeper and have shorter shallow stops.
The overall runtime should be fairly similar with the VR-3 profiles a little bit more conservative (i.e. longer).
You have a few options:
- Spend 195 quid and upgrade the VR-3 to include VPM mode. Based on Delta-P past history, I would tend to think they will include some build-in conservatism into the algorithm so it will not be as aggressive as PC-computed VPM tables. Therefore, it will be more in-line with the GF profiles.
- Sell the VR-3 off and dive GF tables exclusively if your bottom profiles are squarish.
- Sell the VR-3 off, buy the HS Explorer and start diving RBGM profiles. They will resemble more to the GF profiles.
- Sell the VR-3 off, buy the Cochran EMC-20C. Supposedly, their profiles start deeper similar to GF profile, but I can't tell you that based on personal experience yet. Mine is coming, so soon...
- Or as you have mentioned, use tables as primary and VR-3 as back-up.