What to buy? HSE, VR3, Shearwater

OceanOpportunity · 10th December 2007, 00:04

Hey all,

in the market for a new computer for my Rebreather. Recommendations? I've done all of my homework on this forum and elsewhere, and am still undecided between the HS Explorer, VR3, and Shearwater.

Must haves: single cell monitoring/integrated deco, mixed-gas capable (so they all fit this bill)

My hangups: VR3 might do more than I need it to. HS Explorer buttons arent very nice on your gloves (or pruned fingers), Shearwater still the new guy on the block...

hopefully someone's input will put me over the edge for one or the other..

Thx

Shawn · 10th December 2007, 00:36

Im looking at buying a new computer as welll, and her is my thought;

HS Explorer - good if you are not doing very deep dives...several people I have talked to said that they have broke at least Explorer (Exploder as called it). So I don't think this computer is durable enough for expadition diving.

VR3 - Good computer, but very concervative...might not get alll of the benifits of the CCR out of the deco model it currently uses.

Shearwater - I'm leaning this way...nice computer, but to get it with the features I would like to have on it, it has a 2K price tag$$$ Not to mention I don't know ayone who has dove this computer to a depth greater than 300'.

So for the mean time I'm going to keep doing it old school with a bottom timer, tables, and the old plan the dive dive the plan mentality.

If you do find a good computer you like let me know...

Thanks

mverick · 10th December 2007, 01:34

Well, My experience on the HS is on her a couple times. But you asked so here goes.

HS Explorer, Mine went back 3 times, taking months at a time to get returned. And when I received it back "Fixed" It would make 1 to 3 dives and something else would go wrong.

Capacitor turning into a resistor and eating batteries. As in, I put a new battery in and it wouldn't have enough voltage to run the computor.

Deco info wrong.

At past 100ft half the display would dissapear.

Computor resetting underwater.

Flood

Everyone is quick to point out the quality service they receive. And how the multiple times they've sent it in they always get it back.

I don't expect to buy a new anything and have to send it back in for a fix after a week. And then have to ship it back in again and again at my cost for shipping. Ship me a quality product.

I asked for my money back as it hasn't made 10 successful dives in 3 years. And told him I was tired of testing it. He no longer will service it. Yet, it's never worked right. He also said he upgraded it to the newest version. Well, I just wanted a version that worked. Never happened. Last time he stated it was all new. Case was replaced too. Yet when I got it the scratches in the face plate and the clear protector I put on the screen were still there. So, he didn't replace everything. One time I called I stated it had moisture drops on the inside of the screen. I sent it in. Called him a month afterwards and asked what was wrong with it. He said it flooded. I asked how bad. He said he didn't know, he didn't take it apart yet. Uh, One month and then state the problem yet you haven't touched it. This is not good customer service.

Oh, you'll also here from people that "They have the problems fixed now". They told me that when I bought mine too. But, they weren't fixed and never has been fixed. So, if you want to Risk it for $1600 or so ask them if they'll warranty it if it doesn't work. As in Money back Gurantee. Bet they won't.

Ask what happened to Abysmal diving. Another HS Explorer fiasco.

VR3

Good to me. But, I don't like the deco profiles. To long.

Shearwater,

I have the old one on my meg. Never had a problem. Like the deco. Will be getting another one for a stand alone.

I like what the x1 has to offer but I don't like the battery not being replaceable. When it's dead you loose the 1600 computer. Put a replaceable battery in it and I'd buy one.

Nailer99 · 10th December 2007, 05:17

I have zero experience with the other two, but I love my Shearwater. To be fair, I don't have much experience with it yet, either- I think I'm up to 16 hours on my new Meg, after today- but the Shearwater works flawlessly, so far, and the learning curve is more like a little speedbump- took me about 2 minutes to figure out how it worked.

Nailer99 · 10th December 2007, 05:22

Quote: (Originally Posted by Shawn)

Shearwater - Not to mention I don't know ayone who has dove this computer to a depth greater than 300'.

I know 3 people who've taken their Shearwaters past 300' with no problems- I believe one of them took theirs to 350', but I'm not positive about that number.

silentscuba · 10th December 2007, 05:49

I have owned all three computers. The Shearwater for me has been by far the best, hands down. I now own both the original Shearwater GF and the new Pursuit, thank god I was able to sell my other ones.

The Shearwater is a proven design with thousands of dives on it. The factory support is terrific and upgrades are via the internet. I have not heard one complaint about Bruce at Shearwater not taking care of his customers properly

, that is a very big plus in my opinion.

I know several people that have had the Shearwater deeper than 300 ft and it is rated much deeper than that. Each unit is tested to 350-400 ft at the factory.

Just my opinon, but most of it is facts.

***jradomski*** · 10th December 2007, 06:05

Quote: (Originally Posted by Shawn)

HS Explorer - good if you are not doing very deep dives...several people I have talked to said that they have broke at least Explorer (Exploder as called it). So I don't think this computer is durable enough for expadition diving.

Thanks

I know several people that have had this computer in excess of 150m(500fsw) -present company included ..

love the profiles.. success with the computer was hit or miss in the past.. if you had one that worked it worked for a long time... if you didn;t it would typically take a few computers to get a good one..

-current models are oil filled so they should have no depth limit in theory -

VR3 - I really didnt like the deco profiles and had alot of issues with the buttons..

shearwater - not enough experience to comment..

**wedivebc** · 10th December 2007, 06:22

Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski)

-current models are oil filled so they should have no depth limit in theory -

..

Yeah last one we got had a big dime sized bubble in the display.

Get the shearwater

scubagrunt · 10th December 2007, 06:51

Quote: (Originally Posted by Shawn)

Shearwater - I'm leaning this way...nice computer, but to get it with the features I would like to have on it, it has a 2K price tag$$$ Not to mention I don't know ayone who has dove this computer to a depth greater than 300'.

The Shearwater is still $1400 (until dec 31) so it is a great deal. also mine has been deeper than 300 no worries.

cramerdn · 10th December 2007, 08:11

Right now I still use Nitek HEs but I know its time to change to something with constant PO2.

I have seen HS on dive trips but never actually punched the buttons myself.
At DEMA I looked very closly at the shearwater and the Nitek X and I won a VR3 as a door prize.

The VR3 was ebay'ed and I have a Shearwater on its way. Might have chosen the Nitek X over it but its still vaporware and the Shearwater had some better features although bulkier.

10th December 2007, 00:04	#1 (permalink)
OceanOpportunity for a world of water Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Other CCR Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Providence, RI USA Posts: 594	What to buy? HSE, VR3, Shearwater Hey all, in the market for a new computer for my Rebreather. Recommendations? I've done all of my homework on this forum and elsewhere, and am still undecided between the HS Explorer, VR3, and Shearwater. Must haves: single cell monitoring/integrated deco, mixed-gas capable (so they all fit this bill) My hangups: VR3 might do more than I need it to. HS Explorer buttons arent very nice on your gloves (or pruned fingers), Shearwater still the new guy on the block... hopefully someone's input will put me over the edge for one or the other.. Thx __________________ Michael Lombardi Oceans of Opportunity www.oceanopportunity.com Elected Director, Society for Human Performance in Extreme Environments MN'07, The Explorers Club Project Manager, Diving a Dream
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10th December 2007, 00:36	#2 (permalink)
Shawn RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR RB80 / Clone Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR RB80 / Clone Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kansas City Kansas Posts: 157	Re: What to buy? HSE, VR3, Shearwater Im looking at buying a new computer as welll, and her is my thought; HS Explorer - good if you are not doing very deep dives...several people I have talked to said that they have broke at least Explorer (Exploder as called it). So I don't think this computer is durable enough for expadition diving. VR3 - Good computer, but very concervative...might not get alll of the benifits of the CCR out of the deco model it currently uses. Shearwater - I'm leaning this way...nice computer, but to get it with the features I would like to have on it, it has a 2K price tag$$$ Not to mention I don't know ayone who has dove this computer to a depth greater than 300'. So for the mean time I'm going to keep doing it old school with a bottom timer, tables, and the old plan the dive dive the plan mentality. If you do find a good computer you like let me know... Thanks
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10th December 2007, 01:34	#3 (permalink)
mverick ScubaPimp Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 555	Re: What to buy? HSE, VR3, Shearwater Well, My experience on the HS is on her a couple times. But you asked so here goes. HS Explorer, Mine went back 3 times, taking months at a time to get returned. And when I received it back "Fixed" It would make 1 to 3 dives and something else would go wrong. Capacitor turning into a resistor and eating batteries. As in, I put a new battery in and it wouldn't have enough voltage to run the computor. Deco info wrong. At past 100ft half the display would dissapear. Computor resetting underwater. Flood Everyone is quick to point out the quality service they receive. And how the multiple times they've sent it in they always get it back. I don't expect to buy a new anything and have to send it back in for a fix after a week. And then have to ship it back in again and again at my cost for shipping. Ship me a quality product. I asked for my money back as it hasn't made 10 successful dives in 3 years. And told him I was tired of testing it. He no longer will service it. Yet, it's never worked right. He also said he upgraded it to the newest version. Well, I just wanted a version that worked. Never happened. Last time he stated it was all new. Case was replaced too. Yet when I got it the scratches in the face plate and the clear protector I put on the screen were still there. So, he didn't replace everything. One time I called I stated it had moisture drops on the inside of the screen. I sent it in. Called him a month afterwards and asked what was wrong with it. He said it flooded. I asked how bad. He said he didn't know, he didn't take it apart yet. Uh, One month and then state the problem yet you haven't touched it. This is not good customer service. Oh, you'll also here from people that "They have the problems fixed now". They told me that when I bought mine too. But, they weren't fixed and never has been fixed. So, if you want to Risk it for $1600 or so ask them if they'll warranty it if it doesn't work. As in Money back Gurantee. Bet they won't. Ask what happened to Abysmal diving. Another HS Explorer fiasco. VR3 Good to me. But, I don't like the deco profiles. To long. Shearwater, I have the old one on my meg. Never had a problem. Like the deco. Will be getting another one for a stand alone. I like what the x1 has to offer but I don't like the battery not being replaceable. When it's dead you loose the 1600 computer. Put a replaceable battery in it and I'd buy one. Last edited by mverick : 10th December 2007 at 01:41.
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10th December 2007, 05:17	#4 (permalink)
Nailer99 RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 280	Re: What to buy? HSE, VR3, Shearwater I have zero experience with the other two, but I love my Shearwater. To be fair, I don't have much experience with it yet, either- I think I'm up to 16 hours on my new Meg, after today- but the Shearwater works flawlessly, so far, and the learning curve is more like a little speedbump- took me about 2 minutes to figure out how it worked.
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10th December 2007, 05:22	#5 (permalink)
Nailer99 RBW Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 280	Re: What to buy? HSE, VR3, Shearwater Quote: (Originally Posted by Shawn) Shearwater - Not to mention I don't know ayone who has dove this computer to a depth greater than 300'. I know 3 people who've taken their Shearwaters past 300' with no problems- I believe one of them took theirs to 350', but I'm not positive about that number.
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10th December 2007, 05:49	#6 (permalink)
silentscuba rEvo CCR Driver Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss rEvo Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic rEvo Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mill Creek, WA USA Posts: 612	Re: What to buy? HSE, VR3, Shearwater I have owned all three computers. The Shearwater for me has been by far the best, hands down. I now own both the original Shearwater GF and the new Pursuit, thank god I was able to sell my other ones. The Shearwater is a proven design with thousands of dives on it. The factory support is terrific and upgrades are via the internet. I have not heard one complaint about Bruce at Shearwater not taking care of his customers properly , that is a very big plus in my opinion. I know several people that have had the Shearwater deeper than 300 ft and it is rated much deeper than that. Each unit is tested to 350-400 ft at the factory. Just my opinon, but most of it is facts. __________________ Curt McNamee rEvo CCR Diver KISS CCR Diver www.silentscuba.com Last edited by silentscuba : 10th December 2007 at 06:42.
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10th December 2007, 06:05	#7 (permalink)
*jradomski* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Classic Kiss rEvo Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: "Da" Bronx Posts: 3,113	Re: What to buy? HSE, VR3, Shearwater Quote: (Originally Posted by Shawn) HS Explorer - good if you are not doing very deep dives...several people I have talked to said that they have broke at least Explorer (Exploder as called it). So I don't think this computer is durable enough for expadition diving. Thanks I know several people that have had this computer in excess of 150m(500fsw) -present company included .. love the profiles.. success with the computer was hit or miss in the past.. if you had one that worked it worked for a long time... if you didn;t it would typically take a few computers to get a good one.. -current models are oil filled so they should have no depth limit in theory - VR3 - I really didnt like the deco profiles and had alot of issues with the buttons.. shearwater - not enough experience to comment.. __________________ Joe Radomski CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10 All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.
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10th December 2007, 06:22	#8 (permalink)
wedivebc Dave Tomblin Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada Posts: 1,507	Re: What to buy? HSE, VR3, Shearwater Quote: (Originally Posted by jradomski) -current models are oil filled so they should have no depth limit in theory - .. Yeah last one we got had a big dime sized bubble in the display. Get the shearwater __________________ Cheers, Dave.... Man is the only animal burdened with the knowledge he will eventually die
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10th December 2007, 06:51	#9 (permalink)
scubagrunt CCR Diva Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Megalodon Classic Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other SCR Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Optima rEvo Other CCR Other SCR Join Date: May 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 441	Re: What to buy? HSE, VR3, Shearwater Quote: (Originally Posted by Shawn) Shearwater - I'm leaning this way...nice computer, but to get it with the features I would like to have on it, it has a 2K price tag$$$ Not to mention I don't know ayone who has dove this computer to a depth greater than 300'. The Shearwater is still $1400 (until dec 31) so it is a great deal. also mine has been deeper than 300 no worries. __________________ "No good deed goes unpunished!" www.silentscuba.com
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10th December 2007, 08:11	#10 (permalink)
cramerdn Obey my dog! Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Townsville QLD Posts: 730	Re: What to buy? HSE, VR3, Shearwater Right now I still use Nitek HEs but I know its time to change to something with constant PO2. I have seen HS on dive trips but never actually punched the buttons myself. At DEMA I looked very closly at the shearwater and the Nitek X and I won a VR3 as a door prize. The VR3 was ebay'ed and I have a Shearwater on its way. Might have chosen the Nitek X over it but its still vaporware and the Shearwater had some better features although bulkier. __________________ "Its better to live one day as a tiger than an entire life as a worm." "But who's ever heard of a worm skin rug?"
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