Suunto D4F Black Freedive Computer Review

By
Globo Surf
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Features

The Suunto D4F is a dive computer with plenty of features and extensive usability at a fair price. That value will last you through years of dives especially if you know how to care for your dive computer properly. It has the following features:

  • Large screen with an electro-luminescent backlight configurable from off to 5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 seconds
  • Imperial and metric unit programmable: you can change the settings on the computer to display in metric or imperial units so you don’t worry about manual conversions
  • The surface countdown timer activates when you reach 4 feet/1.2 meters deep
  • Dive log can hold up to 140 hours of dive time which can be uploaded to a computer through the use of a USB cable sold separately
  • Apnea timer available for internal training through ventilation time, number of intervals, and increment time. The last ventilation cycle has to be longer than 5 seconds but shorter than 20 minutes
  • User-replaceable CR 2450 battery lasts 1.5 years at 100 dives/year or 2 years in time mode
  • The low battery indicator lets you know when batteries need to be replaced
  • Updateable firmware to help make this Suunto freediving computer last

Specifications

Dimensions: 48.6 x 43.8 x 16 mm/1.91 x 1.72 x 0.63”

 Weight: 86 g/3.03 oz.

 Display: Matrix, 49 x 22 resolution

 Backlight: Electro-luminescent

 Materials: Elastomer rubber strap, stainless steel bezel, composite case, and mineral crystal glass face

 Maximum Depth Display: 100m

 Algorithm: Suunto RGBM

 Operating Temperature: 0° C to +40° C / +32° F to +104° F

 Logbook Memory: ~140 h (20 s sampling rate)

 Sampling Rates: 1, 2, 5 s

 Battery Life: 1.5 years with 100 dives/year,

 Battery: CR 2450, User-replaceable

 User Experience

Size and Fit: The Suunto D4F is a model that balances being large enough to see and small enough to easily wear. There were some complaints about the strap of the diving computer. While it was generally agreed that the strap is comfortable to wear, some did complain that the holes for the adjustable strap were placed too far apart. Beyond this sizing issue, though, users reported that the Suunto D4F was comfortable to wear both in and out of the water.

Ease of Use: An aspect of the Suunto D4F that receives constant praise is how easy it is to use. It has a simple interface that’s easy to program to your preferences and needs such as setting alarms, backlight duration, and depth notifications. However, there aren’t so many features that it’s overwhelming to use even for beginner divers. Since the buttons and interface are large, they’re easy to use even with gloved hands.

Readability: This Suunto freediving computer is as easy to read as it is to use. It has a sizeable interface with a matrix screen and a segmented display that makes determining on-screen information easily. It also has a configurable backlight with a duration ranging from off to 60 seconds, making it easy to read in low light conditions. You can also switch between imperial and metric units which throws conversion concerns out of the window.

Functionality:  The Suunto D4F has a single-mode as a freediver watch. This limits some more advanced features that frequent or advanced divers might want. However, it makes it a great, affordable option for new and casual divers who don’t need to splurge on those same complex features.

That isn’t to say that this Suunto Freedive computer is without its useful features, though. For instance, the apnea timer will help you train to improve your breathing technique in the water. This can be done through changing increment and ventilation times as well as the number of intervals. Users can also program depth warnings to go off if the diver goes deeper than they expected to. It also has a surface countdown timer that self-activates once you reach a depth of 4 feet/1.2 meters. 

Pros:

  • Simple interface is super easy to use even for new divers
  • Extensive customization and adjustability through programmable features
  • Rugged design meant to last through years of dives
  • Suunto’s solid reputation in diving gear

Cons:

  • The USB cable to update logs and dive data to a computer not included. You have to purchase it separately.
  • The protective mineral crystal face isn’t scratch-resistant
  • The battery is replaceable but not rechargeable
  • The bulky design may not be suitable for day-to-day wear

Overall Rating

Overal_Rating

  • Ease of Use: 100% – The Suunto D4F has a sizable matrix screen with large buttons that are easy to use both in and out of the water. There are plenty of features for divers to use but it’s designed in a way that these features aren’t overwhelming.
  • Functionality: 90% – There are plenty of functions that the Suunto D4F has to help with effective and safe diving. Some features aren’t included in this diving computer such as a built-in compass. It also only has a free dive mode.
  • Design: 95% – The design of this watch makes it comfortable to wear and easy to use in and out of the water. As with most dive watches, though, it has more bulk to it than a standard watch which can make it a little unsuited to wear in a more professional setting.
  • Price: 90% – Suunto D4F offers value for everything it does. It does come at a slightly higher price than its competitors but it comes with the durability and quality that comes with the Suunto name.
  • Overall: 93% – Suunto D4F is a high-quality dive computer for a reasonable price. There are some features that frequent divers might miss but it’s a great choice for recreational or new divers.

You might also like:  Scuba Gear Hangers

Globo Surf Overview

The Suunto D4F Freedive Computer stands up to the Suunto name and delivers quality to divers. Because of the features, it offers and how easy it is to get the hang of using it, it’s a great option for new and recreational divers. It’s freediving capabilities and components such as an apnea timer and extensive dive log make this a freediving computer one that you can depend on. It does lack some of the more advanced features that experienced or professional divers might want – the most obvious being multiple dive modes. It’s a worthy option for those trying to get into diving, though.

Single Scuba Products Reviews:

Sources

  1. Suunto D4F Dive Computer
  2. Safe Diving With Suunto Dive Computers
REVIEW OVERVIEW
Suunto D4F Black Freedive Computer Review
SUMMARY
The Suunto D4F Freedive Computer is designed for freediving, snorkeling, and spearfishing.
5
OVERALL SCORE