Scooter purchase questions

[Kenny P.]

I would have to disgree with the sentiments expressed on the Nimh batteries. I have one of Rodney's originals and have not had an issue with it for almost two years. I know members of the original X scooter running the rabbit tool batteries without issue to date. Rodney did have an issue with the electronic suite provided by the French for charging the battery, which is why he dumped them. The SS nimh can be burn tested to verify signal drop, whereas you would have to water test or meter the X to check the burn time on it. I feel that the concerns about the Nimh have not borne out, seems to be merely a preference based on battery cost.

JJ,
That was all a very personal appraisal and opinion. I should have stated that more clearly. I will not debate the numerous issues on this topic, but just for my persoanl use, like the tried and trusted use of SLA. I'm sure that like yourself, there are many, many satisfied users of NiMH battery packs, for many applications.
Thanks for your thoughts,
Kenny P.

[jjsteffen]

Kenny, no harm. I was trying to give aw some other opinions based on my personal observations. As many are steering him to a short body unit, he could increase the duration of use of this unit by using Nimh versus the sla batteries. Sure is nice to have the size of an 18 running almost as long as a 26, IMO.

[Gary]

If you think the UV-18 might cover your needs but would like the reduced size and weight of the Ni-Mh batteries you might consider Silent's new model N-19:

http://silent-submersion.com/SALTWATER/index.html

They are new and on backorder right now. I'm waiting for mine to arrive next month sometime.


> 1) Which is better? Lead acid or nickel metal?

I hear Ni-Mh may be more difficult to get a full charge on and are very expensive but they have better capacity and weight and I think are supposed to handle heavy cycling better.

> 2) Given your experience, is it better to go ahead and get a
> longer burning scooter 90-150 min versus 50-90 min?

We've given this a lot of thought lately. We would rather have the lighter scooter which will handle most of our diving the best. For the times we want more renting/borrowing a 2nd scooter seems like a better and more redundantly safe option.

> 3) Are there any "additionals" I need to consider purchasing
> to have everything I need to make full use of the scooter?

If you go with the UV-18/26/Ni-Mh options the UV models have interchangable hulls. You could switch between the larger/smaller scooter and battery for a few hundred extra. However it seems to me that if you got the Ni-Mh option you'd never consider switching to either the same size case with the lower capacity gel battery or the larger heavier one that has about the same capacity.

A scooter course will get you in the water safer, faster and farther then self-taught (and you best not even think that any damage to the cave is acceptable). Seems a waste of money to buy a $3500 scooter and not spend even $100 learning how to use it.

Chargers and basic riding gear are likely included with your purchase. Extra batteries are unlikely to be needed if you ever do find you need them buy them then.

Some sort of tow strap may be needed but are minimal cost.

PM me so there aren't any rule problems.

No problem with the rules, the way the question was presented, but this might fit better in the Gear, Equipment & Tools for Cave Diving Forum.

As far as Forum rules, you can discuss a product, just not the company that makes the product.

Ditto!

1) Which is better? Lead acid or nickel metal?

I use the Lead acid batteries, but I bought my UV26 about 7 years ago (I have replaced the batteries 3 times now). The Nimh has advantages, including less weight, but it also has disadvantages (one being the cost). The choice depends upon your comfort and purpose.

2) Given your experience, is it better to go ahead and get a longer burning scooter 90-150 min versus 50-90 min?

I use a UV-26. It works great for all the caves that I want to use it in and it provides an extra safety margin with the longer burn time for a single dive. You also need to consider the number of cave dives you want to use the scooter for in one day (you might not have access to power for a top-up charge). Several long dives in a day, with out a recharge, might be a problem with the shorter burn time.

I sometimes use a dolly to help cart it around (less strain on the back for a 100lb load). A UV-18 works better for wrecks and beach dives, although I needed the burn time at Lauderdale by the Sea and some of the caves that I dive. The batteries were almost dead after returning from the deeper reef line.

3) Are there any "additionals" I need to consider purchasing to have everything I need to make full use of the scooter?

A nice charger, rope and a clip for a tow harnesses, a double ender clip for attaching to another scooter (towing) or to yourself (to clip off both ends), a burn tester, an additional scooter for longer pushes, mounted camera housings (if you want), tire tubes to cover the latches, optional size tubes and batteries (UV-18.).