RGBM stands for reduce bubble gradient model. It is an algorithm that works in tandem with the dive computers depth sensor and timer to provide your no-deco limits. It is the most fundamental piece of info that any dive computer provides – it’s what keeps you safe and able to keep on diving!
It’s calculated via the dive computer sensing the depth and time its down on a dive and generating decompression stop info according to these readings and based on an algorithm (which is different depending on whether you’re in air or nitrox mode).
Not all dive computers use the same algorithm – whilst different algorithms produce similar info, its not exactly the same!
In the case of the Suunto Zoop Novo (and all other Suunto dive computers), it follows the Suunto RGBM decompression model which is notoriously more conservative than that of other dive computers, meaning it will tell you to spend a little less time at the bottom and for dives will be a tad shorter.
This is actually a really good thing for anyone who is a beginner or even early intermediate diver as it keeps you safer by erring on the side of caution every time.
It’s about the Suunto Zoop Novo is that you can actually adjust it’s RGBM decompression model to be even more conservative which is handy if you have underlying conditions that’d make you more susceptible to decompression sickness. 0 is the standard setting and it’s already pretty conservative at that. But if you want to make it extra conservative set it to 1 or to make it super extra conservative wham it up to 2!
To make your Suunto Zoop Novo RGBM more conservative:
Whilst in any dive mode, hold DOWN for a couple of seconds to navigate to settings adjustment. Press UP to roll the pixelated block over the lines to the second line along from the right. It will say “Personal Altitude”. Press SELECT and on the top row “Personal” move the value from 0 to 1 or 2 and confirm with SELECT. Press MODE to go back.
Now unfortunately unlike more sophisticated dive computers such as the Suunto D5, the Zoop Novo does not have the option to make it’s RGBM less conservative. This is not issue for beginner or early-intermediate divers but after you have a load of experience under your belt you may want a less cautious dive computer in order to spend longer on the bottom and not have to finish your dive so soon.