Explore our comprehensive collection of DPV FAQs and direct links to the SUEX website for the latest updates and support.
Imagine effortlessly gliding through the water, covering vast distances with ease, exploring deeper, longer, and with less effort than ever before. That’s the experience of diving with a Suex DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle).
A Suex scooter isn’t just a tool—it’s a game-changer. It takes the physical strain off your legs, allowing you to conserve energy and air while unlocking new dive possibilities. Whether you’re navigating through expansive wrecks, drifting over breathtaking reefs, or pushing the limits in cave systems, a DPV transforms how you move underwater.
And when it comes to diving scooters, Suex is the leader in premium underwater propulsion—trusted by professional divers, technical explorers, and those who demand the very best. Engineered with precision and built to withstand extreme conditions, a Suex DPV isn’t just an accessory; it’s a reliable, high-performance tool that you know will deliver every time.
Strong currents? No problem. Want to see more in a single dive? Done. With a Suex DPV, you go farther, stay longer, and experience more, all while reducing fatigue and making every dive smoother and safer.
Once you experience the power, precision, and confidence of a Suex scooter, you’ll never want to dive without it.
Suex offers a range of DPVs tailored to different diving needs:
– Recreational models, like the VR Series Nemo or Voyager, are user-friendly and suitable for recreational divers.
– Technical models, like the Goldfinder XK, Goldfinder XJ, and even the VR Quantum, are designed for deeper and more challenging dives.
Consider the type of diving you plan to do. Assess factors such as battery duration, depth rating, and overall performance when choosing a model.
Battery life varies by model but generally ranges from 50 to 300 minutes. For example, the VR Quantum offers up to 220 minutes of cruising speed operation, while the Goldfinder XJ can provide up to 310 minutes at cruising speed. Always refer to the specific model’s specifications for detailed battery information.
Speeds vary by model and diver configuration. The Goldfinder XK DPVs max speed can reach up to 328 feet per minute,. whereas the recreational models max out at 230 feet per minute. However, by running at maximum speed the diver will sacrifice battery burn time. So instead, look at the optimal cruise speed the machine is built for.
Note that speed can be adjusted at any time according to the diver’s needs and the conditions of the dive.
Suex DPVs don’t need a lot from you day-to-day, but they do expect a bit of routine care to keep running at their best. You’ll check a few things before and after each dive, and then—just like servicing a regulator—you’ll schedule periodic maintenance with an authorized Suex service center.
Here’s what it looks like in practice:
Before and after every dive
Suex outlines a user-level checklist in the manuals: inspect the O-rings, clean and lightly lubricate sealing surfaces, look for sand or debris around the trigger and propeller, confirm the battery connection, and make sure the DPV runs smoothly on the surface. These steps fall under the S0/S1 “user” maintenance level and require no tools.
Annual service (every 1 year or 100 hours)
Once a year—or after about 100 hours of operation—the scooter needs “ordinary” preventive maintenance performed by an authorized Suex technician (S2 level). This includes deeper inspection, seal and gasket checks, and component assessments using Suex-specified tools.
Major service every 4 years (or 400 hours)
Every four years (or 400 hours), Suex recommends an “extraordinary” scheduled service at an S3-level service center for more extensive internal maintenance. Think of this as a full wellness check for the entire propulsion system.
Repairs and corrective maintenance
Anything beyond basic pre-/post-dive care—like replacing shaft seals, repairing trigger mechanisms, motor noise, or propeller damage—must be handled by an authorized Suex service center. The manuals explicitly state that maintenance above S1 cannot be performed by the user.
Suex had a complete Protocol Management video series on YouTube.
Absolutely! Suex DPVs are versatile and can be used in various environments including open water (Ocean and Fresh), wrecks, caves, and even under ice.
However, it’s crucial to select a model appropriate for the specific conditions of your dive.
Suex DPVs range in price depending on the model and its features. Recreational models like the VR Series are more affordable, while advanced technical and professional models like the XK and XJ series are higher priced due to their enhanced capabilities and performance. Have a look in our Suex Shop to compare.
In addition to the user manual, there are step-by-step video instructions on:
Battery and Charging Management
Adding/Removing Salt Water Ballast
Connecting the Tow Cord
Changing the Handle
Propeller Maintenance
How to Use the Cruise Control
Suex’s Calypso App
Maintenance after Use
You’ll get the best lifespan and performance from your Suex battery if you follow a few simple habits—especially during months when you’re not diving. Lithium batteries are tough, but if they’re neglected, they can fail permanently.
Charge it on a regular schedule (this is critical)
Suex requires that the battery be charged at least once every 60 days.
This is the single most important thing you can do to protect your battery. The internal electronics inside a lithium pack use a small amount of power even when the battery is sitting in storage, and if the voltage drops too low for too long, the battery can enter an unrecoverable state. At that point, it cannot be revived and must be replaced.
Be careful not to ruin your battery over the winter—months of inactivity can result in the pack draining slowly until it’s permanently damaged.
Use the correct charging workflow
Always use the Suex-supplied charger and let the battery reach a full charge. Stopping the charge early or using partial charges reduces long-term performance. Make it a habit to top off your battery after every dive.
Avoid running the battery completely flat
Try to end your dives with some reserve instead of repeatedly draining the pack to 0%. Deep discharges shorten the life of any lithium battery.
Store it the right way
Keep the battery in a cool, dry place and avoid freezing temperatures or high heat. Moisture, humidity, and temperature extremes degrade cell life.
For older Suex models, remove the battery from the scooter for storage.
For VR-Series, leaving it in the scooter is fine—but the 60-day charging rule still applies.
Use moderate speeds when possible
Higher speeds draw significantly more power. Cruise Control and mid-range settings give you longer run times and reduce stress on the battery.
Use only genuine Suex batteries and chargers
Off-brand chargers or modified batteries can overheat, damage the pack, confuse the Battery Management System (BMS), and voids eligibility for warranty service. Stick with factory parts for safety and longevity.
Your Suex DPV relies on a handful of critical seals to keep water out of the motor, battery, and control systems. The manuals call out several warning signs that an O-ring or shaft seal may be compromised, and these are the cues you should pay attention to during your pre- and post-dive checks.
Common signs of a damaged seal or O-ring
Oil or grease around the propeller hub or cone – The manuals note that visible oil or greasy residue near the propeller usually means the external shaft seal is worn and needs service.
Slow or progressive flooding – Even a very slow leak is a red flag. Suex states that any sign of gradual flooding requires replacing all O-rings and inspecting the sealing surfaces carefully.
Difficulty turning the propeller knob – Excess effort or grinding can indicate seal deformation or internal friction from water ingress.
Moisture or condensation inside the nosecone – This often points to a nose O-ring that’s pinched, dry, dirty, or damaged.
Can I replace the O-rings myself?
The user can replace the basic sealing O-ring you access when opening the scooter (nosecone/body interface). This falls under what the manuals define as user-level care requiring no tools.
Anything beyond that—shaft seals, motor-side seals, propeller shaft seals, starting piston seals, control-system seals—must be done by an authorized Suex service center (D3 Diving, for example).
How to replace a basic O-ring (the user-serviceable type)
Here’s the safe, manual-friendly workflow:
Remove the O-ring gently
Lift it out without twisting or stretching.
Inspect the groove and sealing surface
Look for sand, hair, scratches, or any debris. Clean with a lint-free cloth.
Lightly lubricate the new O-ring
A thin, even film of silicone grease improves the seal and reduces wear.
Seat the new O-ring carefully
Make sure it isn’t rolled, twisted, or pinched.
Close the scooter and check for uniform compression
The nosecone should close smoothly, with no uneven gaps.
If the scooter ever shows recurring leaks, unexpected moisture, or any of the symptoms above, stop diving it and have it evaluated. Those issues often indicate a deeper problem that only an authorized service center can diagnose and repair.
A Suex scooter should run smoothly. If you hear grinding, rattling, whining, or anything that feels “off,” the manuals point to a few likely causes:
Common reasons for unusual noise
Motor wear — A noisy motor means the scooter needs service.
Propeller damage — Cracks, a damaged hub, or a skipping clutch will create vibration or rattling. These parts must be replaced.
Seal issues — Oil or grease near the propeller is a sign of a failing shaft seal, which requires a service-center repair.
Debris in the trigger or drive system — Sand or grit can cause scraping noises or a sticky trigger.
Damaged or overtightened propeller knob — This can cause the clutch to skip and make noise.
What you can check yourself
• Ensure the prop turns freely and isn’t rubbing.
• Clean out sand or debris around the prop and trigger.
• Inspect the prop knob and pin for visible damage.
When to stop using it
If noise increases, comes with vibration, or you see moisture/oil, stop diving the scooter and have it inspected. Anything beyond a basic clean falls under S2/S3 service and must be handled by an authorized Suex center.
Suex batteries are designed to last for years, but all lithium-ion packs slowly lose capacity over time. You’ll notice this first as shorter runtimes at the same speeds or a battery that seems to drain faster than it used to. Both the VR-Series and Goldfinder DPV manuals note that age, temperature, and heavy use naturally reduce a battery’s effective capacity.
A healthy battery should still reach a full charge and deliver consistent performance. When runtime drops significantly, the battery struggles to charge fully, it’s time to have it checked.
Suex service centers use a standard benchmark: if a battery delivers less than roughly 80% of its original runtime during a controlled burn test, it’s considered end-of-life and should be replaced. Users don’t perform this test themselves; this is done only by an authorized Suex center during standard servicing.
Additionally, you should replace or service the battery immediately if you see moisture, corrosion, physical damage, or dramatic changes in performance.
If your battery isn’t pairing with Suex’s Calypso App, it usually comes down to a simple connection or setup issue. Here are the steps to check:
Make sure the battery is powered and recognized by the scooter
• Confirm the battery is connected to the motor and the scooter is switched ON.
• If you’re pairing an off-board battery, connect it to the charger and make sure the charger is plugged into the wall.
The Bluetooth system only activates when the scooter is ON or the battery is connected to the charger.
Restart the system
• Turn the scooter OFF and remove the battery.
• Wait a few minutes, reconnect it, and turn the scooter ON again.
Check your phone and the app
• Make sure Bluetooth is ON and functioning properly.
• Confirm the Calypso App is installed and updated.
• Make sure you are not wearing a Smartwatch or other Bluetooth enabled devices are on and near the DPV battery.
• During first-time pairing, look for the device name SUEX_BATT_xxxxxx and select that identifier.
If pairing fails, restart the app and your smartphone, then try again.
If it still won’t connect
There may be an internal electronic issue that requires professional diagnosis. Suex specifies that anything beyond basic checks must be handled by an authorized service center.
A quick system check before every dive protects your scooter, your battery, and your dive plan. Suex’s pre-dive routine is simple, and after a few dives it becomes second nature.
Inspect the O-rings and sealing surfaces
Open the scooter, remove any sand, hair, or debris, and make sure the O-rings are clean, smooth, and lightly lubricated. If an O-ring looks pinched, dry, cracked, or damaged, replace it before diving.
Check the battery connection and charge level
Make sure the battery is fully seated, the contacts are clean, and the battery is fully charged. You can use the Calypso App to check that the battery status (some older models may not work with Calypso).
Look for any signs of moisture or residue
The interior of the nosecone and body should be completely dry. Any condensation, oil, or unusual smell is a stop-dive sign and needs to be inspected before use.
Verify the propeller spins freely
Turn the prop by hand to confirm it moves smoothly without rubbing, scraping, or resistance. If the knob or clutch feels off, address it before entering the water.
Test the trigger and speed controls
Turn the scooter on and briefly run it at the surface. The trigger should move cleanly, Cruise Control should engage normally, and the scooter should respond smoothly at all speeds without unusual noises or vibration.
Confirm all accessories are mounted correctly
Handles, tow cords, and accessories should be secure and streamlined. A loose accessory can affect balance and performance.
Check overall condition of the body and hardware
Look for cracks, deep scratches, corrosion, or impact damage—especially around the prop hub, handle, and nosecone threads.
Always follow the Suex manual for a comprehensive pre-dive checklist.
