Snap-on Solus Ultra vs. Solus Edge

[bob_the_builder]

I have been thinking about upgrading my OTC3111Pro scanner to a Snap-on scanner (home use only). The main reason for the upgrade is for bi-directional control. I should also mention I mainly work on GM vehicles but I do occasionally work on friends vehicles which are a variety of makes and models.

Right now I can get a used Solus Ultra (15.2 software and no Euro) or a Solus Edge brand new with the latest software and Euro but the Edge is about double the cost.

People that have used both do you feel its worth spending an extra $1400 CAN for the Edge. The main difference, or what I see you get for the extra $1400 is upgraded software, Euro coverage, touch screen and Suretrack. (not sure how much benefit Suretrack is).

I was also looking at the Ethos Pro as it has bi-directional control but it does not have the built in trouble shooter which for a person that does not have any other places for data such as All Data, etc... the trouble shooter is nice.

Just looking for opinions right now.

Bob

 

[shockwave]

Go for the edge with the euro and up to date it will pay for itself thru the dealer but keep in mind updates will be atleast 550 a year if you keep up or around 800 for out of date

 

[tjmonsen5]

They are very similar tools, edge is smaller faster lighter and sure track. Keep in mind you can choose to update a snapon scanner twice a year when they release updates, or once whenever you feel like it or never at all. It will never stop working and you will never need to make up payments for missed updates. Same price 550 if you catch it at the right time of the year whether you are up to date or not.

 

[bob_the_builder]

Is there a big benefit to Sure Track?

 

[tjmonsen5]

If you have internet in your garage, when you pull a code the scanner connects to the sure track database and tells you the most common fix for that particular code. It is based on work orders completed by shops all around the world, using the Mitchell 1 and shop key shop software. Gives you a great starting point on where to go first.

 

[dsimatt]

They are very similar tools, edge is smaller faster lighter and sure track. Keep in mind you can choose to update a snapon scanner twice a year when they release updates, or once whenever you feel like it or never at all. It will never stop working and you will never need to make up payments for missed updates. Same price 550 if you catch it at the right time of the year whether you are up to date or not.

Snap on is doing that special price rights now, you get the 16 update and they throw in the 17 for free. I have a solus pro that's at 15 and what confuses me and my dealer couldn't answer is if I wait till say the 19 update will I get all the years up to 19 or just get the 19 update?

I like my pro, its slow and bulky but I got it for just working on my own stuff and the price was right so I couldn't pass it up.

 

[tjmonsen5]

I am 99% sure that 17.2 which comes out in April is the FINAL update that will be offered for old solus/ solus pro. Its time to trade up to a solus edge. No more personality keys, touch screen, so much faster.
But yes, if you scanner is supported with updates until 2019, if you didnt update a single time until then... it would load all previous updates into the tool for the same price as buying a single update. no penalties for waiting to update.

 

[dsimatt]

Thanks, I figured it was that way but he was being pretty elusive on answering my question, I'll just keep using mine till it dies which hopefully is not for a long time as I can't justify the cost of a new one.

 

[bob_the_builder]

My dealer said that if you buy the updates every year you get a discount as part of a loyalty program however you can skip a few years but you pay for the updates at full price.

Bob

 

[L.Cheapo]

Silly question, but are future updates really needed if your current update covers all the model years you own?

In other words, my newest vehicle is currently a 2015. If I had a currently updated scan tool, would I need next years update and the ones after it if I do not acquire any newer vehicles that are out of warranty by then? Do the updates generally include added features for out of production vehicles?

 

[tjmonsen5]

Yes actually the updates actually contain MORE older cars and new tests and functions than they do just adding new cars. Updates are not about just being able to plug into the newest vehicles. They are about adding older cars and allowing you to do more with them.

 

[dsmnickk90]

I am 99% sure that 17.2 which comes out in April is the FINAL update that will be offered for old solus/ solus pro. Its time to trade up to a solus edge. No more personality keys, touch screen, so much faster.
But yes, if you scanner is supported with updates until 2019, if you didnt update a single time until then... it would load all previous updates into the tool for the same price as buying a single update. no penalties for waiting to update.

Where did you hear that they are going to be dropping support for the solus pro?

 

[tjmonsen5]

Its still going to be supported, from a repair standpoint, just no further updates after 17.2 . It has reached its capacity of memory and speed for the new functions.

 

[dsmnickk90]

Its still going to be supported, from a repair standpoint, just no further updates after 17.2 . It has reached its capacity of memory and speed for the new functions.

I have 16.4 on mine. I wonder if I should get rid of it and upgrade

 

[dsimatt]

I have 16.4 on mine. I wonder if I should get rid of it and upgrade

What do you use it for, I got mine used for $400 and use it only on my stuff and looking at friends stuff so no way to justify the money a new one costs.

 

[asm154]

Whatever you do, don't ask this guy for advice:

 

[dsimatt]

Whatever you do, don't ask this guy for advice:

I had that same scanner for a couple weeks and honestly he's not that far off about that one.

 

[bob_the_builder]

Still been thinking about scanners. For the people that have the new Solus Edge, does it have the capability to reset service intervals / oil light reset. There is lots of info on the Modis how it has a one touch button feature but I was not sure if this was built into the Solus but you have to search for it in the functional test section or something.

Bob

 

[superbovine]

It depends on the model for the service resets, but most vehicles in the database will either have a reset option or it will load a page describing how to do it if it can be done manually.
The sure track is not that great... It is mostly just an assortment of anecdotal repairs ("70% of people reported X fixed it", and if you do high volume of any particular model or models you'll see the system is heavily flawed. There are other bits to it, but nothing I can't live without.
Also keep in mind that sure track is a subscription service. When your current snap on update expires, so does sure track. It comes in six month packages with each system update.

That said, the separate "troubleshooter" function is far more useful (includes interactive help where it uses bidirectional to walk you through the steps without having to back out of troubleshooter and go back into active testers etc). Troubleshooter is included with the tool and not subscription based. It also includes code and symptom based recommendations like sure track does, but also for free.

I've used the Solus ultra, edge and Verus Pro. The Verus (after ssd upgrade) was the one I've kept long term. I still consider getting another ultra though. It was very fast and not too bloated, sometimes​ you don't need to drag out the big gun and it worked great in that respect.

 

[bob_the_builder]

It depends on the model for the service resets, but most vehicles in the database will either have a reset option or it will load a page describing how to do it if it can be done manually.
The sure track is not that great... It is mostly just an assortment of anecdotal repairs ("70% of people reported X fixed it", and if you do high volume of any particular model or models you'll see the system is heavily flawed. There are other bits to it, but nothing I can't live without.
Also keep in mind that sure track is a subscription service. When your current snap on update expires, so does sure track. It comes in six month packages with each system update.

That said, the separate "troubleshooter" function is far more useful (includes interactive help where it uses bidirectional to walk you through the steps without having to back out of troubleshooter and go back into active testers etc). Troubleshooter is included with the tool and not subscription based. It also includes code and symptom based recommendations like sure track does, but also for free.

I've used the Solus ultra, edge and Verus Pro. The Verus (after ssd upgrade) was the one I've kept long term. I still consider getting another ultra though. It was very fast and not too bloated, sometimes​ you don't need to drag out the big gun and it worked great in that respect.

Thanks for all the helpful information. I had no idea Sure Track is subscription based. It sounds like it might be better to get the used Solus Ultra and when needed a few years down the road update the software. Other than size I don't see as many benefits to upgrade from an ultra to an edge.

Bob

 

[superbovine]

You're welcome.
If you aren't going to be updating it regularly and getting the sure track, then the ultra is the better move dollar for dollar. You can often find them reasonably priced a good bit less than the edge. Just try to find one with a recent update. The ultra is nice and fast and not terribly bulky, there isn't substantial speed or size benefit to the edge.
Truth be told I wish I still had my ultra; it was so convenient, like borderline $20 handheld code reader convenient. Hauling out the Verus to read a single fault code is a pain. Four channel oscilloscope is really nice on it though.

 

[Jeeper]

I have a solus edge. It's fast, easy to use. In my opinion there isn't much difference between the two. Now I haven't used the ultra but it's basically the same thing. But in the used market, I have seen the prices of edges and ultras all over the place. I payed 1400 for mine about a year ago and it has the euro kit. In a few years I may get the software update but it may be cheaper to just buy a used updated scanner then.

 

[VRStrickland]

Yes actually the updates actually contain MORE older cars and new tests and functions than they do just adding new cars. Updates are not about just being able to plug into the newest vehicles. They are about adding older cars and allowing you to do more with them.

This is very very true. And, if what I understand is true, will continue to be true until the end of this year when the right to repair aagreements will require that all OEMs release all functionality at the same time the model is released. They will no longer be able to only release specific tests or functions and maintain others as proprietary starting one January 2018.


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[SteveMorris]

I have had both the only thing I liked better was the bigger screen on the edge .you have to have current update for suretrack to work which is ridiculous even if you have shopkey pro .I also liked the way the scrolling works better on the ultra for data it scrolls one pid at a time instead of a whole page. the edge didn't have oil reset either only modis edge I believe

 

[bob_the_builder]

I really wish the solus had the oil reset feature. It is simple but very helpful. I notice that the option is not in the 15.2 software update but it might been in 16.4 according how I read their software update.

Bob