Interesting question, sure to bring diverse answers.
For the most part, it will come down to installer preference. It's what your are familiar with, comfortable
with and what fits your needs. Any major brand is reliable if we limit the discussion to the actual R/S
unit. I have used Ultra Start, Avital, Viper, Prestige and even a few Bulldog units over the years. All
work well when matched to the vehicles needs and installed properly. As for vehicles needs, some installs
need extra ignition outputs, defroster control, total closure, etc. Some brands / models are more suited
for certain vehicles.
As for Compustar programming vs Viper programming both have a handheld programmer ( BitWriter / OP-500 )
that makes life easier. Both manufactures have special functions that can only be modified with that
special programmer. Some Compustar units can be programmed with a special cable and a PC signed in to
Compustar. This is usually done during bypass module Flash. Makes bench prep fast and easy.
Of course this brings us to what I consider the most important area of a R/S install, the bypass module.
The bypass module is doing more and more with the newer CAN bus systems, making them essential and
a critical part of any R/S install. They save time, reduce under dash wiring and provide many bonus
functions ( heated seats, rear defog, etc ). I'll keep this part of the discussion to a comparison
of a Viper 4706 with a DB3 bypass module and a Compustar CS4900-s with an iDatalink ADS AL-CA bypass
module. Yes, Viper has newer all-in-one modules just like Compustar and iDAtalink. And yes, there
are R/S standalone/only setups with and without remotes but I'm guessing your question has to do with
the more typical install. I can't say much about DB3's because I've never used one. I have read a bunch
of posts about them but false info abounds on the internet. I use iDatalink bypass module and sometimes
Fortin units. They are extremely solid units with excellent firmware. But for the DIYer, Directed's
recent purge and restrictive access policy has pretty much locked out DIYers, hence your question
and need to switch. While you can buy a XKLoader, you can use it unless to have dealer authorized
access. A lot of the newer vehicle installs use a Key2GO ( KLON ) process on the bypass module that
requires a 2 step flash process. Getting a DB3 bypass module flashed by the online seller for a
new Honda still requires a second connection and flash for Key2GO.
Most people I know that have switched to Compustar and iDatalink have no regrets and most never
looked back. I'll admit I'm biased so hopefully we will get some input from some DEI users that
will highlight their brands strengths.
Soldering is fun!