Best Shearwater Dive Computers for Scuba Diving - 2020 Reviews
Our 2020 List: "5" Shearwater Scuba Diving Computers
Designed with the recreational divers in mind, the Research Teric Wrist Dive is one of the best Shearwater dive computers on the market. Its hose-less design makes it comfortable to use, while a host of functionalities defines its performance.
This wearable includes both open- and closed-circuit air, nitrox, and trimix multi-gas functionality. Recreational, gauge, and freediving modes ensure suitability for all kinds of underwater applications.
One of our favorite things is the possibility to configure and use the Teric as a dive computer but also as a stopwatch, digital compass, or countdown timer.
Tactile (vibration) and audible alarms are designed to keep you safe underwater, but you can also disable them if you don’t want to annoy other divers. Furthermore, this device also provides time-to-surface functionality and comes with multiple gas definition presets.
Comfortable to wear and easy to read, the Teric boasts a full-color AMOLED display. Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with iOS, Android, and Windows devices lets you access diving logs and download firmware updates.
At the same time, this wrist dive computer can connect wirelessly to one or two optional transmitters, giving you the ability to monitor up to two tank pressures.
Super-intuitive, comfortable to wear, and packing a myriad of functionalities, the Teric is undoubtedly a top choice.
The Nerd 2 is one of the smallest yet most capable dive computers manufactured by the brand. An excellent choice for recreational and professional divers who don’t mind spending some bucks on getting the ultimate piece of equipment.
It’s one of the most expensive devices in Shearwater’s line, but its features fully justify the slightly higher premium.
The first thing that strikes is the universal mount that allows you to secure the dive computer within your line of sight. This means that you can fully focus on your dive, knowing that all important dive metrics are easy to see whenever you need to check on them.
Two models – a standalone and one with a transmitter – give you the flexibility to choose. Such upgrades among major model options are pretty common in the world of top dive computer brands ( as in Oceanic dive computers and Suunto dive watches).
A combination of micro-LCD display and magnifying lens also ensures all data is easily visible in the underwater environment.
The two-button interface is really intuitive, giving divers the possibility to switch between multiple diving modes. Ideal for all divers, the computer includes OC recreational, OC technical, gauge, closed-circuit/bailout, external monitoring, and digital compass modes.
Nerd 2’s refined and compact design integrates a powerful lithium-ion battery, and the computer saves up to 1,000 hours of dive in its logbook. A minimum of 18 hours of dive time, fast recharge, and long lifespan are other highlights of this model.
While it’s not the cheapest dive watch out there, the Nerd 2 surely knows how to bring unrivaled value for money.
If you don’t need a dive computer to pair with a transmitter but a rugged and reliable device to integrate with a rebreather for primary or redundant PPO2 monitoring, then the Petrel 2 might be the right Shearwater dive computer for you.
Ideal for most divers, it incorporates OC recreational and technical modes for 3-gas nitrox and multi-gas trimix decompression; it also boasts internal and external fixed PPO2 and real-time monitoring of one or two oxygen sensors.
Gauge, timer, compass, and stopwatch with dive logging features are just some of the other functions you can expect.
Slightly cheaper than the Nerd 2 but still surprisingly capable, the Petrel 2 also features a Fischer connector that allows for external PO2 monitoring of up to three oxygen sensors in a rebreather loop.
Besides all the above, this dive computer is also capable of performing accurate decompression calculations and CNS tracking. Furthermore, a voting algorithm helps you enhance safety even more.
If you don’t want to integrate your dive computer with a rebreather and would rather save even more, know that this model also comes without a Fisher.
Shearwater Research Perdix is perhaps the most basic dive computer that has made it to our list, but it’s a great choice for those who need a reliable device at a wallet-friendly price.
Powered by AA batteries, it lasts 30% longer than the Petrel 2 before it requires a battery replacement; despite its basic design and battery choice, though, this dive computer addresses recreational and technical divers alike.
Indeed, Shearwater did an excellent job of merging state-of-the-art technology with innovative materials, developing a sleekly contoured, highly intuitive, and reliable device capable of keeping you safe underwater.
The Perdix is air, nitrox, and trimix-capable and incorporates an advanced Buhlmann algorithm that provides accurate dive decompression planning. Another nice feature is the digital compass that comes in handy in many situations.
Bluetooth connectivity allows for a quick transfer of your dive logs to a PC or Mac device; however, the computer is not compatible with mobile devices running on Android or other operating systems.
Easy to use, the Perdix boasts a high-resolution 2.2-inch display with an enhanced color range and saturation for easier readability in the marine environment; at the same time, an integrated bungee mount along with the classic strap mounts also adds further value.
True, Shearwater Perdix might not have all the bells and whistles other dive computers on this list have, but it’s undoubtedly a great choice for divers on a budget.
The last Shearwater dive computer we reviewed is the Perdix AI with a transmitter. The upgraded version of the Perdix above, this device retains many of the model’s features and adds some more, for an enhanced diving experience.
The first thing that strikes is the wireless tank pressure integration – a feature made possible by the inclusion of one transmitter in the pack.
This new addition allows you to monitor gas levels without being annoyed by any tubes.
Ideal for both recreational and technical divers, it boasts 5 open-circuit gas switch presets. The AI model also boasts a larger screen that’s easier to read even in darker environments.
Like the Perdix, the AI connects with your devices via Bluetooth, while an optional air integration pairs with an additional transmitter that allows you to monitor two tanks or dive side mounts at the same time.
Powered by AA battery, the Perdix AI withstands up to 40 hours of dive and keeps an extensive logbook of the last 1,000 hours of diving. Intuitive to use, it’s one of the best dive computers if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable wrist computer and transmitter Shearwater combo.