With so many dive computers to choose from how do you know which one is the best scuba diving computer? Well, we have loads of experience with dive computers and we have some opinions on the top performer.
The best scuba diving computer on the market is the Shearwater Perdix
You don’t need to be a technical diver to get the best out of the Perdix. This is a scuba diving computer that will expand its functionality as you expand your dive training and level of technical dive skills. It will not flood you with options that you don’t need. There are multiple modes from open-circuit recreational scuba diving, to more technical versions of open-circuit that can handle Trimix all the way through to closed-circuit/bailout for technical rebreather usage.
The screen is bright, clear, has a clean layout, it’s easy to read, and colour where it’s needed most.
The buttons are sensors that detect when you apply pressure, one on each side. That means they work with very thick gloves and are very easy to handle with the thumb and first or middle finger.
The Perdix air integration (AI) part of the system works extremely well. It doesn’t need to pair each time you turn it on, thankfully. You enter the transmitters serial number into the Perdix and that’s it. It gets the pressure readings extremely quickly and the ability to have two transmitters showing on one screen when you sidemount dive is just brilliant.
The Perdix also has a digital compass that actually is good at its job, and works upside down, vertical, you name it, it just works. Setting a bearing is simple and once done you get a nice green indicator on that bearing and a red one on the reverse. But the best bit is that it then shows how many degrees you are away from that bearing.
Some extra details
The battery is user-replaceable AA’s so never a problem to source. In the box comes all the little extras like a Bluetooth dongle, spare o-rings, two methods of strapping (nice thick elastic straps/rubber tubing), screen protector already installed etc.
It doesn’t beep. It alerts you by using colour and background changes. For example, it makes you aware that you are close to a limit by flashing colours and background changes along with messages that need to be confirmed when you breach a safety or self-imposed limit.
Any downsides?
There are no major downsides. It’s not a small watch on your wrist so you won’t be taking it to parties to impress people with. It’s also not the cheapest scuba diving computer, but for the functionality and ability to understand the situation you’re in at any point in a dive, then it’s worth the money.
Best scuba diving computer summary
The Shearwater Perdix is not cheap but definitely worth the investment!
Come see us at Big Blue Tech Koh Tao, or at our, retail store, Drift in Sairee Village, and ask us about the student discounts we offer when you are signed up with Big Blue Tech! Then join us for your Tech Internship program and use that new Perdix on some awesome technical dives around the island.
