Shearwater Perdix AI review

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Where Suunto, Mares, Cressi and Oceanic are recreational dive brands that have been around for decades, Shearwater Research is a relatively new player on the dive market. Founded in 2004, this Canadian brand saw a need among technical divers, the need for a logical and intuitive user interface that wasn’t available in dive computers and rebreather control systems at that time. Shearwater quickly became a major player with their robust and reliable products. Their slogan is Powerful Simple Reliable and that describes their products to a T.

Open circuit and closed circuit dive modes

Although the Shearwater Perdix AI is an intuitive dive computer that seems simple, under the hood it packs a serious punch. Like the original Shearwater Perdix dive computer, the Perdix AI is an incredibly advanced and reliable dive computer aimed at advanced divers, ranging from serious recreational divers to hardcore tec divers. To support these different dive styles, the Shearwater Perdix AI has four different dive modes: Recreational and Technical Open Circuit, Closed Circuit/Bailout and Gauge. In both OC and CC modes divers can use up to 5 gas mixes.

Shearwater Perdix air integration

Although Shearwater calls the feature ‘air’ integration, other gas mixes can be used. Tank pressure can be displayed in all dive modes and can be shown in Bar or PSI. The Shearwater Research Perdix supports up to two transmitters, which makes it ideal for sidemount diving. Gas pressure for two tanks can be shown simultaneously, but Gas Time Remaining (GTR) is calculated based on the assigned tank and based on the current Surface Air Consumption (SAC) rate. GTR calculations on the Shearwater Perdix AI are meant for no-stop (i.e. no decompression) single-tank diving. Even if you don’t want an air integrated computer, the transmitter is completely optional. The Perdix also functions perfectly well without a transmitter.

Shearwater tank pressure wireless transmitter

The Perdix AI supports up to two transmitters (if you want more, take a look at the Hollis TX1 which supports up to six or the Suunto Eon Steel, which supports up to ten). This also works for a sidemount configuration. Shearwater transmitters are manufactured by Pelagic Pressure Systems (PPS). The Perdix AI is designed to work with existing tank pressure transmitters. If you already own a wireless air integrated transmitter for an Oceanic, Hollis or Aeris air integrated dive computer, it can be paired with the Perdix AI. Please note that the transmitters supplied by Shearwater are not shipped O2 clean and can only be safely used with gas mixtures up to 40% O2. Compatible 100% O2 transmitters are sold by other vendors.

Customizable display

Divers should have the most important information available at a glance, even under less than perfect diving circumstances. Shearwater focusses on presenting all the information a diver needs as clear and simple as possible. So the Perdix AI has a 2.2” full color LED LCD screen, large digits and only two menu buttons. The contrast of the display is automatically adjusted, based on the available light. So it can be easily read both at the surface and at depth. Using the systems setup function of the Shearwater Perdix AI, you can determine where and how certain pieces of important information are displayed. You can customize your display to show exactly what you want and need to see during your dive.

Other great features of the Shearwater Perdix AI

The Perdix dive computer comes with a digital compass (3 axis, tilt compensated) that is highly accurate and easy to use. It doesn’t have wet contacts, but will automatically turn itself on based on pressure increase. The casing has a maximum depth of 850 ft (260m) but depth accuracy is guaranteed to 435 ft (130m). At greater depths the sensor will continue to function, but it will be less accurate. Both the Perdix AI and the transmitter have user replaceable batteries. The computer uses an easy to replace AA battery. The Shearwater Perdix AI uses the Buhlman GF algorithm, with optional VPM-B algorithm. Like with the Suunto Eon Steel, the firmware of the Perdix is upgradeable, which means the computer will continue to grow and develop with you. This amazing dive computer also has an integrated bungee mount and it supports a lot of languages: English, French, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, German, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, Italian, and Spanish.

Shearwater Perdix Ai vs Suunto Eon Steel

	Shearwater Perdix AI	Suunto EON Steel
Algorithm	Buhlman GF, VPM-B optional	Suunto Fused™ RGBM
Gas mixes	5 OC / 5 CC	10
Interface	2 buttons	3 buttons
Battery	User replaceable	Rechargeable
Transmitters	2	10
Upgradeable firmware	✓	✓
Price	$$$$	$$$

Shearwater Perdix review – our conclusion

With the Perdix AI Shearwater has managed to introduce a high tech dive computer that will appeal to both tec divers and serious recreational divers. It’s an incredibly powerful dive computer that will continue to grow with you as you progress in diving. The upgradable firmware means you may never have to buy another dive computer again. The Perdix AI is made for divers by divers and it shows. It has all the features you need and no unnecessary bells and whistles. Its logical and intuitive interface can be customized to your needs, which makes it the best dive computer for you. If you’re a serious diver, you really can’t go wrong if you buy a Shearwater Perdix AI.

Looking for more dive computer reviews and comparisons? Take a look at our Ultimate Buying Guide For the Best Dive Computers.

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