30 January 2023
In this product review, we look at why we believe the Shearwater Perdix 2 is the best dive computer for mixed gas technical divers whether diving open circuit or rebreather in 2023. The keywords here are mixed gas and CCR.
If you're not using Helium for deeper diving and don't use or intend to use a rebreather in the future, and are happy to monitor your tank pressure with a standard SPG, then you'd certainly save by investing in the all-singing and dancing sibling of the Perdix, the Shearwater Peregrine. (You can read our review of the Shearwater Peregrine > here).
But if you want a robust, reliable and future-proof cutting-edge dive computer that covers mixed gas diving, read on:
The Shearwater Perdix 2 Dive Computer is a device that targets technical mixed gas divers and can be used for fixed PPO2 CCR diving (as a backup) or a full-fledged decompression computer for OC dives with staged decompression.
It is, by and large, Shearwater’s toughest and most reliable full-size computer supporting multiple gases, Open Circuit and CCR mode and supersedes the original and very popular (discontinued) Shearwater Perdix computer.
At the present time the second generation Perdix comes in two colour finishes: The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti (a.k.a Silver) and the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Black dive computers. Other than the cosmetic difference, both units are identical.
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Dive Computer Features
Shearwater research has brought a number of enhanced features to the discontinued Perdix computer with the Perdix 2: Tough, Titanium, strong vibration and ability to monitor up to 4 transmitters being the highlights of this new unit.
These improvements make it our best dive computer for mixed gas technical diving in 2023 as was the previous Shearwater Perdix in the recent past.
The armoured casing with precision titanium surround bezel and dependable titanium piezo touch buttons protect performance-enhanced electronics.
Also, the unit's aluminosilicate glass lens guards a fantastic 2.2” bright screen and offers improved clarity, impact, and damage resistance.
Above all, integration with up to 4 optional Shearwater Swift transmitters allows room to grow from a first computer to a powerful, proven advanced technical diving solution with multiple cylinders.
All of this is delivered using the trusted and easy-to-find user-changeable single AA battery and familiar ergonomic compact form factor.
Does the Shearater Perdix 2 have an audible alarm?
Does the Shearwater Perdix 2 vibrate?
No, and yes. In addition to all the features above, the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti dive computer has a strong vibration customisable alert system (that you'll not miss!) to draw attention at critical moments of your dive.
This is more effective than sound which can be difficult to hear when diving with a hood, or ascertain which computer is sounding an audible alarm when diving in a small group. As we said, it's hard to miss!
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Dive Computer Dive Modes
We don't say "singing and dancing" for nothing as the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Dive Computer comes with so many features, you need to check them out on the product pages.
Of course, what's the most important for us divers are the dive modes of this unit and we'll just take a quick look at what it does:
Air / Nitrox / 3 GasNx
- 3 gas nitrox computer for the serious recreational diver
- User customisable display layout
- Optionally air integrated using Swift transmitters
OC Technical
- Trimix enabled by default
- Optionally air integrated
CC/BO
- Closed Circuit/Bailout
- Trimix enabled
- Constant PO2 for closed circuit
- Optionally air integrated for diluent, oxygen and bailout gases
Gauge
- Depth, time, resettable stop watch function
- Full dive logging
- Tank pressure information accessible in the information screens
On top of all of these, the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti dive computer is able to support up to 4 Swift transmitters at the same time, giving readings from 4 different cylinders.
With smart AI technology, the Swift creates a highly reliable connection, listens for other transmitters, and only communicates when the channel is clear by avoiding collision with other signals.
Now, you can use multiple transmitters near each other without worrying about potential interference.
Typical for Shearwater Research the multiple transmitter technology reflects growing trends in technical diving. Sidemount divers, backmount divers, divers with stage bottles, and even rebreather divers can benefit from this.
All in all the Shearwater Perdix Ti dive computer is a masterpiece.
Take the high-resolution easy-to-read display for instance: The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti boasts a 2.2" display with a vivid, enhanced colour range and saturation. Its impact-resistant toughened aluminosilicate glass screen offers superior clarity in all conditions.
What's more, the screen brightness can be adjusted to meet the requirements of your diving conditions, whether there is too much ambient light where brightness matters or a darker cave environment where you may be better off dimming the screen.
By the same token, we get an incredibly robust yet lightweight and low-volume, low-profile dive computer that is easy to control with a 2-button interface and an innovative state-aware easy-to-follow menu structure.
From user-replaceable battery to multiple language support (13 in total!), option to upgrade to VPN - all of the above make the Shearwater Perdix Ti dive computer the best dive computer for technical divers in 2023.
Visit our product pages to read more and choose between the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti (a.k.a Silver) and the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Black dive computers.
"Shearwater offers a worldwide 2-year warranty on all computers. The warranty is linked to the unit's serial number and not the user."
