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 have or intend to have a rebreather, don’t need to monitor your tank pressure, then you’d certainly save by investing in the all-singing and dancing sibling of the Perdix, the Shearwater Peregrine.
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. It is, by and large, Shearwater’s toughest and most reliable full-size computer supporting multiple gases, Open Circuit and CCR mode.
It supersedes the original and very popular (discontinued) Shearwater Perdix computer and comes in two colour finishes: The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti (a.k.a Silver) and the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Black dive computers.
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Dive Computer
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 Shearwater Perdix 2 have audible alarms? Does the Perdix 2 Ti Vibrate?
No, and yes. In addition to all the features above, the Perdix 2 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!
What’s more, the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti dive computer is available in two colour finishes: Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti and Perdix 2 Ti Black the only difference between them is the colour scheme.
Shearwater Perdix 2 Multiple Diving Modes
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
Optional Air Integration of the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Dive Computer
The Perdix 2 is capable of displaying tank pressure in all modes.
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.
This advanced technology is leveraged by Shearwater’s new firmware which includes support for up to 4 transmitters on compatible Shearwater models.
Typical for Shearwater Research the multiple transmitter technology reflects growing trends in technical diving. Sidemount divers, backmount divers, divers with stage bottles, even rebreather divers can benefit from this.
Likewise, the no-tools design makes it easy to remove and replace the Swift from the 1st stage (gone is the need to find a particular size tool to tighten or loosen the transmitter, making it perfect for travel!)
A double o-ring seal protects a user-replaceable 3v CR2 lithium battery offering up to 300 hours of time. The LED status indicator lets the diver know things are functioning as they should at a glance during setup.
High Resolution Easy to Read Display
One of the most talked about features of the Shearwater computers lineup is their high-resolution, bright and easy-to-read displays.
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.
Thin Low Profile Design – 2 Button Control Interface
Another aspect that makes the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti the best dive computer in 2023 is the low profile, low-weight design of this unit. The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti is 30% smaller in volume than the Petrel 2. Its two-button interface makes it easy to navigate. Navigation is like a breeze, it’s not just simple but has a state-aware easy-to-follow menu structure.
Other highlights of the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti
User Replaceable Batteries for both Perdix 2 and Transmitter
The Perdix 2 works with any standard AA battery and the transmitter uses a 3V CR2 Lithium.
Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
This enables communication with PC, Mac, iPod, and iPad with lower power consumption.
User Customizable Display
Customize your display with information important to you.
Multiple Languages
Languages include: English, French, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, German, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, Italian, and Spanish.
Cloud Control
Download and display dive logs quickly with Bluetooth® wireless technology. You can display as much or as little information as you need. The Shearwater cloud is available in 13 languages.
These all make the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti the best dive computer for technical divers in 2023.
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Dive Computer Warranty
Shearwater offers a worldwide 2-year warranty on all computers. The warranty lives with the unit, not with the original purchaser. This means that whether you buy your unit from us or second-hand, the warranty will still be effective. As the warranty is linked to the computer’s unique serial number you do not need to register your computer.
Shearwater will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace defective products covered under warranty but do note, unauthorised repairs, modifications, accidental damage or negligence are not covered by the warranty.
To benefit from this manufacturer warranty you need to contact the Shearwater support team directly at info@shearwater.com or fill out the RMA form at https://www.shearwater.com/rma-request-form/ . Should you suspect a warranty issue, do not return the unit without first obtaining an RMA – which authorises the return. You can find a list of authorised service centres at https://www.shearwater.com/support/ to process local warranty issues.
You can upgrade your Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Dive Computer
Optional VPM-upgrade
The Perdix AI comes with Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm with Gradient Factors installed but you can upgrade it to VPM-B with a special PIN, giving you the option of using the standard GF deco or switching to VPM-B. Once you select this option we will organise the unlock code for your specific model and serial number. You will then need to update your firmware to the latest firmware before using the PIN code.
VPM or the Varying Permeability Model is a decompression algorithm that attempts to model the behaviour of bubbles within the human body during decompression. The algorithm was initially developed by David Yount in laboratory testing and coded into Fortran by Erik Baker.
Shearwater Research has implemented VPM-B according to the original Erik Baker Fortran specification. In addition to implementing the Baker model, Shearwater Research has added a new option. VPM-B dive profiles often have deep stops to control bubble formation with reduced time at shallow depths.
The reduced shallow depth time can be quite aggressive with VPM-B so Shearwater Research has included a VPM-B Gradient Factor Surfacing (GFS) option. VPM-B/GFS allows VPM-B dives to be executed while ensuring that a gradient factor of 90% is never violated.
Find out more about the Shearwater Perdix 2 dive computer
Want to find out more? You can read or download the (PDF) Shearwater Perdix 2 Recreational Manual or the Shearwater Perdix 2 Recreational Manual today and see how many features this excellent unit has.