When I first bought my Shearwater Perdix AI back in 2016 I thought I would own the best dive computer in the market for many years to come.
Fast forward to 2022 (and more than 1000 dives on my belt), Shearwater has managed to surprise me once more by coming out with an even better, rugged and more powerful dive computer such as the Perdix 2 Ti.
The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti is hands down the best dive computer any diver could wish for. No matter if you are a recreational or technical diver, whether you dive in warm or cold water, the Perdix 2 Ti’s extensive range of features is geared towards supporting all possible dive profiles, making this dive computer the most versatile on the market.
In this post, I’ll be reviewing extensively the Perdix 2 Ti, including its physical appearance and its full list of features and specifications. If you are doubting whether the Perdix 2 Ti is the right option for you, I will also provide you with my honest opinion on whether you should consider buying it or not.
But before we move on to the full review, let me expand a bit on the testing conditions and on the evaluation criteria.
Testing Conditions and Evaluation Criteria
The Perdix 2 Ti is my go-to choice whenever I am not obliged to use other dive computers (this is sometimes the case when I want to wear the same dive computer as my students).
I have therefore been using it in many different environments and dive profiles. From dive classes in swimming pools, dive trips in the Maldives, Caribbean, Indonesia, or Red Sea, to cold water winter diving in lakes, I’ve had the opportunity to test the Perdix 2 Ti really in extremely different environments (and visibility conditions). To date, I have done over 500 dives with my Perdix 2 Ti, including teaching, recreational, and technical dives.
In terms of evaluation criteria, and to try and avoid writing a review that is positively biased, I have taken the following main criteria into account:
- Price/performance ratio: I assess whether the pricing is fair, given the specs and features of a dive computer.
- Versatility: I assess to what extent a dive computer can be effectively used for different dive profiles and conditions.
- Ruggedness: I assess to what extent a dive computer is delicate and needs special attention or whether it is sturdy and does not need any special treatment.
- Ease of use: I assess to what extent a dive computer can be easily set up both on the initial installation
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Overview of the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti
The Perdix 2 Ti comes in a semi-rigid zippered protective case (ideal for travel) containing:
- dive computer itself,
- wrist straps with buckles,
- elastic cord to configure the “bungee” wrist mount,
- dual o-ring seal battery door,
- two spare battery door o-rings.
The computer also comes with a screen protector already installed to prevent scratching the display face. As soon as you purchase the Perdix 2 Ti, I suggest downloading from Shearwater’s website the Shearwater Cloud software. Shearwater Cloud is compatible with both MS Windows and MAC OS X, and is substantially an advanced dive log manager supporting log downloads and firmware updates via the Perdix’ Bluetooth interface. Once you have installed the software, you will be able to download dives on your smartphone super quickly (I usually do it right after each dive, even from a dive boat).
PRO Tip: The zippered protective case that comes with the Perdix 2Ti is good for traveling but not really waterproof nor highly protective against serious shocks (e.g. tank falling on your computer on a dive boat). For greater protection, I suggest investing in the Pelican 1050 Watertight Hard Micro Case with Rubber Liner.
I also recommend purchasing one spare battery (AA type) to carry along in case of need. In case of long dives, batteries can run down quite easily.
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Features
- Full color 2.2” LCD display
- Rugged computer construction
- Titanium bezel
- User replaceable battery
- Customizable vibration alerts
- Programmable depth sampling rates
- Depth sensor calibrated to 130 msw
- Depth sensor function past 300 msw
- Crush pressure rating of 260 msw
- 6 independently configurable diving modes
- Simplified recreational modes (Air & Nitrox)
- 5 customizable gases in technical diving modes
- Any combination of Oxygen, Nitrogen and Helium (Air, Nitrox,Trimix)
- Full decompression and CCR Support
- Bühlmann ZHL-16C with gradient factors standard
- Optional VPM-B and DCIEM decompression models
- No lockout for violating deco stops
- CNS Tracking
- Gas Density Tracking
- Quick NDL and full decompression planner built in
- Simultaneous wireless pressure monitoring of up to 4 cylinders
- Sidemount diving features
- Tilt compensated digital compass with multiple display options
- Bluetooth Dive log uploading to Shearwater Cloud
- Free firmware updates
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Specifications
| Specification | Perdix 2 Ti |
| Operating Modes | Air Nitrox3 GasNx (3 Gas Nitrox) OC TecCC/BOGauge |
| Display dimensions | Gauge Display Full color 2.2″ QVGA LCD with always on LED back light |
| Pressure (depth) sensor | Piezo-resistive |
| Accuracy | +/-20 mbar (at surface) +/-100 mbar (at 14bar) |
| Calibrated Depth Sensor Range (Maximum Rated Depth) | 0 bar to 14 bar (130 msw, 426 fsw) |
| Crush Depth Limit | 27 bar (~260msw) Note: this exceeds the calibrated depth sensor range. |
| Surface Pressure Range | 500 mbar to 1040 mbar |
| Depth of dive start | 1.6 m of sea water |
| Depth of dive end | 0.9 m of sea water |
| Operating Temperature Range | +4ºC to +32ºC |
| Short-Term (hours) Temperature Range | -10ºC to +50ºC |
| Long-Term Storage Temperature Range | e +5ºC to +20ºC |
| Battery | User Replaceable AA Size, 0.9V to 4.3V |
| Battery Operating Life (Display Medium Brightness) | 45 Hours (AA 1.5V Alkaline) 60 Hours (1.5V Lithium) 100 Hours (SAFT LS14500) |
| Communications | Bluetooth Low Energy (4.0) |
| Compass Resolution | 1° |
| Compass Accuracy | ±5° |
| Compass Tilt Compensation | Yes, over ±45° pitch and roll |
| Dive Log Capacity | Approximately 1000 hours |
| Battery cap o-ring | Dual o-rings. Size: AS568-112 Material: Nitrile Durometer: 70A |
| Wrist Attachment | 2 x 3/4″ Elastic Straps with Buckles, or 2 x Bungee Cord (3/16″ diameter cord) |
| Weight | 190 g |
| Weight 190 g Size (W X L X H) | 81mm X 71mm X 38mm |
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti: Who Is It For?
The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti is a dive computer for beginner to highly experienced divers. No matter your diving level, if you are willing to make an investment in a dive computer that can accompany you throughout your diving experience, the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti is the optimal solution.
Recreational Divers
If you are just starting out diving and are already planning to progress into technical diving, the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti is definitely the best investment you can make. If you are not planning to progress into technical diving, but are a demanding diver in terms of dive analytics, the Perdix 2 Ti is also an optimal choice.
In its recreational mode, the full color 2.2″ QVGA LCD display shows all the essential information you need at all times. Depth is the largest number on the display, ensuring it is always easily identifiable. Together with the depth you’ll be able to see the dive time, no decompression limit, nitrogen loading, active gas, temperature and time. In the ascent phase, the dedicated color indicator will alert you in case you are going too fast. Upon reaching 5 meters, the 3 minutes safety stop countdown will start, to make sure you won’t stay less time than needed.
In the recreational mode, you can also select additional information to be displayed during a dive by changing the info screen (bottom part of the display). Additional information includes last dive info screen, maximum operating depth, partial pressure of oxygen, degree f conservatism, gradient factor, compass and mini compass.
You can also set customizable vibration alerts in case you are afraid to go beyond a given depth or if you want to be alerted in case your ascent rate is too quick or if you are getting to close to your no decompression limit.
In case you are doing some deep dives, within recreational limits, you can also easily change the degree of conservatism of the Perdix 2 Ti to avoid going into deco. Note that out of the box, the Perdix 2 Ti level of conservatism is set to high. I recommend changing it only after you have accumulated a sound level of experience and after discussing with your dive instructor.
If you are nitrox certified, changing the gas mix on the Perdix 2 Ti is a piece of cake. You can do it in less than 30 seconds before starting a dive. If you often switch between salt and fresh water, changing the water salinity parameters is also extremely simple.
In a nutshell, if you are a demanding beginner diver and want the most powerful dive computer on the market, the Perdix 2 Ti is the way to go and you’ll not regret it.
Technical Divers
According to a survey done by medium.com, Shearwater Computers are the most widely used dive computers by tech divers. 79.1% of technical divers that have taken Medium’s survey have declared to use a Shearwater dive computer. 91.1% of respondents declared they would be considering a Shearwater computer if they were to purchase a new dive computer.
These statistics are quite telling under several aspects. The most important one is that Shearwater Dive computers are widely tested under the most critical conditions. This means they are reliable and almost constantly monitored in terms of quality, reliability, safety and performance. From personal experience, whenever you send some feedback to Shearwater Research, it is immediately taken into account.
No matter the type of technical diving you are into, the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti is able to handle all types of dives. From open circuit technical diving to CCR with bailout units.
The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti uses the Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm with gradient factors (the VPM-B/GFS is also available as an optional upgrade) which is the most widely used and most reliable decompression algorithm in the market.
The unit allows for smooth and quick gas planning, flexibility, and ease in switching gasses or switching from CCR to bailout unit.
It is honestly really hard to find some critiques to the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti. In my honest opinion, the only aspects that could be improved is software integration between Shearwater and some of the most popular decompression software / apps such as V-planner, multideco or GAP.
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti Overall Evaluation
In the overall evaluation of the Perdix 2 Ti, I will start by evaluating its pros and cons. And I have to admit that it took quite some effort to come up with the cons.
| PROS | CONS |
| Suitable for all types of diving (recreational, OC TEC, CCR, BO) Intuitive user interface Continued (free) software updates based on latest research and feedback from high profile divers Unparalleled in-water information options and customization opportunities Large, bright and clear display Tested working depth below 330 feet (100 meters) 5+ gas mixtures including 100% oxygen Easy and quick gas switch Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm User replaceable batteries Air Integration (up to 4 transmitters) including special sidemount mode Integrated and customizable vibration alerts Customizable gradient factor (GF) data including real time gradient factor, predicted deco time, and equivalent gradient factor at surface | Lack of integration with most widely used deco planning software such as v-planner, multideco and GAP Relatively expensive for the occasional diver |
In conclusion, the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti is really the best dive computer on the market. It’s quality, ruggedness, and capabilities are unparalleled, together with the level of research that is behind its powerful software.
After buying the Shearwater Perdix AI, I though it was impossible for Shearwater Research to come with an even better model. To my greatest surprise, the Canadian brand managed once more to beat their own record.
SHEARWATER PERDIX 2 Ti
If you are serious about diving, the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti is the only dive computer you should buy.
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti FAQs
Does the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti have GPS?
The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti does not have a GPS and there is no possibility to integrate external GPS functions.
Does the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti come with screen protector?
The Perdix 2 Ti, and all new Shearwater models come with a pre-installed screen protector. It is a clear anti-scratch film designed by Shearwater. If your Perdix 2 Ti will be highly exposed to scratches (e.g. cave diving), you might want to purchase a silicon protective cover as well.
Does the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti have a compass?
The Perdix 2 Ti has an integrated digital compass compass. It is highly precise, with a 1 degree resolution and a ±5° accuracy. Its 3-axis tilt compensation works incredibly well with over ±45° pitch and roll.
Does the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti vibrate?
The Perdix 2 Ti has a customizable strong vibration system assisting you in all critical moments of the dive. It doesn’t have audible alarms system but its vibration is so strong that you will be able to feel it even with a drysuit and thick undersuit.
What battery is the best for the Perdix 2 Ti?
The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti uses a single 1.5V non-rechargeable lithium battery. According to Shearwater Research, the Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries have the best overall performance characteristics and battery life for use in the Perdix 2. They are less likely to leak and damage your computer and come with a “no leak guarantee”. If you prefer a rechargeable battery, note that the vibration functions will only work with 3.7V lithium rechargeable batteries.
How deep can the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti dive?
The Perdix 2 Ti has a maximum depth rating of 200m / 656ft thanks to its extremely rugged, screw-in construction with precision titanium surround bezel and buttons and toughened aluminosilicate glass screen.
What is new in the Perdix 2 Ti?
The Perdix 2 Ti has a number of new features as compared to its the original Perdix. Both on the software and on the hardware side. On the software side, the vibration alerts and the ability to monitor up to 4 shearwater transmitters are the main highlights. On the hardware side, the damage resistance was increased thanks to the use of tougher materials such as titanium for the armoured casing and aluminosilicate for the glass lens.
What is the standard gradient factor of the Perdix 2 Ti?
The standard gradient factor in the Perdix 2 Ti is 40/85, corresponding to a medium level of conservatism. It can be adjusted based on your preferences.
