Table of Contents
This article reviews the best advanced recreational diving computers—Garmin Descent Mk3i, Shearwater Perdix 2, and SCUBAPRO G2—comparing their features and functionality to help divers choose the ideal device for precision, safety, and versatility underwater.
| Category | Weight | Garmin Descent Mk3i | Shearwater Perdix 2 | SCUBAPRO G2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display and Readability | 0.20 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Features and Functionality | 0.25 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 0.15 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Navigation and Air Integration | 0.20 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Durability and Build | 0.10 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Battery Performance | 0.10 | 4.5/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Total | 1.00 | 4.90/5 | 4.85/5 | 4.65/5 |
Editor’s Choice
For advanced recreational diving, the Garmin Descent Mk3i is our Editor’s Choice, offering a cutting-edge combination of AMOLED display, GPS navigation, air integration, and multi-sport functionality.
With its exceptional readability, advanced dive and navigation tools, and versatile fitness tracking capabilities, the Descent Mk3i stands out as the ultimate dive computer for divers who demand top-tier performance both underwater and on land. Its durable construction and comprehensive dive modes make it a reliable choice for any advanced recreational diver.
Final Verdict: ★★★★★ (4.90/5)
| Image | Product | Ratings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Garmin Descent MK3i |
| Click for Best Price |
 | Shearwater Perdix 2 |
| Click for Best Price |
 | SCUBAPRO G2 |
| Click for Best Price |
Introduction
Advanced recreational diving requires dive computers that provide more than just the basics, offering enhanced safety, customization, and user-friendly features for experienced divers. These devices deliver a blend of high-performance functionality, advanced metrics, and durability, making them perfect for divers who want to elevate their underwater experience.
In this review, we examine three top-tier advanced recreational diving computers: the Garmin Descent Mk3i, Shearwater Perdix 2, and SCUBAPRO G2. Each of these models stands out for its unique features, including air integration, customizable displays, and advanced navigation tools, catering to the diverse needs of experienced recreational divers.
Whether you’re exploring challenging dive sites, integrating multiple gas blends, or seeking precise navigation, this guide will help you choose the ideal dive computer for your underwater adventures.
What Divers Should Look for in Advanced Recreational Diving Computers
Comprehensive Dive Modes
- Air and Nitrox Support: Essential for recreational dives, with flexibility for varying gas mixes.
- Multiple Gas Support: For divers exploring advanced techniques or extending dive times with multiple tanks.
- Gauge Mode: Allows divers to monitor depth and time while relying on external tables for planning.
Display and Readability
- High-Resolution Displays: Bright, clear screens like AMOLED or color displays improve readability in low-light and murky water conditions.
- Customizable Layouts: Enables divers to prioritize metrics like depth, no-decompression time, or tank pressure.
- Large Fonts and Intuitive Graphics: Essential for quick and easy data interpretation during dives.
Navigation and Air Integration
- Integrated Compass: A digital compass helps divers maintain orientation underwater without carrying extra equipment.
- GPS and Surface Navigation: GPS capabilities allow marking dive sites and precise navigation to and from locations.
- Air Integration: Monitors real-time tank pressure and air consumption, improving safety and dive management.
Durability and Build Quality
- Rugged Construction: Materials like titanium, stainless steel, or sapphire crystal offer resistance to scratches and impact.
- Waterproof Ratings: High-depth ratings ensure reliability for recreational divers exploring deeper sites.
Battery Performance
- Long Battery Life: Crucial for extended or multi-dive trips. Rechargeable options reduce the cost and hassle of battery replacements.
- Cold-Weather Efficiency: A reliable battery is essential for divers in cooler environments where temperatures affect performance.
Connectivity and Dive Logging
- Wireless Syncing: Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity ensures easy transfer of dive data to apps for analysis and sharing.
- Detailed Logs: Comprehensive logging, including dive profiles, temperature, and gas consumption, is invaluable for post-dive analysis.
- Compatibility with Dive Apps: Integration with popular platforms like Shearwater Cloud, Garmin Connect, or SCUBAPRO LogTRAK enhances functionality.
Ease of Use and Customization
- Intuitive Menus: User-friendly navigation ensures easy adjustments during dives.
- Glove-Friendly Design: Large buttons or touchscreens are critical for usability in cold or challenging conditions.
- Personalized Alerts: Configurable alarms for depth, time, and gas consumption provide an extra layer of safety.
Value and Features
- Advanced Metrics: Features like decompression tracking, gradient factors, and tissue loading graphs cater to experienced divers.
- Multi-Sport Versatility: Devices like the Garmin Descent Mk3i combine dive functionality with fitness tracking for added value.
- Price-to-Performance Ratio: Ensure the features align with the cost, maximizing value without overpaying for unnecessary extras.
Why It Matters
Advanced recreational divers require dive computers that provide reliable safety features, precise data, and enhanced usability to meet the demands of challenging underwater environments. Choosing a model with the right combination of features ensures confidence, convenience, and enjoyment on every dive.
Why These Three Advanced Recreational Diving Computers Are Ideal
Garmin Descent Mk3i
Why It’s Great for Advanced Recreational Diving:
- AMOLED Display: Bright, high-resolution visuals ensure clear readability of dive metrics in all conditions.
- Air Integration: Monitors real-time tank pressure and air consumption for safer and more efficient dive management.
- Advanced Navigation: GPS and surface mapping allow for precise dive site marking and return navigation.
- Multi-Sport Functionality: Tracks fitness metrics and supports a variety of sports, making it ideal for active divers.
- Durable Build: Titanium bezel and sapphire crystal offer ruggedness for challenging dive environments.
Best For: Divers who want a feature-rich dive computer with top-tier navigation, multi-sport functionality, and air integration.
Shearwater Perdix 2
Why It’s Great for Advanced Recreational Diving:
- Customizable Display: The large, bright screen allows divers to prioritize key metrics like depth, gas mix, and no-decompression time.
- Air Integration: Supports multiple tanks, making it suitable for complex dives.
- Extreme Durability: Titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire glass withstand harsh underwater conditions.
- Extended Battery Life: User-replaceable AA battery offers flexibility and reliability for multi-day dive trips.
- Advanced Metrics: Features like gradient factors and decompression tracking cater to experienced divers.
Best For: Technical-minded recreational divers who value ruggedness, customization, and reliability.
SCUBAPRO G2
Why It’s Great for Advanced Recreational Diving:
- Full-Color Display: Vibrant visuals and intuitive graphics enhance the readability of dive metrics.
- Integrated Compass: A 3D digital compass simplifies navigation underwater.
- User-Friendly Design: Straightforward menus and customizable settings make it easy to use for divers of all levels.
- Comprehensive Dive Modes: Supports air, Nitrox, Trimix, and CCR diving, catering to various recreational and technical needs.
- Wireless Connectivity: Syncs seamlessly with SCUBAPRO’s LogTRAK app for dive log management and analysis.
Best For: Divers seeking a user-friendly, versatile dive computer with advanced features and excellent display quality.
Key Takeaways
- Garmin Descent Mk3i: Best for divers looking for a premium, feature-packed dive computer with GPS navigation and multi-sport capabilities.
- Shearwater Perdix 2: Ideal for divers who prioritize rugged durability, customizable displays, and advanced metrics for complex dives.
- SCUBAPRO G2: A versatile, user-friendly option with excellent display quality and compatibility for a range of dive types.
Comparison at a Glance
| Category | Weight | Garmin Descent Mk3i | Shearwater Perdix 2 | SCUBAPRO G2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display and Readability | 0.20 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Features and Functionality | 0.25 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Ease of Use | 0.15 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Navigation and Air Integration | 0.20 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Durability and Build | 0.10 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Battery Performance | 0.10 | 4.5/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Total | 1.00 | 4.90/5 | 4.85/5 | 4.65/5 |
Summary of Ratings
- Garmin Descent Mk3i: ★★★★★ (4.90/5)
Best For: Divers seeking premium navigation, multi-sport versatility, and cutting-edge display quality. - Shearwater Perdix 2: ★★★★★ (4.85/5)
Best For: Advanced recreational divers and technical-minded users prioritizing durability, customization, and advanced metrics. - SCUBAPRO G2: ★★★★☆ (4.65/5)
Best For: Divers looking for a versatile, user-friendly dive computer with an excellent full-color display and wide dive mode compatibility.
This comparison highlights the unique strengths of each dive computer, ensuring divers can choose the best option for their advanced recreational diving needs.
Detailed Dive Computer Highlights
Garmin Descent Mk3i
Why It Stands Out:
- AMOLED Display: Stunning, high-resolution visuals provide exceptional readability in any underwater condition.
- Air Integration: Tracks real-time tank pressure and air consumption, enhancing safety and dive planning.
- Advanced Navigation Tools: GPS, surface mapping, and dive site marking help with precise underwater and surface navigation.
- Multi-Sport Functionality: Supports a wide range of sports, including running, cycling, swimming, and hiking, making it versatile beyond diving.
- Rugged Construction: Titanium bezel and sapphire crystal offer durability for challenging environments.
- Comprehensive Dive Modes: Includes air, Nitrox, Trimix, and gauge modes, catering to recreational and technical needs.
Best For: Divers who want a feature-packed, versatile dive computer that excels in both underwater and multi-sport activities.
Shearwater Perdix 2
Why It Stands Out:
- Customizable Display: The large, bright screen allows for easy prioritization of critical dive metrics like gas mix and no-decompression limits.
- Air Integration: Supports up to four transmitters, making it perfect for dives involving multiple tanks.
- Durable Design: Titanium bezel and sapphire glass ensure resistance to scratches, impacts, and harsh conditions.
- Advanced Features: Includes gradient factors, tissue loading graphs, and decompression tracking, catering to experienced and technical divers.
- Extended Battery Life: User-replaceable AA battery ensures reliable power for extended dive trips, even in remote locations.
Best For: Advanced recreational and technical divers who prioritize customization, rugged durability, and advanced dive metrics.
SCUBAPRO G2
Why It Stands Out:
- Full-Color Display: Vibrant, easy-to-read visuals with intuitive graphics enhance dive data interpretation.
- Integrated Compass: A 3D digital compass helps divers maintain orientation underwater.
- Comprehensive Dive Modes: Supports air, Nitrox, Trimix, and CCR diving, covering a wide range of dive types.
- User-Friendly Interface: Straightforward menus and customizable settings make it accessible for divers of all levels.
- Wireless Connectivity: Syncs with SCUBAPRO’s LogTRAK app for dive log management and analysis.
- Ergonomic Design: Compact and lightweight for comfort during dives and travel.
Best For: Recreational divers who value user-friendliness, versatility, and a colorful display for dive data.
Key Takeaways
- Garmin Descent Mk3i: The ultimate multi-sport dive computer with advanced navigation, air integration, and premium display quality.
- Shearwater Perdix 2: A robust and customizable option with advanced features for experienced divers who demand reliability and performance.
- SCUBAPRO G2: A versatile, user-friendly dive computer with a bright display and compatibility with a variety of dive styles.
Pros and Cons
Garmin Descent Mk3i
Pros
- AMOLED Display: Stunning visuals with excellent readability in all conditions.
- Air Integration: Tracks real-time tank pressure for improved safety and dive planning.
- Advanced Navigation: GPS and mapping tools allow precise dive site marking and surface navigation.
- Multi-Sport Compatibility: Tracks fitness metrics and supports a variety of activities, including running, cycling, and swimming.
- Durable Build: Titanium bezel and sapphire crystal ensure longevity in harsh conditions.
- Comprehensive Dive Modes: Suitable for recreational, Nitrox, Trimix, and technical dives.
Cons
- Premium Price: High cost may deter budget-conscious divers.
- Shorter Battery Life: GPS and AMOLED features can reduce runtime on long trips.
- Complex Interface: Rich features may feel overwhelming for beginners.
Shearwater Perdix 2
Pros
- Customizable Display: Allows divers to prioritize critical dive metrics for their specific needs.
- Air Integration: Supports up to four transmitters, ideal for multi-tank setups.
- Rugged Construction: Titanium bezel and sapphire glass provide durability against scratches and impacts.
- Advanced Dive Metrics: Includes gradient factors, tissue loading graphs, and decompression tracking for experienced divers.
- User-Replaceable Battery: AA battery ensures reliability and flexibility, especially for remote dives.
- Intuitive Interface: Simple menu navigation despite its advanced features.
Cons
- No Built-In GPS: Lacks surface navigation tools like GPS or mapping.
- Larger Design: Slightly bulkier compared to more compact models like the SCUBAPRO G2.
- Primarily Dive-Focused: Limited multi-sport or fitness tracking capabilities.
SCUBAPRO G2
Pros
- Full-Color Display: Bright and intuitive graphics make it easy to read dive data.
- Comprehensive Dive Modes: Supports air, Nitrox, Trimix, and CCR diving, catering to a wide range of diving preferences.
- Integrated Compass: A 3D compass simplifies underwater navigation.
- Wireless Connectivity: Syncs easily with SCUBAPRO’s LogTRAK app for dive data management.
- User-Friendly Interface: Straightforward menus and customizable settings for easy operation.
- Compact and Lightweight: Comfortable to wear and travel-friendly.
Cons
- No Air Integration: Does not support tank pressure monitoring.
- Shorter Battery Life: Rechargeable battery may require more frequent charging on extended trips.
- Higher Price for Limited Features: Price may feel high compared to competitors with air integration or GPS.
Key Takeaways
- Garmin Descent Mk3i: Best for divers seeking cutting-edge navigation, multi-sport versatility, and premium display quality.
- Shearwater Perdix 2: Ideal for advanced recreational and technical divers who prioritize durability, advanced metrics, and customization.
- SCUBAPRO G2: A versatile and user-friendly option with excellent display quality and dive mode compatibility, though lacking air integration.
How to Choose the Right Dive Computer for You
Assess Your Diving Style
- Recreational Divers: If your focus is on exploring shallow to moderate depths with standard air or Nitrox, prioritize user-friendly options like the SCUBAPRO G2, which offers intuitive features and comprehensive dive modes.
- Advanced Divers: For deeper dives, multi-gas mixes, or technical setups, models like the Shearwater Perdix 2provide advanced metrics, air integration, and rugged durability.
- Multi-Sport Enthusiasts: If you want a device that transitions seamlessly between diving and other sports, the Garmin Descent Mk3i excels with fitness tracking and multi-sport compatibility.
Prioritize Display and Readability
- High-Resolution Screens: Models like the Garmin Descent Mk3i and SCUBAPRO G2 offer vibrant color displays for easy readability underwater.
- Customizable Layouts: Devices like the Shearwater Perdix 2 allow divers to prioritize the metrics they find most important, such as depth, no-decompression time, or tank pressure.
Consider Air Integration
- Real-Time Tank Monitoring: For divers managing air consumption more precisely, the Garmin Descent Mk3iand Shearwater Perdix 2 offer air integration.
- Optional Add-On or Built-In: Check if air integration transmitters are included or require separate purchase, as with the Shearwater and Garmin models.
Evaluate Navigation Tools
- Integrated Compass: Devices like the SCUBAPRO G2 include a 3D compass for straightforward underwater navigation.
- GPS Functionality: The Garmin Descent Mk3i offers GPS and surface mapping, ideal for marking dive sites and planning return routes.
Check Durability and Build Quality
- Rugged Materials: Titanium or sapphire glass, found in the Shearwater Perdix 2 and Garmin Descent Mk3i, ensure resistance to scratches and impacts.
- Waterproof Depth Ratings: Ensure the computer meets or exceeds the depths you typically dive.
Battery Life and Power Source
- Long-Lasting Power: Rechargeable options like the SCUBAPRO G2 are convenient but may require frequent charging, whereas the Shearwater Perdix 2 offers user-replaceable AA batteries for reliability during multi-dive trips.
Ease of Use
- Intuitive Menus: Choose a model with a simple interface, like the SCUBAPRO G2, if you prefer straightforward operation.
- Glove-Friendly Operation: For cold or deep dives, models with large buttons, such as the Shearwater Perdix 2, are easier to handle.
Budget and Value
- Feature-Rich Options: If you want a premium experience, the Garmin Descent Mk3i offers advanced features like GPS and multi-sport tracking at a higher price.
- Advanced Diving on a Budget: The Shearwater Perdix 2 provides technical-grade features at a competitive price for its category.
- Simpler, Affordable Advanced Features: The SCUBAPRO G2 delivers excellent usability and a great display, offering good value for recreational divers.
Key Takeaways
- Garmin Descent Mk3i: Best for divers seeking a feature-rich, multi-sport device with advanced navigation and air integration.
- Shearwater Perdix 2: Perfect for advanced recreational and technical divers needing rugged durability and customizable displays.
- SCUBAPRO G2: Ideal for recreational divers who prioritize simplicity, versatility, and an excellent display.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Advanced recreational diving computers combine safety, precision, and enhanced features, making them indispensable tools for experienced divers. The Garmin Descent Mk3i, Shearwater Perdix 2, and SCUBAPRO G2 each excel in their own ways, catering to various diving needs and preferences.
- Garmin Descent Mk3i: A premium dive computer with an AMOLED display, GPS navigation, and multi-sport functionality, making it the best choice for divers who demand top-tier technology and versatility.
- Shearwater Perdix 2: A rugged, customizable option with advanced metrics and air integration, ideal for advanced recreational and technical divers seeking durability and reliability.
- SCUBAPRO G2: A user-friendly, full-color dive computer with comprehensive dive modes, perfect for recreational divers who value simplicity and versatility.
