Table of Contents
This article reviews the best military and professional diving computers—Shearwater Perdix 2, Garmin Descent Mk2i, and Shearwater Teric—highlighting their advanced features, durability, and precision to help divers choose the ideal tool for demanding underwater operations.
| Category | Weight | Shearwater Perdix 2 | Garmin Descent Mk2i | Shearwater Teric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dive Features | 0.25 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Display and Readability | 0.20 | 4.5/5 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Navigation and GPS | 0.15 | 4.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Air Integration | 0.15 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Durability and Build | 0.15 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Battery Performance | 0.10 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Total | 1.00 | 4.85/5 | 4.85/5 | 4.70/5 |
Editor’s Choice
For military or professional diving, the Shearwater Perdix 2 is our Editor’s Choice, offering unmatched durability, advanced dive metrics, and long-lasting battery performance tailored to the most demanding underwater operations.
With its rugged titanium construction, customizable display, and compatibility with multiple gas types, including Nitrox, Trimix, and CCR, the Perdix 2 is the ultimate tool for technical and professional divers. Its user-replaceable battery ensures reliability in remote locations, making it the most dependable option for extended missions.
| Image | Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Shearwater Perdix 2 |
| Click for Best Price |
 | Garmin Descent Mk2i |
| Click for Best Price |
 | Shearwater Teric |
| Click for Best Price |
Introduction
Professional and military divers demand dive computers that offer advanced functionality, unmatched reliability, and rugged durability to withstand the harshest underwater environments. These devices must support complex dive operations, including multi-gas management, precise navigation, and robust data tracking, while remaining easy to use in high-stress situations.
In this review, we compare three top-performing diving computers for professional and military divers: the Shearwater Perdix 2, Garmin Descent Mk2i, and Shearwater Teric. Each of these models excels in delivering the advanced features, durability, and performance required for demanding underwater missions and technical dives.
Whether you’re performing tactical operations, deep technical dives, or commercial tasks, this guide will help you select the ideal dive computer for professional use.
What Divers Should Look for in Military or Professional Diving Computers
Advanced Dive Features
- Multi-Gas Support: Compatibility with air, Nitrox, Trimix, and closed-circuit rebreathers (CCR) is essential for complex dive operations.
- Decompression Algorithms: Ensure accurate tracking of no-decompression limits and ascent profiles to optimize safety during long or deep dives.
- Customizable Dive Modes: Tailored configurations allow professionals to adapt to mission-specific requirements.
Navigation and Positioning
- Integrated Compass: A digital or 3D compass simplifies underwater navigation in low-visibility environments.
- GPS and Surface Navigation: Marking dive sites and navigating to precise surface locations is invaluable for tactical and operational needs.
- Waypoint Tracking: Essential for mapping routes and conducting repeat dives at specific locations.
Display and Readability
- High-Contrast Screens: Easy-to-read displays ensure quick data interpretation in murky water or low-light conditions.
- Customizable Layouts: Allows divers to prioritize critical information like depth, time, or gas pressure.
- Glove-Friendly Operation: Responsive buttons or touchscreens that work seamlessly with gloves are crucial for cold or deep dives.
Air Integration
- Tank Pressure Monitoring: Real-time updates on air consumption enhance safety and efficiency during dives.
- Multi-Tank Support: Vital for technical and extended dives requiring multiple gas blends.
Durability and Build
- Rugged Materials: Titanium bezels, sapphire crystal screens, and reinforced housings ensure resistance to impacts, scratches, and harsh conditions.
- High Depth Ratings: Devices should be rated for depths far beyond recreational limits to support professional-grade operations.
- Waterproof and Pressure Resistant: Essential for extreme environments, ensuring performance at significant depths.
Battery Performance
- Extended Battery Life: Long-lasting power supports extended dives or multi-day missions without frequent recharging.
- User-Replaceable Batteries: Convenient for field use, ensuring uninterrupted functionality.
Connectivity and Dive Logs
- Comprehensive Data Logging: Accurate recording of dive profiles, gas consumption, and temperature is essential for post-dive analysis and mission planning.
- App Integration: Seamless syncing with dive log software enhances operational reporting and data sharing.
Ease of Use
- Intuitive Interface: Simple, user-friendly menus reduce cognitive load in high-pressure scenarios.
- Configurable Alerts: Audible and visual alarms for depth, time, and gas limits enhance safety.
Why It Matters
Military and professional divers require dive computers that deliver precision, reliability, and adaptability in the most demanding underwater conditions. By focusing on these critical features, you can select a device that ensures safety, supports mission success, and withstands the rigors of professional use.
Why These Three Military or Professional Diving Computers Are Ideal
Shearwater Perdix 2
Why It’s Ideal for Professional Use:
- Advanced Dive Modes: Supports air, Nitrox, Trimix, and CCR, making it versatile for a wide range of dive profiles and technical missions.
- Customizable Display: Large, high-contrast screen with user-configurable layouts ensures critical information is easy to access at a glance.
- Durable Design: Titanium bezel and sapphire crystal screen withstand harsh conditions and frequent use.
- Extended Battery Life: Powered by a user-replaceable AA battery, ensuring reliability for long missions or remote operations.
- Comprehensive Dive Metrics: Includes decompression tracking, gradient factors, and tissue loading data for precise dive management.
Best For: Military and technical divers who require robust durability, advanced metrics, and extended runtime.
Garmin Descent Mk2i
Why It’s Ideal for Professional Use:
- Integrated GPS Navigation: Enables surface mapping, dive site marking, and waypoint tracking for precise operational planning.
- Air Integration: Monitors real-time tank pressure and air consumption, with the ability to track multiple tanks.
- Multi-Sport Functionality: Tracks various activities like running, swimming, and hiking, offering versatility for fitness and training.
- Comprehensive Dive Modes: Supports air, Nitrox, Trimix, and freediving, as well as CCR, accommodating all diving styles.
- Durable Build: Titanium construction with sapphire crystal ensures resilience in extreme environments.
- Full-Color Display: AMOLED screen provides exceptional readability, even in low-light or murky conditions.
Best For: Divers who need a feature-rich dive computer with advanced navigation and multi-sport capabilities for land and water-based operations.
Shearwater Teric
Why It’s Ideal for Professional Use:
- Compact, Watch-Style Design: Combines a full-featured dive computer with the convenience of a wristwatch for everyday wear.
- Advanced Dive Modes: Includes air, Nitrox, Trimix, and CCR capabilities, meeting the demands of technical and professional divers.
- Full-Color AMOLED Display: High-resolution, vibrant screen with customizable layouts ensures clear visibility underwater.
- Air Integration: Real-time tank pressure monitoring for up to two transmitters enhances safety during complex dives.
- Durable Construction: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and robust materials provide reliability in tough environments.
- Rechargeable Battery: Long-lasting power with wireless charging for added convenience.
Best For: Professional divers who need a sleek, versatile, and powerful dive computer that doubles as a daily-use wristwatch.
Key Takeaways
- Shearwater Perdix 2: Best for divers prioritizing rugged durability, extended battery life, and advanced decompression tracking.
- Garmin Descent Mk2i: Ideal for professionals who need GPS navigation, multi-sport functionality, and comprehensive dive modes.
- Shearwater Teric: Perfect for those who value compact design, everyday wearability, and advanced air integration.
Comparison at a Glance
| Category | Weight | Shearwater Perdix 2 | Garmin Descent Mk2i | Shearwater Teric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dive Features | 0.25 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Display and Readability | 0.20 | 4.5/5 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Navigation and GPS | 0.15 | 4.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Air Integration | 0.15 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Durability and Build | 0.15 | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Battery Performance | 0.10 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Total | 1.00 | 4.85/5 | 4.85/5 | 4.70/5 |
Summary of Ratings
- Shearwater Perdix 2: ★★★★★ (4.85/5)
Best For: Military and technical divers who require maximum durability, advanced metrics, and long battery life. - Garmin Descent Mk2i: ★★★★★ (4.85/5)
Best For: Professional divers needing GPS navigation, multi-sport functionality, and comprehensive dive capabilities. - Shearwater Teric: ★★★★☆ (4.70/5)
Best For: Divers seeking a sleek, watch-style design with full dive functionality and air integration.
This table highlights the unique strengths of each model, helping professional divers choose the best dive computer for their operational needs.
Detailed Dive Computer Highlights
Shearwater Perdix 2
Why It Stands Out:
- Advanced Dive Modes: Supports air, Nitrox, Trimix, and closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) configurations, accommodating the most technical dive profiles.
- Customizable Display: The large, high-contrast screen can be configured to prioritize critical metrics like depth, time, and decompression status.
- Durable Construction: Features a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal screen for maximum scratch resistance and durability in extreme environments.
- Air Integration: Monitors tank pressure in real time and supports multiple transmitters for complex dives.
- User-Replaceable Battery: Long-lasting AA battery ensures reliability in remote or multi-day missions.
- Comprehensive Dive Metrics: Includes gradient factors, decompression tracking, and tissue loading data for precise dive planning and management.
Best For: Military and technical divers who need durability, advanced metrics, and dependable battery performance for challenging dives.
Garmin Descent Mk2i
Why It Stands Out:
- Integrated GPS Navigation: Surface mapping, dive site marking, and waypoint tracking offer unparalleled navigation capabilities for surface and underwater missions.
- Air Integration: Tracks real-time tank pressure and air consumption with support for multiple tanks, enhancing safety and dive efficiency.
- Comprehensive Dive Modes: Includes air, Nitrox, Trimix, apnea, and CCR modes to support any dive profile.
- Multi-Sport Functionality: Tracks a variety of activities, including swimming, running, and hiking, making it versatile for both diving and fitness needs.
- Full-Color AMOLED Display: Provides vibrant visuals and clear readability in all environments, from murky waters to bright daylight.
- Rugged Build: Titanium construction and sapphire crystal deliver the durability needed for extreme conditions.
Best For: Professional divers who require GPS navigation, multi-sport tracking, and advanced dive features in a single device.
Shearwater Teric
Why It Stands Out:
- Compact, Watch-Style Design: Combines full dive computer functionality with a sleek wristwatch form factor for everyday wearability.
- Advanced Dive Features: Supports air, Nitrox, Trimix, and CCR modes, meeting the needs of technical and professional divers.
- Air Integration: Real-time tank pressure monitoring supports up to two transmitters for multi-tank dives.
- Full-Color AMOLED Display: Bright, customizable interface ensures clear visibility and user-friendly operation.
- Durable Build: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and robust materials provide reliability during high-intensity use.
- Rechargeable Battery: Offers wireless charging with long battery life, making it convenient for frequent use.
Best For: Professional divers who value sleek design, advanced air integration, and everyday versatility in a compact, powerful dive computer.
Key Takeaways
- Shearwater Perdix 2: A rugged, full-featured dive computer with exceptional durability and precise metrics for demanding technical dives.
- Garmin Descent Mk2i: A feature-rich device with advanced GPS navigation, air integration, and multi-sport functionality, ideal for operational flexibility.
- Shearwater Teric: A compact, watch-style dive computer with advanced features and air integration, perfect for those who value portability and style.
Pros and Cons
Shearwater Perdix 2
Pros
- Advanced Dive Modes: Supports air, Nitrox, Trimix, and CCR, accommodating even the most complex dive profiles.
- Customizable Display: The large, high-contrast screen is easy to read and can be tailored to show critical metrics.
- Durable Build: Titanium bezel and sapphire crystal provide exceptional resistance to scratches and impacts.
- Air Integration: Real-time tank pressure monitoring enhances safety during multi-tank dives.
- Long Battery Life: User-replaceable AA battery ensures reliability for extended missions or remote operations.
- Comprehensive Metrics: Includes advanced decompression tracking, gradient factors, and tissue loading graphs for precision.
Cons
- Larger Size: Bulkier compared to wristwatch-style models, which may feel cumbersome for some users.
- No GPS: Lacks integrated GPS or surface navigation features.
- No Multi-Sport Features: Focused entirely on diving, with no additional fitness or activity tracking capabilities.
Garmin Descent Mk2i
Pros
- Integrated GPS Navigation: Allows for surface mapping, dive site marking, and waypoint tracking for mission-critical precision.
- Comprehensive Dive Modes: Supports air, Nitrox, Trimix, apnea, and CCR, making it versatile for various dive operations.
- Air Integration: Tracks real-time tank pressure and air consumption, with multi-tank capability.
- Multi-Sport Functionality: Tracks swimming, running, hiking, and other activities, making it versatile beyond diving.
- Full-Color AMOLED Display: Bright, vibrant visuals ensure excellent readability in all conditions.
- Rugged Design: Titanium construction and sapphire crystal provide durability for extreme environments.
Cons
- Higher Price Point: Premium features come at a cost, making it one of the most expensive options.
- Battery Life: Shorter dive mode runtime compared to the Shearwater Perdix 2, especially with GPS usage.
- Complex Interface: Rich features may feel overwhelming for divers who prefer simplicity.
Shearwater Teric
Pros
- Compact, Watch-Style Design: Combines full dive computer functionality with a sleek and portable wristwatch form factor.
- Advanced Dive Features: Supports air, Nitrox, Trimix, and CCR, meeting the demands of professional and technical divers.
- Air Integration: Real-time tank pressure monitoring supports up to two transmitters for multi-tank dives.
- AMOLED Display: Bright, colorful screen with customizable layouts ensures clear visibility underwater.
- Rechargeable Battery: Wireless charging offers convenience and reduces long-term maintenance costs.
- Everyday Usability: Stylish design makes it suitable for daily wear and non-diving activities.
Cons
- Shorter Battery Life: While sufficient for most dives, it doesn’t last as long as the Perdix 2, particularly for multi-day missions.
- No GPS: Lacks integrated surface navigation, limiting its utility for location-specific operations.
- Smaller Screen: While compact, the smaller display may not suit users who prefer larger, more detailed visuals.
Key Takeaways
- Shearwater Perdix 2: Best for professional divers prioritizing durability, advanced metrics, and extended battery life.
- Garmin Descent Mk2i: Ideal for those needing GPS navigation, multi-sport functionality, and comprehensive dive modes.
- Shearwater Teric: Perfect for divers who value a compact, watch-style design with full dive capabilities and air integration.
How to Choose the Right Dive Computer for You
Evaluate Your Diving Requirements
- Recreational vs. Technical Diving: If your dives involve multiple gases, rebreathers, or complex profiles, choose a computer like the Shearwater Perdix 2 or Teric that supports Nitrox, Trimix, and CCR.
- Operational Tasks: For missions requiring precise navigation, surface mapping, or site marking, the Garmin Descent Mk2i with GPS capabilities is a top choice.
- Compact vs. Full-Screen: A compact, watch-style design like the Shearwater Teric is ideal for portability, while larger displays like the Perdix 2 provide enhanced visibility for critical metrics.
Prioritize Display and Readability
- High-Contrast or Color Screens: Models like the Garmin Descent Mk2i and Shearwater Teric feature vibrant AMOLED displays for superior readability.
- Customizable Layouts: Choose a computer that allows you to configure your screen to prioritize key metrics such as depth, gas pressure, or decompression limits.
- Glove-Friendly Operation: Ensure buttons or touchscreens are responsive for use in cold water or with gloves.
Consider Navigation and GPS Features
- Surface Mapping: For location-based operations, the Garmin Descent Mk2i offers GPS and waypoint tracking for dive site marking and navigation.
- Integrated Compass: A digital or 3D compass is essential for underwater navigation, available on all three models.
- Mission Flexibility: If navigation is critical to your operations, prioritize models with advanced GPS capabilities like the Mk2i.
Assess Air Integration Capabilities
- Real-Time Tank Monitoring: All three models offer air integration, allowing you to track tank pressure and air consumption in real time.
- Multi-Tank Support: If you use multiple tanks, ensure the device can manage multiple transmitters, like the Garmin Descent Mk2i or Shearwater Perdix 2.
Durability and Build Quality
- Rugged Construction: For harsh environments, look for titanium bezels and sapphire crystal screens, as found on all three models.
- High Depth Ratings: Ensure the device is rated well beyond your operational depth requirements (100m+).
- Scratch and Impact Resistance: Critical for military or professional use where conditions can be extreme.
Battery Life and Power Source
- Extended Battery Life: For long missions, the Shearwater Perdix 2 offers the best longevity with user-replaceable AA batteries.
- Rechargeable Options: If convenience is a priority, the Shearwater Teric and Garmin Descent Mk2i provide reliable rechargeable batteries.
Dive Logs and Connectivity
- Comprehensive Data Logging: Ensure the computer records detailed dive metrics for post-dive analysis and mission reporting.
- App Integration: Garmin devices sync with Garmin Connect, while Shearwater models integrate with Shearwater Cloud for easy data access and sharing.
Budget and Value
- Advanced Features: If you need top-tier navigation and dive capabilities, the Garmin Descent Mk2i justifies its higher price.
- Durability and Simplicity: For a rugged, long-lasting device focused solely on diving, the Shearwater Perdix 2 is an excellent investment.
- Compact and Versatile: If you prefer portability with full dive functionality, the Shearwater Teric is worth considering.
Key Takeaways
- Shearwater Perdix 2: Best for professional divers requiring durability, advanced metrics, and long battery life for extended missions.
- Garmin Descent Mk2i: Ideal for divers needing GPS navigation, multi-sport functionality, and air integration in a feature-rich device.
- Shearwater Teric: Perfect for those valuing a compact, watch-style design with powerful dive capabilities and air integration.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Professional and military divers require dive computers that deliver advanced functionality, rugged durability, and precise data tracking for complex underwater operations. The Shearwater Perdix 2, Garmin Descent Mk2i, and Shearwater Teric each excel in delivering these critical features, making them outstanding choices for demanding environments.
- Shearwater Perdix 2: A top choice for military and technical divers, offering a customizable display, exceptional durability, and extended battery life for multi-day missions or remote operations.
- Garmin Descent Mk2i: The ideal dive computer for professionals requiring GPS navigation, air integration, and multi-sport tracking, delivering versatility and advanced surface mapping capabilities.
- Shearwater Teric: A sleek, compact option perfect for divers who value portability and everyday usability without sacrificing advanced dive features and air integration.
