Garmin Descent Mk3i vs Shearwater Perdix 2 vs Suunto EON Core

The Garmin Descent Mk3i is our top choice for its advanced features and versatility, while the Shearwater Perdix 2 excels for technical diving, and the Suunto EON Core offers simplicity and value for recreational divers.

Category	Weight	Garmin Descent Mk3i	Shearwater Perdix 2	Suunto EON Core
Design and Build	0.15	5.0/5	5.0/5	4.5/5
Display and Readability	0.20	5.0/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Features and Functionality	0.25	5.0/5	5.0/5	4.0/5
Ease of Use	0.15	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Battery Performance	0.10	4.5/5	5.0/5	4.0/5
Value for Money	0.15	4.0/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Total	1.00	4.79/5	4.79/5	4.36/5

Editor’s Choice

For divers seeking the most versatile and feature-packed dive computer, the Garmin Descent Mk3i is our Editor’s Choice. Its vibrant AMOLED display, GPS navigation, air integration, and multi-sport functionality make it an unparalleled tool for advanced divers, underwater photographers, and multi-sport enthusiasts.

Final Verdict: ★★★★★ (4.79/5)

Product	Ratings	Price
Suunto EON Core	★★★★☆ (4.36/5)	Click for Best Price
Garmin Descent Mk3i	★★★★★ (4.79/5)	Click for Best Price
Shearwater Perdix 2	★★★★★ (4.79/5)	Click for Best Price

Introduction

Choosing the right dive computer is critical for divers who demand precision, durability, and advanced features tailored to their underwater needs. The Garmin Descent Mk3i, Shearwater Perdix 2, and Suunto EON Core represent three of the top options available, each excelling in unique ways.

The Garmin Descent Mk3i stands out with its vibrant AMOLED display, GPS capabilities, and multi-sport functionality, making it a top choice for advanced divers and underwater photographers. The Shearwater Perdix 2 offers rugged durability, extended battery life, and a customizable interface, perfect for technical divers tackling challenging environments. For recreational divers, the Suunto EON Core delivers a compact, user-friendly design with essential features at an affordable price point.

This comparison will help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these dive computers, ensuring you choose the best one for your diving style and goals.

Best For: Divers seeking cutting-edge technology, reliability, and tailored features for recreational, technical, or photography-focused dives.

Design and Build

A dive computer’s design and build are crucial for comfort, durability, and ease of use underwater. Here’s how these three models compare:

Garmin Descent Mk3i

Premium Build: Features a stainless-steel bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal lens, ensuring durability in rugged environments.
Sleek and Versatile: A smartwatch-style design allows seamless transition from diving to everyday wear.
Interchangeable Straps: QuickFit bands enable customization for a comfortable and secure fit.
Depth Rating: Rated to 100 meters (328 feet), suitable for recreational and technical diving.
Score: 5.0/5

Shearwater Perdix 2

Rugged Construction: Built with a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal screen for exceptional durability in harsh diving conditions.
Ergonomic Design: Large, clear screen housed in a robust yet lightweight case ensures ease of use underwater.
Depth Rating: Rated to 260 meters (850 feet), making it ideal for technical and deep divers.
Score: 5.0/5

Suunto EON Core

Compact and Lightweight: Designed for comfort, its small form factor reduces drag and bulk during dives.
Durable Materials: Composite case with a bright, color screen protected by a hardened glass lens.
Depth Rating: Rated to 80 meters (262 feet), suitable for recreational and light technical dives.
Score: 4.5/5

Summary

Best for Durability and Depth: Shearwater Perdix 2, with its titanium build and 260-meter depth rating.
Best for Sleek Versatility: Garmin Descent Mk3i, combining rugged materials with smartwatch aesthetics.
Best for Compact Comfort: Suunto EON Core, offering a lightweight design ideal for recreational divers.

Display and Readability

A clear and easy-to-read display is essential for monitoring dive data, especially in challenging underwater conditions. Here’s how these three dive computers perform:

Garmin Descent Mk3i

AMOLED Display: Vibrant, high-resolution screen delivers sharp visuals with excellent readability in any lighting condition.
Customizable Layout: Users can prioritize preferred metrics for quick access to critical information.
Always-On Mode: Ensures data visibility throughout the dive without needing manual adjustments.
Strength: Best-in-class display for brightness, clarity, and customization, ideal for all diving environments.
Score: 5.0/5

Shearwater Perdix 2

Large, High-Contrast LCD Screen: The crisp, easy-to-read display provides excellent visibility even in low light or murky conditions.
Customizable Data Fields: Divers can adjust the layout to focus on key metrics like depth, time, or air integration.
Vivid Colors: Displays data in vibrant colors for enhanced readability and easy differentiation between metrics.
Strength: Highly legible and customizable, suitable for technical divers requiring detailed information.
Score: 4.5/5

Suunto EON Core

Bright Color Screen: High-contrast color display ensures clear visibility of essential dive data.
Customizable Interface: Flexible data presentation allows divers to tailor the layout to their preferences.
Clear Font and Icons: Large, easy-to-read text and symbols improve usability, especially for beginners.
Strength: Reliable and simple display, though less advanced than the AMOLED technology of the Garmin Mk3i.
Score: 4.5/5

Summary

Best for Advanced Display Technology: Garmin Descent Mk3i, with its AMOLED screen providing unmatched clarity and customization.
Best for Technical Divers: Shearwater Perdix 2, offering a large, high-contrast display optimized for detailed data.
Best for Simplicity and Readability: Suunto EON Core, featuring a clear and user-friendly interface perfect for recreational divers.

Features and Functionality

A dive computer’s functionality is pivotal for enhancing safety, performance, and dive planning. Here’s how these three models compare in terms of features:

Garmin Descent Mk3i

Advanced Metrics: Tracks depth, time, ascent/descent rates, and integrates apnea, nitrox, and trimix modes.
Air Integration: Supports multiple tanks with real-time tank pressure monitoring.
Navigation Tools: GPS for surface navigation and site marking, plus a built-in 3-axis compass.
Multi-Sport Functionality: Includes fitness tracking, smartwatch features, and activity profiles for land-based sports.
Connectivity: Syncs with Garmin Connect for dive log analysis and app integration.
Strength: Exceptional versatility, making it ideal for divers who want cutting-edge technology and multi-sport functionality.
Score: 5.0/5

Shearwater Perdix 2

Customizable Dive Modes: Includes open-circuit, closed-circuit rebreather (CCR), and trimix compatibility for technical dives.
Air Integration: Supports up to four transmitters for monitoring multiple tanks during complex dives.
Durability Features: Designed to withstand rugged conditions, perfect for technical and extended dives.
Intuitive Interface: Offers an easy-to-navigate menu system and detailed data fields for advanced dive planning.
Strength: Tailored for technical divers who need robust features and reliability.
Score: 5.0/5

Suunto EON Core

Simplified Dive Modes: Tracks air, nitrox, and trimix, catering to recreational and light technical divers.
User-Friendly Features: Customizable screens and straightforward menu navigation simplify operation.
Connectivity: Bluetooth integration allows syncing dive logs with the Suunto app for planning and review.
Compact Design: Prioritizes essential functionality in a lightweight and compact form.
Strength: Practical and accessible features, making it an excellent choice for recreational divers.
Score: 4.0/5

Summary

Best for Advanced Features and Versatility: Garmin Descent Mk3i, offering a wide range of dive and multi-sport capabilities.
Best for Technical Divers: Shearwater Perdix 2, with its robust features tailored for complex dives.
Best for Simplicity and Recreational Use: Suunto EON Core, delivering user-friendly functionality at an affordable price.

Ease of Use

A dive computer’s ease of use can significantly impact its functionality, especially during demanding dives. Here’s how these three models compare:

Garmin Descent Mk3i

Multi-Button Interface: Five responsive buttons provide precise control, though the interface may take time to master.
Customizable Display: Tailor layouts to prioritize essential metrics, reducing unnecessary data clutter during dives.
Garmin Connect Syncing: Bluetooth integration simplifies dive log analysis and post-dive planning.
Strength: Combines advanced functionality with a logical interface, ideal for experienced users.
Limitations: Extensive features may feel overwhelming for beginners.
Score: 4.5/5

Shearwater Perdix 2

Simple Navigation: Intuitive menu system ensures quick access to dive modes, alarms, and configurations.
Customizable Data Fields: Divers can prioritize key metrics for better focus during complex dives.
Clear Interface: Large, high-contrast display enhances usability underwater.
Strength: User-friendly design with straightforward operation, even for technical divers.
Limitations: Lack of touch controls may feel outdated for users accustomed to modern interfaces.
Score: 4.5/5

Suunto EON Core

Easy-to-Navigate Menus: Straightforward operation with clearly labeled options, ideal for beginners and recreational divers.
Customizable Screens: Flexible layouts cater to individual preferences, ensuring essential data is always visible.
Compact and Lightweight Design: Enhances usability, especially for divers managing additional equipment.
Strength: Simplicity and accessibility make it an excellent choice for new divers.
Limitations: Lacks the advanced customization options of higher-end models.
Score: 4.5/5

Summary

Best for Advanced Users: Garmin Descent Mk3i, offering a comprehensive feature set with logical navigation for experienced divers.
Best for Technical Divers: Shearwater Perdix 2, combining straightforward operation with advanced dive data customization.
Best for Beginners and Recreational Divers: Suunto EON Core, providing an intuitive and accessible interface for ease of use.

Battery Performance

Battery reliability is crucial for dive computers, especially during long or multi-dive sessions. Here’s how these three models compare:

Garmin Descent Mk3i

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery:
- Dive Mode: Up to 30 hours.
- Smartwatch Mode: Up to 16 days.
- GPS Mode: Up to 50 hours (varies with settings).
Wireless Charging: Convenient recharging eliminates the need for disposable batteries.
Strength: Versatile battery life suitable for both diving and multi-sport use.
Limitations: Frequent charging may be required when using GPS or AMOLED features extensively.
Score: 4.5/5

Shearwater Perdix 2

User-Replaceable AA Battery:
- Alkaline Battery: Up to 40 hours.
- Lithium Battery: Up to 100 hours.
Flexibility: Compatible with standard AA batteries, ensuring availability even during remote dives.
Strength: Extended battery life with replaceable options makes it ideal for long technical dives.
Limitations: Requires carrying spare batteries and may not appeal to those who prefer rechargeable solutions.
Score: 5.0/5

Suunto EON Core

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery:
- Dive Mode: Up to 10-20 hours, depending on usage.
USB Charging: Convenient for travel, with quick charging times.
Strength: Lightweight and portable charging solution for recreational divers.
Limitations: Shorter battery life compared to the Perdix 2 and Garmin Mk3i may require more frequent charging.
Score: 4.0/5

Summary

Best for Long Technical Dives: Shearwater Perdix 2, with its extended battery life and replaceable AA battery compatibility.
Best for Versatility and Modern Charging: Garmin Descent Mk3i, offering a rechargeable battery with multi-sport functionality.
Best for Recreational Use: Suunto EON Core, with adequate battery life for shorter, recreational dive sessions.

Value for Money

The value of a dive computer depends on its features, durability, and performance relative to its price. Here’s how these three models compare:

Garmin Descent Mk3i

Price: Approximately $1,300 USD.
Features: Offers advanced technology like AMOLED display, GPS navigation, multi-sport functionality, and air integration.
Durability: Built with premium materials, including stainless steel and sapphire crystal, ensuring longevity.
Strength: Delivers exceptional value for advanced divers and multi-sport enthusiasts who can fully utilize its robust feature set.
Limitations: High price may deter budget-conscious recreational divers focused solely on diving.
Score: 4.0/5

Shearwater Perdix 2

Price: Approximately $1,200 USD.
Features: Tailored for technical and extended dives with air integration, customizable display, and a durable titanium build.
Durability: Rugged and reliable for demanding underwater environments, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
Strength: Provides excellent value for technical divers needing a highly durable, feature-rich device.
Limitations: Lacks multi-sport capabilities and GPS, which may appeal to some divers.
Score: 4.5/5

Suunto EON Core

Price: Approximately $700-$850 USD.
Features: Focuses on essential dive metrics with Bluetooth connectivity and a bright, customizable color display.
Durability: Compact and robust design suitable for recreational diving.
Strength: Offers great value for recreational divers seeking a reliable, user-friendly dive computer.
Limitations: Lacks air integration and advanced features found in higher-end models.
Score: 4.5/5

Summary

Best for Advanced Features and Multi-Sport Use: Garmin Descent Mk3i, ideal for divers who maximize its extensive functionality.
Best for Technical Divers: Shearwater Perdix 2, offering durability and advanced features at a competitive price.
Best for Recreational Divers: Suunto EON Core, providing essential features and great usability at a lower cost.

Pros and Cons

Garmin Descent Mk3i

Pros

Vibrant AMOLED display offers unmatched readability and customization.
GPS navigation and surface site marking enhance dive planning.
Multi-sport functionality supports fitness tracking and other activities beyond diving.
Air integration provides real-time tank pressure monitoring.
Durable stainless steel and sapphire crystal construction for longevity.

Cons

High price may not appeal to budget-conscious divers.
Shorter battery life with extensive GPS or AMOLED usage.
Complex interface could be overwhelming for beginners.

Shearwater Perdix 2

Pros

Rugged titanium and sapphire crystal build ensures durability in extreme conditions.
User-replaceable AA batteries provide flexibility for extended and remote dives.
Customizable display allows prioritization of critical dive metrics.
Air integration with multi-tank support enhances safety for technical diving.
Intuitive interface simplifies navigation for advanced divers.

Cons

Lacks GPS and multi-sport functionality found in other premium models.
Bulky design may not appeal to divers seeking a compact device.

Suunto EON Core

Pros

Lightweight and compact design enhances comfort during dives.
Bright, easy-to-read color display with customizable layouts.
Bluetooth connectivity simplifies dive log syncing and planning.
Affordable price compared to high-end models like the Garmin Mk3i and Perdix 2.
User-friendly interface ideal for beginners and recreational divers.

Cons

Limited battery life compared to user-replaceable or longer-lasting options.
Lacks air integration, which is essential for some divers.
No GPS or advanced navigation tools.

Summary

Garmin Descent Mk3i: Best for advanced features, multi-sport functionality, and premium durability, but at a higher cost.
Shearwater Perdix 2: Ideal for technical and demanding dives with robust durability and long-lasting battery options.
Suunto EON Core: A lightweight, user-friendly option with great value for recreational divers, though less feature-rich.

Overall Rating

Each of these dive computers excels in specific areas, catering to different diving styles and priorities. Below is the overall rating based on key factors and weighted scores:

Category	Weight	Garmin Descent Mk3i	Shearwater Perdix 2	Suunto EON Core
Design and Build	0.15	5.0/5	5.0/5	4.5/5
Display and Readability	0.20	5.0/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Features and Functionality	0.25	5.0/5	5.0/5	4.0/5
Ease of Use	0.15	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Battery Performance	0.10	4.5/5	5.0/5	4.0/5
Value for Money	0.15	4.0/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Total	1.00	4.79/5	4.79/5	4.36/5

Final Verdict

Garmin Descent Mk3i: ★★★★★ (4.79/5) – A versatile and feature-rich dive computer perfect for advanced divers, multi-sport enthusiasts, and underwater photographers.
Shearwater Perdix 2: ★★★★★ (4.79/5) – The top choice for technical divers needing durability, long battery life, and advanced customization.
Suunto EON Core: ★★★★☆ (4.36/5) – A compact, user-friendly dive computer offering great value for recreational divers seeking simplicity and essential features.

Recommendations: