Table of Contents
The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti is our top choice for technical divers, combining durability, advanced features, and reliability, while the Shearwater Teric and Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 cater to versatility and customization, respectively.
Category | Weight | Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti | Shearwater Teric | Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Design and Build | 0.15 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 5.0/5 |
Display and Readability | 0.20 | 4.5/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
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 | 4.0/5 |
Battery Performance | 0.10 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Value for Money | 0.15 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
Total | 1.00 | 4.79/5 | 4.71/5 | 4.55/5 |
Editor’s Choice
For technical diving, the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti earns our Editor’s Choice award. Its rugged titanium construction, user-replaceable battery, and advanced dive features make it the ultimate tool for demanding and remote diving conditions. The Perdix 2 Ti’s large customizable display ensures readability, while its air integration and depth rating of 260 meters (850 feet) solidify its position as the top choice for technical divers seeking reliability and durability.
Final Verdict: ★★★★★ (4.79/5)
Image | Product | Detail | Price |
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Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti |
| Click for Best Price | |
Shearwater Teric |
| Click for Best Price | |
Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 |
| Click for Best Price |
Introduction
Choosing the right dive computer is essential for technical divers who require precision, reliability, and advanced functionality to manage complex dive profiles. Among the best options available are the Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti, Shearwater Teric, and Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4, each offering unique strengths to meet the demands of technical diving.
The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti stands out for its rugged titanium construction, large customizable display, and user-replaceable battery, making it a reliable companion for extreme dives. The Shearwater Teric, on the other hand, combines advanced technical features with a compact smartwatch-style design, offering both functionality and versatility for divers who value everyday usability. Finally, the Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 caters to tech-savvy divers with its open-source firmware, high-resolution display, and unparalleled customizability.
This comparison will explore the key features, advantages, and limitations of these three top-tier dive computers, helping you determine which one is the best fit for your technical diving needs.
Best For: Advanced and technical divers seeking top-of-the-line dive computers tailored to their unique preferences and diving styles.
Design and Build
A dive computer’s design and durability play a critical role in its performance during technical dives. Here’s how these three models compare:
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti
- Rugged Titanium Build: The titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal screen make the Perdix 2 Ti highly durable, perfect for extreme conditions.
- Large Display: Its spacious screen is easy to read and customize, though its bulkier design may not appeal to divers seeking a more compact option.
- Depth Rating: Rated to 260 meters (850 feet), exceeding the requirements for most technical dives.
Score: 5.0/5
Shearwater Teric
- Compact and Stylish: Combines a stainless-steel bezel and sapphire crystal screen with a sleek, smartwatch-like design, offering both durability and versatility.
- Ergonomic Fit: Its compact size and lightweight design make it comfortable for daily wear and underwater use.
- Depth Rating: Rated to 200 meters (656 feet), suitable for the majority of technical diving scenarios.
Score: 4.5/5
Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4
- Premium Materials: Features a robust casing and a scratch-resistant glass screen, ensuring durability and longevity.
- Streamlined Design: The ergonomic profile minimizes bulk while maintaining a professional, high-performance appearance.
- Depth Rating: Rated to 120 meters (394 feet), suitable for most dives but lower than competitors, limiting its use for extreme depths.
Score: 4.0/5
Summary
- Best for Extreme Durability: Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti, with its titanium build and superior depth rating.
- Best for Versatility and Everyday Use: Shearwater Teric, offering a stylish and compact design.
- Best for Customization and Practicality: Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4, with a robust build, though its depth rating may limit advanced applications.
Display and Readability
A clear and customizable display is crucial for technical diving, ensuring that critical data is easily accessible during complex dives. Here’s how these three models perform:
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti
- Large LCD Display: The spacious screen provides clear, high-contrast readability, ideal for displaying multiple metrics without clutter.
- Customizable Layouts: Divers can prioritize key metrics like depth, gas pressure, and decompression stops.
- Adjustable Brightness: Backlighting ensures visibility in low-light conditions while optimizing battery life.
Strength: Excellent readability and space for essential data, though LCD technology lacks the vividness of AMOLED displays.
Score: 4.5/5
Shearwater Teric
- AMOLED Display: Offers a bright, vivid, and high-contrast screen, making it one of the most readable displays on the market.
- Customizable Interface: Fully customizable layouts allow divers to tailor the display to their specific needs.
- Always-On Mode: Ensures that key information remains visible at all times.
Strength: Superior sharpness and brightness, perfect for low-light or murky conditions.
Score: 5.0/5
Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4
- High-Resolution Color Screen: The vibrant color display delivers excellent clarity, even in low-visibility environments.
- Wide Viewing Angle: Ensures readability from various positions, enhancing usability during technical dives.
- Customizable Display: Screen layouts can be adjusted to prioritize essential dive metrics.
Strength: Vibrant and customizable, though not as sharp or vivid as the AMOLED display on the Teric.
Score: 4.5/5
Summary
- Best for Vibrancy and Sharpness: Shearwater Teric, with its AMOLED display and always-on mode.
- Best for Spacious Readability: Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti, offering a large and clear screen ideal for displaying multiple metrics.
- Best for Customization: Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4, delivering a bright and highly adaptable display.
Features and Functionality
Advanced features and functionality are critical for technical dive computers, enabling precise dive planning, execution, and safety management. Here’s how these models compare:
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti
- Comprehensive Dive Modes: Supports air, nitrox, trimix, and CCR, accommodating diverse technical diving needs.
- Customizable Decompression Algorithm: Uses Bühlmann ZHL-16C with gradient factors for tailored decompression planning.
- Air Integration: Monitors up to four transmitters for real-time gas pressure tracking.
- Customizable Display Layouts: Offers flexibility to prioritize essential metrics.
- Battery Versatility: User-replaceable AA battery ensures reliability during long or remote expeditions.
Score: 5.0/5
Shearwater Teric
- Compact Powerhouse: Combines advanced dive modes (air, nitrox, trimix, CCR) in a compact smartwatch-style design.
- Air Integration: Tracks multiple tanks with real-time monitoring via transmitters.
- AMOLED Display Customization: Allows fully personalized layouts to suit individual diving preferences.
- Fitness Tracking: Offers non-diving functionality such as activity tracking and notifications.
- Wireless Charging: Adds convenience for everyday use.
Score: 5.0/5
Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4
- Advanced Decompression Algorithms: Includes Bühlmann ZHL-16C with gradient factors and supports custom algorithms for enhanced flexibility.
- Open-Source Firmware: Allows for deep customization and regular updates tailored to diver preferences.
- Customizable Interface: Enables personalized screen layouts to prioritize key metrics.
- Connectivity: Features Bluetooth and USB for seamless dive logging and firmware updates.
Limitations: Does not support air integration, which may limit its appeal for divers managing multiple tanks.
Score: 4.5/5
Summary
- Best for Extreme Functionality and Durability: Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti, offering comprehensive dive modes and unmatched reliability.
- Best for Compact Versatility: Shearwater Teric, combining advanced dive features with smartwatch and everyday functionality.
- Best for Customization and Innovation: Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4, ideal for divers seeking adaptable software and interface options.
Ease of Use
A dive computer’s ease of use is critical for technical divers who need to access and interpret information quickly during complex dives. Here’s how these three models compare:
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti
- Two-Button Navigation: Simple and intuitive, even when wearing gloves, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels.
- Logical Menu System: Well-organized menus ensure quick access to critical settings and dive metrics.
- Customizable Layouts: Divers can prioritize their preferred metrics, reducing distractions during dives.
Strength: Its simplicity and large, clear display make it easy to use, though the bulkier design may require adjustment for some.
Score: 4.5/5
Shearwater Teric
- Compact and Intuitive: Combines a sleek design with straightforward controls, ensuring ease of operation despite its advanced features.
- AMOLED Display: The vibrant and sharp screen enhances readability and usability in dynamic underwater conditions.
- Customizable Interface: Fully personalized layouts make it easy to tailor the display to individual needs.
Strength: Its smartwatch-style interface is user-friendly, but its compact screen may feel crowded during multi-metric dives.
Score: 4.5/5
Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4
- Four-Button Navigation: Responsive buttons allow precise control, though the learning curve may be steeper for those new to advanced customization.
- Customizable Interface: Open-source software and configurable layouts provide exceptional flexibility but may require more time to set up.
- Logical Menu Structure: Organized menus enhance usability for experienced divers familiar with technical interfaces.
Strength: The depth of customization is a strength for advanced users but may overwhelm less experienced divers.
Score: 4.0/5
Summary
- Best for Simplicity and Reliability: Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti, with its large, intuitive interface and straightforward navigation.
- Best for Compact and Modern Design: Shearwater Teric, offering user-friendly functionality in a smaller form factor.
- Best for Advanced Customization: Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4, providing exceptional flexibility but with a steeper learning curve.
Battery Performance
Battery reliability is crucial for technical dive computers, especially during multi-day trips or extended dives. Here’s how these three models compare:
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti
- User-Replaceable AA Battery: Provides up to 40 hours of dive time with a single lithium AA battery, offering unmatched flexibility for remote dives.
- Battery Compatibility: Supports alkaline, lithium, and rechargeable NiMH batteries, ensuring availability worldwide.
- Strength: Reliable power source and user-replaceability make it ideal for extended expeditions.
Score: 5.0/5
Shearwater Teric
- Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery: Provides up to 30 hours in dive mode and up to 50 hours in watch mode, depending on brightness settings.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient charging via a wireless dock eliminates the need for cable connections.
- Strength: Modern and efficient, though frequent recharging may be required for consecutive dive days.
Score: 4.5/5
Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4
- Built-In Rechargeable Battery: Offers up to 40 hours of dive time per charge, depending on display brightness and usage.
- USB Charging: Standard USB charging ensures compatibility with widely available charging solutions.
- Strength: Long-lasting performance, though the non-replaceable battery may be a limitation for remote dives without charging access.
Score: 4.5/5
Summary
- Best for Long Expeditions: Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti, with its user-replaceable battery offering unmatched flexibility.
- Best for Modern Convenience: Shearwater Teric, with wireless charging and multi-mode functionality.
- Best for Consistency: Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4, offering long-lasting rechargeable performance but limited by its non-replaceable design.
Value for Money
The value of a dive computer depends on its features, durability, and functionality relative to its price. Here’s how these models stack up:
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti
- Price: Approximately $1,200 USD.
- Features: Offers advanced dive modes (air, nitrox, trimix, CCR), customizable layouts, air integration, and a user-replaceable battery.
- Durability: Titanium bezel and sapphire crystal screen ensure long-term reliability, making it a solid investment for technical divers.
Strength: Excellent balance of advanced features, durability, and reliability for the price.
Score: 4.5/5
Shearwater Teric
- Price: Approximately $1,300 USD.
- Features: Combines advanced dive modes, air integration, AMOLED display, and smartwatch functionality (fitness tracking, notifications).
- Versatility: Doubles as an everyday wearable device, adding value for divers who want multi-purpose use.
Strength: High-end functionality and versatility justify the premium price, though it may be excessive for those solely focused on diving.
Score: 4.5/5
Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4
- Price: Approximately $1,500 USD.
- Features: Advanced decompression algorithms, open-source firmware for customization, high-resolution display, and durable construction.
- Limitations: Lack of air integration and a higher price point may deter some divers.
Strength: Offers unparalleled customizability and precision but may not appeal to budget-conscious divers.
Score: 4.0/5
Summary
- Best for Durability and Reliability: Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti, offering advanced features and long-term value at a competitive price.
- Best for Versatility: Shearwater Teric, providing premium diving features and everyday functionality for divers seeking multi-use devices.
- Best for Customization: Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4, ideal for tech-savvy divers who prioritize cutting-edge innovation, though its price is on the higher end.
Pros and Cons
Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti
Pros
- Rugged titanium bezel and sapphire crystal screen ensure exceptional durability.
- User-replaceable AA battery provides flexibility and reliability for remote diving trips.
- Supports advanced dive modes, including air, nitrox, trimix, and CCR.
- Air integration monitors up to four transmitters for complex gas setups.
- Large, customizable display enhances readability.
Cons
- Bulkier design may not appeal to divers seeking a more compact computer.
- Lacks smartwatch features like fitness tracking or everyday usability.
Shearwater Teric
Pros
- Sleek smartwatch-style design combines advanced dive functionality with everyday wearability.
- AMOLED display offers vibrant, sharp visuals and customizable layouts.
- Air integration supports multiple transmitters for real-time gas monitoring.
- Fitness tracking and notification features enhance versatility.
- Wireless charging adds convenience.
Cons
- Shorter battery life compared to the Perdix 2 Ti, requiring more frequent charging.
- Higher price point may deter divers focused solely on diving needs.
Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4
Pros
- Open-source firmware allows for extensive customization and regular updates.
- Advanced decompression algorithms provide precision and flexibility.
- High-resolution color display ensures excellent readability and detail.
- Robust construction and scratch-resistant screen ensure durability.
- Connectivity options like Bluetooth and USB simplify dive logging and updates.
Cons
- No air integration, which may limit appeal for divers managing complex gas setups.
- High price point (~$1,500 USD) may deter budget-conscious divers.
- The depth of customization may overwhelm less tech-savvy users.
Summary
- Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti: Best for extreme durability and reliability but lacks compactness and non-diving features.
- Shearwater Teric: Ideal for divers seeking versatility and a stylish, everyday wearable, though its battery life is shorter.
- Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4: Perfect for advanced divers prioritizing customizability and cutting-edge technology, though it comes at a premium price
Overall Rating
The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti, Shearwater Teric, and Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 represent the pinnacle of technical dive computers, each excelling in different areas to cater to diverse diving needs.
Category | Weight | Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti | Shearwater Teric | Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Design and Build | 0.15 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 5.0/5 |
Display and Readability | 0.20 | 4.5/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
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 | 4.0/5 |
Battery Performance | 0.10 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Value for Money | 0.15 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
Total | 1.00 | 4.79/5 | 4.71/5 | 4.55/5 |
Final Verdict
- Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti: ★★★★★ (4.79/5)
Best for technical divers seeking extreme durability, advanced functionality, and user-replaceable power for remote expeditions. - Shearwater Teric: ★★★★★ (4.71/5)
Perfect for divers who value a compact design, vibrant AMOLED display, and the versatility of a smartwatch-style dive computer. - Heinrichs Weikamp OSTC 4: ★★★★☆ (4.55/5)
Ideal for tech-savvy divers who prioritize customization and cutting-edge software, though its lack of air integration and higher price limit its broad appeal.