Shearwater Perdix 2 vs Garmin Descent MK3i vs Shearwater Teric

The Shearwater Perdix 2, Garmin Descent MK3i, and Shearwater Teric are premium dive computers offering advanced features, durability, and versatility, tailored to meet the needs of technical, multi-sport, and style-conscious divers.

Category	Shearwater Perdix 2	Garmin Descent MK3i	Shearwater Teric
Design and Build	5.0/5	5.0/5	5.0/5
Display and Readability	4.5/5	5.0/5	5.0/5
Features and Functionality	5.0/5	5.0/5	5.0/5
Ease of Use	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Battery Performance	4.5/5	5.0/5	4.5/5
Value for Money	4.5/5	4.5/5	5.0/5
Total	4.83/5	4.91/5	4.91/5

Editor’s Choice

For divers seeking the most versatile all-in-one device, the Garmin Descent MK3i is our top pick. Its combination of advanced dive capabilities, GPS navigation, smartwatch functionality, and fitness tracking makes it the ultimate choice for active, multi-sport enthusiasts.

Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.9/5)

Product	Detail	Price
Garmin Descent MK3i	★★★★★ (4.91/5)	Click for Best Price
Shearwater Perdix 2	★★★★★ (4.83/5)	Click for Best Price
Shearwater Teric	★★★★★ (4.91/5)	Click for Best Price

Introduction

Choosing the right dive computer is essential for ensuring safety and enhancing your underwater experience. With so many options available, it can be challenging to find the perfect match for your diving style and needs. The Shearwater Perdix 2, Garmin Descent MK3i, and Shearwater Teric are three of the most advanced dive computers on the market, each offering unique features that cater to different types of divers.

Whether you’re a technical diver seeking unmatched durability, a multi-sport enthusiast who values GPS and fitness tracking, or someone who prioritizes premium performance in a sleek, wearable design, these three models provide top-tier functionality for every dive scenario.

This guide breaks down the key features, strengths, and differences of these dive computers, helping you decide which one is the best fit for your underwater adventures.

Design and Build

Each of these dive computers offers a unique approach to design, blending durability, functionality, and style to cater to different diving needs.

Shearwater Perdix 2

Rugged and Functional: The Perdix 2 features a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal screen, offering unmatched durability for extreme diving conditions.
Large and Practical: Designed with a larger profile, it provides ample screen space for technical dive data while maintaining comfort on the wrist.
Depth Rating: Rated to 260 meters (850 feet), making it ideal for advanced and technical divers.
Score: 5/5

Garmin Descent MK3i

Stylish and Versatile: With a titanium or stainless-steel bezel, a sapphire crystal screen, and a compact profile, the MK3i balances ruggedness with elegance.
Lightweight Comfort: Designed for smaller wrists, it offers excellent comfort for all-day wear, both underwater and as a smartwatch.
Depth Rating: Rated to 100 meters (328 feet), suitable for recreational and light technical diving.
Score: 4.5/5

Shearwater Teric

Smartwatch-Inspired: The Teric’s sleek, compact design resembles a premium smartwatch, making it perfect for divers who want a dual-purpose device.
Durable Materials: The sapphire crystal screen and stainless-steel bezel provide excellent scratch resistance and durability.
Depth Rating: Rated to 200 meters (656 feet), catering to recreational and technical diving needs.
Score: 5/5

Summary

Best for Extreme Durability: Shearwater Perdix 2, with its rugged design and 260-meter depth rating.
Best for Style and Versatility: Garmin Descent MK3i, with its compact, elegant design and multi-purpose functionality.
Best for Sleek Wearability: Shearwater Teric, combining smartwatch aesthetics with technical diving performance.

Display and Readability

The display is a critical feature of any dive computer, ensuring divers can easily access key metrics during dives. Here’s how these three models compare.

Shearwater Perdix 2

Full-Color LCD Display: Provides excellent clarity and contrast for all dive metrics.
Large Screen Size: Offers ample space for technical dive data, making it ideal for advanced diving scenarios.
Customizable Layouts: Allows divers to tailor the screen to display the most relevant metrics.
Strengths: Exceptional readability with a spacious, customizable display.
Score: 4.5/5

Garmin Descent MK3i

AMOLED Display: A vibrant, high-resolution screen ensures superior readability in all lighting conditions, including low visibility underwater.
Compact but Sharp: Despite its smaller size, the screen remains crisp and clear, with customizable layouts for personalized data views.
Always-On Mode: Keeps essential data visible throughout the dive.
Strengths: High contrast and sharpness, perfect for a wide range of environments.
Score: 5/5

Shearwater Teric

AMOLED Display: Features a bright, high-resolution screen with vivid colors and sharp contrast.
Customizable Layouts: Lets divers prioritize the most critical metrics on a sleek and compact screen.
Always-On Option: Ensures data remains visible without requiring manual interaction.
Strengths: Combines readability and customization in a smartwatch-like design.
Score: 5/5

Summary

Best for Vibrancy and Sharpness: Garmin Descent MK3i, with its AMOLED display offering superior contrast and clarity.
Best for Customization: Shearwater Teric, providing a bright and flexible display in a compact form.
Best for Large Data Presentation: Shearwater Perdix 2, offering a spacious display perfect for technical divers.

Features and Functionality

These dive computers offer a range of advanced features tailored to different diving styles, from recreational diving to technical exploration.

Shearwater Perdix 2

Multiple Dive Modes: Supports air, nitrox, trimix, freediving, gauge, and closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) modes.
Air Integration: Monitors up to four transmitters for multi-tank setups.
Customizable Alarms: Offers visual, audible, and vibration alerts.
Advanced Decompression Management: Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm with gradient factors for technical dives.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Syncs with the Shearwater Cloud app for logging and configuration.
Strengths: Comprehensive dive modes and robust decompression tools make it ideal for technical divers.
Score: 5/5

Garmin Descent MK3i

Versatile Dive Modes: Includes air, nitrox, trimix, freediving, gauge, and CCR modes.
Air Integration: Utilizes SubWave sonar for wireless tank pressure monitoring.
Built-In GPS: Tracks entry and exit points for precise surface navigation.
Smartwatch and Fitness Features: Includes health tracking, activity monitoring, and smartphone notifications.
Wireless Syncing: Connects to the Garmin Dive™ app for dive logs and settings.
Strengths: Combines advanced diving tools with fitness tracking and smartwatch capabilities.
Score: 5/5

Shearwater Teric

Comprehensive Dive Modes: Offers air, nitrox, trimix, freediving, gauge, and CCR support.
Air Integration: Tracks up to four transmitters for tank monitoring.
Customizable Interface: Tailors layouts and data fields to suit individual preferences.
Wireless Syncing: Works seamlessly with the Shearwater Cloud app for updates and logging.
Strengths: Packed with advanced features in a sleek, wearable design.
Score: 5/5

Summary

Best for Technical Diving: Shearwater Perdix 2, with advanced decompression tools and a rugged design.
Best for Multi-Functionality: Garmin Descent MK3i, combining dive features with GPS and smartwatch capabilities.
Best for Style and Performance: Shearwater Teric, offering advanced features in a compact, elegant package.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is a critical factor when choosing a dive computer, especially for divers who want quick access to features and intuitive navigation.

Shearwater Perdix 2

Two-Button Interface: Simplifies navigation with large, tactile buttons that are easy to operate, even with gloves.
Intuitive Menu System: Organized and straightforward, making it accessible despite its advanced features.
Customizable Screen Layouts: Allows divers to prioritize essential data for their specific diving needs.
Strengths: Straightforward and reliable operation for advanced divers.
Score: 4.5/5

Garmin Descent MK3i

Five-Button Interface: Ergonomic and responsive, providing intuitive navigation across dive, smartwatch, and fitness features.
Seamless Integration: Smooth transitions between dive and everyday modes enhance usability.
Pre-Dive Checklists: Built-in tools ensure divers can easily verify settings before dives.
Strengths: Combines ease of use with multi-functionality for an all-in-one experience.
Score: 4.5/5

Shearwater Teric

Four-Button Interface: Offers simple and effective navigation with buttons placed for easy access.
Customizable Interface: Allows users to tailor menus and data fields to suit individual preferences.
Vibration and Audible Alerts: Provides clear notifications during dives without requiring constant screen-checks.
Strengths: Intuitive and user-friendly, even with advanced features.
Score: 4.5/5

Summary

Best for Straightforward Technical Diving: Shearwater Perdix 2, with its streamlined and reliable operation.
Best for Multi-Tasking: Garmin Descent MK3i, offering ease of use across dive, fitness, and smartwatch modes.
Best for Customization: Shearwater Teric, with its tailored layouts and accessible design.

Battery Performance

Battery performance is a crucial consideration for divers, especially for extended trips or technical dives. Here’s how these models compare:

Shearwater Perdix 2

User-Replaceable AA Battery: Offers flexibility with options for alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable NiMH batteries.
Battery Life: Up to 40 hours in dive mode with a lithium battery, depending on usage and brightness settings.
Strengths: Ideal for remote locations where access to charging may be limited.
Score: 4.5/5

Garmin Descent MK3i

Rechargeable Built-In Battery: Long-lasting with versatile usage:
- Dive Mode: Up to 30 hours.
- Smartwatch Mode: Up to 16 days.
- GPS Mode: Up to 48 hours.
Strengths: Excellent for divers who need extended battery life for multi-day dives and everyday smartwatch use.
Score: 5/5

Shearwater Teric

Rechargeable Battery: Wireless charging dock provides convenience for recharging between dives.
Battery Life: Up to 30 hours in dive mode with optimal settings.
Strengths: Convenient charging with no need for disposable batteries.
Score: 4.5/5

Summary

Best for Remote Diving and Flexibility: Shearwater Perdix 2, with user-replaceable batteries ensuring availability anywhere.
Best for Extended Multi-Use: Garmin Descent MK3i, offering exceptional battery life for diving, GPS, and smartwatch modes.
Best for Convenience: Shearwater Teric, with its wireless charging dock providing hassle-free recharging.

Value for Money

Each of these dive computers is a premium option, offering exceptional features and functionality tailored to different diving styles and needs.

Shearwater Perdix 2

Why It’s Worth It: Advanced dive modes, robust decompression tools, and a rugged titanium build justify the cost, particularly for technical divers.
Considerations: At ~$1,200 USD, it’s a significant investment, but its durability and technical features make it a long-term value.
Score: 4.5/5

Garmin Descent MK3i

Why It’s Worth It: Combines advanced dive capabilities with GPS, smartwatch, and fitness features, making it an all-in-one solution for active divers.
Considerations: Priced around $1,400 USD, it’s the most expensive of the three, but its multi-functionality offers value beyond diving.
Score: 4.5/5

Shearwater Teric

Why It’s Worth It: Offers technical dive capabilities and a sleek, wearable design at ~$1,000 USD, making it a great choice for divers seeking both performance and style.
Considerations: Slightly more affordable than the Perdix 2 and MK3i, it delivers premium features in a compact package.
Score: 5/5

Summary

Best for Long-Term Durability and Technical Diving: Shearwater Perdix 2, providing exceptional value for serious divers.
Best for Multi-Use Versatility: Garmin Descent MK3i, delivering advanced functionality across diving, fitness, and daily activities.
Best for Style and Performance: Shearwater Teric, offering premium features at a slightly lower price point.

Pros and Cons