Shearwater Peregrine Dive Computer Review

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Shearwater Peregrin
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The Shearwater Peregrine is a vibrant, user-friendly dive computer designed for recreational divers and beginners, offering premium features like a full-color display and wireless connectivity at an affordable price.

CategoryScoreWeightWeighted Score
Design and Build4.50.150.675
Display and Readability50.201.0
Features and Functionality40.251.0
Ease of Use50.150.75
Battery Performance40.100.4
Value for Money50.150.75
Total4.58/51.004.58/5

Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)

Shearwater Peregrine

The Shearwater Peregrine is widely regarded as one of the top dive computers for beginnersbudget-conscious divers, and even younger or child-friendly users. Its combination of simplicity, durability, and vibrant, easy-to-read display makes it an ideal companion for those just starting their diving journey or divers who want high-quality features without overspending.

Designed with recreational diving in mind, the Peregrine provides all the essential functionalities for air and nitrox diving while maintaining an intuitive and user-friendly interface. These qualities make it particularly suitable for beginners who need a no-frills, dependable device to build their confidence underwater. Its affordable price point and durable design also make it a standout option for budget-conscious divers and families introducing children to diving.

Despite its accessibility, the Peregrine doesn’t compromise on performance. With its clear color display, robust construction, and reliable decompression algorithm, it strikes a perfect balance between functionality and simplicity. Whether you’re learning the basics, diving on a budget, or looking for a reliable option for a young diver, the Shearwater Peregrine offers an unbeatable value.

Best For: Recreational divers, beginners, younger family members, and those focusing on no-decompression diving.

Design and Build

The Shearwater Peregrine is designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, appealing to recreational divers who value reliability and simplicity. Its modern, minimalistic look is complemented by a durable, well-constructed body that can withstand the rigors of frequent diving.

Key Highlights

  • Casing: The robust polycarbonate body offers excellent resistance to scratches and impacts, ensuring it holds up well during travel and underwater use.
  • Strap: The silicone wrist strap is soft, flexible, and adjustable, providing a comfortable fit for a wide range of wrist sizes. Divers with smaller wrists, including many women, will appreciate the snug and secure fit.
  • Size and Weight: The Peregrine strikes a balance between being lightweight enough for travel and substantial enough to feel durable. It’s not overly bulky, making it suitable for all-day wear on dive trips.
  • Buttons: The two-button navigation system is ergonomically placed and easy to operate, even with gloves on.

Aesthetics

The Peregrine’s sleek and vibrant design is a breath of fresh air in the dive computer market. The 2.2-inch color LCD screen dominates the face, giving it a modern, high-tech appearance. The clean layout and high-quality materials elevate its overall look and feel.

Durability

Rated for dives up to 120 meters (394 feet), the Peregrine is built to handle recreational and light technical diving scenarios. Its scratch-resistant screen ensures longevity, while the sturdy casing provides added protection against accidental bumps or drops.

Score for Design and Build: 4.5/5

The Peregrine’s design is functional, comfortable, and durable, with a modern aesthetic that stands out. A slightly slimmer profile or metal casing could push it to perfection, but for its price and purpose, it’s hard to beat.

Shearwater Peregrine Light Edition

Display and Readability

The Shearwater Peregrine’s 2.2-inch color LCD screen is one of its standout features, making it an exceptional choice for beginners, budget divers, and younger users who need clear, intuitive visuals during their dives.

Key Features

  • Bright and High-Contrast Display: The vibrant, full-color screen ensures excellent readability, even in low visibility conditions, such as murky water or during night dives. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners who rely heavily on their dive computer for guidance.
  • Customizable Layouts: Divers can personalize the display to prioritize key metrics like depth, bottom time, and decompression status. This flexibility allows both novice and experienced divers to focus on the information they find most important.
  • Large Font and Clear Icons: Information is presented in a straightforward, easy-to-read format, making it accessible for younger divers or those who may find traditional dive computer screens overwhelming.

Child-Friendly Readability

For child divers or families introducing younger members to the sport, the Peregrine’s bright and easy-to-read screen reduces confusion and enhances safety by ensuring essential data is visible at all times.

Why It’s Budget-Friendly

The Peregrine delivers a high-quality display that rivals much more expensive models. By focusing on clarity and usability rather than unnecessary advanced features, it offers incredible value for its price.

Score for Display and Readability: 5/5

The Shearwater Peregrine excels in delivering a bright, clear, and intuitive display that meets the needs of beginners, budget-conscious divers, and even younger users. Its customization options and high-contrast visuals make it a reliable choice for safe and stress-free dives.

Features and Functionality

The Shearwater Peregrine delivers a well-rounded set of features tailored for recreational divers. Here’s a detailed look at its capabilities:

1. Dive Modes

The Peregrine supports four distinct dive modes, covering the essential needs of recreational diving:

  • Air Mode: For standard single-gas dives.
  • Nitrox Mode: Supports gas mixtures from 21% to 100% oxygen, suitable for enriched air divers.
  • Gauge Mode: Functions as a bottom timer, providing depth and time tracking.
  • Freediving Mode: For apnea divers who need minimal but accurate information.

2. Decompression Model

It uses the Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm with gradient factors, a proven and reliable model for decompression calculations. Users can adjust conservatism settings, providing flexibility for different risk tolerances.

3. Multiple Gas Switching

The Peregrine allows for gas switching during a dive, enabling divers to use different nitrox mixes. However, it doesn’t support helium or trimix, making it less suitable for technical diving.

4. Data Logging and Connectivity

With Bluetooth capability, the Peregrine syncs effortlessly to the Shearwater Cloud app. This allows divers to:

  • Review dive logs with detailed data.
  • Share dives on social platforms.
  • Keep firmware updated seamlessly.

5. Customization

The user interface offers customizable screen layouts, letting divers prioritize the information most relevant to their needs. This enhances usability underwater.

6. Depth Rating

The Peregrine is rated to a depth of 120 meters (394 feet), which exceeds the limits of recreational diving and provides some flexibility for advanced scenarios.

7. Alarms and Notifications

  • Vibrating and visual alarms ensure you never miss critical notifications during a dive.
  • Adjustable brightness levels help maintain visibility without draining the battery.

Strengths

  • Comprehensive yet simple: Covers all essential recreational diving needs without overcomplicating features.
  • User-friendly customization: Allows for intuitive personalization of dive screens.
  • Reliable decompression model: Trusted Bühlmann algorithm ensures accurate calculations.

Limitations

  • No trimix support: Limits its application for technical divers.
  • No air integration: Cannot connect to a tank pressure transmitter, which some divers may find restrictive.

Score for Features and Functionality: 4/5

The Peregrine excels in offering recreational divers a streamlined, robust set of features. Its missing advanced options like trimix and air integration prevent it from being a one-size-fits-all solution, but for its intended audience, it’s a near-perfect choice.

Shearwater Peregrine Charging

Ease of Use

The Shearwater Peregrine is designed with simplicity and intuitiveness in mind, making it an outstanding choice for beginners, budget-conscious divers, and younger users who require a straightforward diving experience.

Key Features

  • Two-Button Navigation: The Peregrine’s two-button interface is a masterclass in simplicity. Divers can effortlessly scroll through menus and make selections, even while wearing gloves. This user-friendly system reduces the learning curve for beginners and younger divers.
  • Intuitive Menu Layout: The logical and clean menu design ensures that key settings and dive metrics are easy to access. There’s no need to fumble through confusing options, making it perfect for those new to dive computers.
  • Quick Setup: Setting up the Peregrine for a dive is quick and hassle-free. Its straightforward configuration process is a huge advantage for beginners who may find other computers daunting.
  • On-Screen Prompts: Clear prompts guide users through settings and dive modes, further enhancing its beginner-friendly appeal.

Why It’s Ideal for Child-Friendly Use

For younger divers, the ease of operation ensures that they can focus on their diving experience rather than struggling with a complicated device. The intuitive controls and straightforward information display make it less intimidating for children or teens new to the sport.

Budget-Friendly Simplicity

The Peregrine offers a premium-level user experience without the cost of high-end technical dive computers. Its ease of use eliminates the need for extensive training, making it a cost-effective choice for divers on a budget.

Score for Ease of Use: 5/5

With its intuitive controls, simple setup, and user-friendly interface, the Shearwater Peregrine ensures that divers of all levels can dive confidently. It’s an exceptional choice for beginners, budget-conscious users, and families introducing young divers to the sport.

Battery Performance

The Shearwater Peregrine offers a reliable and efficient battery system, designed to support multiple dives and extended use without frequent recharging. Its rechargeable design makes it cost-effective and environmentally friendly, appealing to budget-conscious divers and families introducing children to diving.

Key Features

  • Rechargeable Battery: The Peregrine is powered by a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, eliminating the need for disposable batteries and reducing long-term costs. This feature is particularly appealing for budget-conscious users who want to avoid recurring expenses.
  • Battery Life: On a full charge, the Peregrine provides over 30 hours of dive time on medium brightness settings. This is more than sufficient for a day of recreational diving or even a multi-day trip.
  • Wireless Charging: The included wireless charging dock is simple to use and keeps the device free from ports that can potentially leak or fail. Although wireless charging is slower than some USB alternatives, it’s a durable and hassle-free option for most divers.
  • Battery Status Indicators: Clear on-screen indicators help users monitor battery levels, ensuring they’re prepared before each dive. This feature is especially useful for beginners and younger divers who may need reminders to charge their device.

Why It’s Ideal for:

  • Beginners: The rechargeable battery ensures that users won’t need to deal with battery replacements during their early diving experiences.
  • Budget-Friendly: The long-lasting, rechargeable battery offers a significant cost-saving benefit over time, making the Peregrine an excellent investment.
  • Child-Friendly: Families introducing young divers can rely on the Peregrine’s consistent battery life, avoiding disruptions during training or trips.

Score for Battery Performance: 4/5

While the Peregrine’s battery performance is reliable and cost-effective, the wireless charging dock can be slower compared to USB charging options. However, its longevity and ease of use make it a practical choice for beginners, budget divers, and families alike.

Value for Money

The Shearwater Peregrine delivers exceptional value, offering premium-level features at a price point that’s accessible to beginners, budget-conscious divers, and families introducing younger divers to the sport. Its combination of quality, durability, and user-friendly design makes it one of the best investments in the recreational dive computer market.

Why It Stands Out

  • Affordable Pricing: Priced around $550 USD, the Peregrine competes with more expensive dive computers by providing similar functionality, a high-quality build, and a vibrant color display.
  • Long-Term Savings: The rechargeable battery eliminates the need for ongoing expenses related to disposable batteries, making it a cost-effective option over time.
  • Durability: Built to last, the Peregrine’s rugged construction and scratch-resistant screen reduce the need for frequent replacements, ensuring great value for families and budget-conscious buyers.
  • High-End Features Without the Premium Cost: Features like customizable layouts, multi-gas switching, and wireless connectivity are often found in more expensive models, but the Peregrine offers them at a fraction of the price.

Perfect for:

  • Beginners: The simplicity and reliability of the Peregrine allow new divers to focus on learning without worrying about technical complications, all at an affordable price.
  • Budget-Friendly Divers: With its robust performance and features, the Peregrine ensures budget-conscious divers don’t have to compromise on quality.
  • Child-Friendly: Families introducing children to diving can invest confidently, knowing the Peregrine combines affordability, durability, and ease of use for younger users.

Score for Value for Money: 5/5

The Shearwater Peregrine is one of the best-value dive computers on the market, delivering a high level of performance and reliability at a reasonable price. For beginners, budget-conscious divers, and families, it offers a combination of affordability and premium features that’s hard to beat.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Beginner-Friendly: Intuitive interface and simple setup make it easy for new divers to use.
  • Bright, Clear Display: High-resolution color screen ensures excellent readability in all conditions.
  • Affordable Price: Offers premium features at a budget-friendly price point (~$550 USD).
  • Durable Design: Scratch-resistant screen and sturdy build are ideal for frequent use, even by younger divers.
  • Rechargeable Battery: Long-lasting battery with wireless charging saves money on replacements.
  • Customizable Interface: Divers can personalize the display to prioritize key metrics.
  • Multi-Gas Capability: Supports multiple gas switches, suitable for progressing divers.
  • Lightweight and Travel-Friendly: Compact design is perfect for trips and liveaboard diving.

Cons

  • No Trimix Support: Not suitable for technical divers who require advanced gas options.
  • No Air Integration: Cannot connect to tank pressure transmitters, which some divers may find limiting.
  • Slower Wireless Charging: Wireless dock charging is convenient but not as fast as USB alternatives.
  • Limited Dive Modes: Lacks advanced features like rebreather compatibility or advanced freediving tools.

Comparison

When comparing the Shearwater Peregrine to other top contenders like the Aqua Lung i200C and the Mares Smart, the Peregrine stands out for its vibrant display, rechargeable battery, and beginner-friendly interface. While the Aqua Lung i200C and Mares Smart have their strengths, the Peregrine offers a more intuitive experience and customizable features, making it particularly suitable for beginners, budget-conscious divers, and child-friendly use.

For a detailed side-by-side comparison of these three models, including their features, pricing, and best-use scenarios, visit our dedicated page:

Click here to compare – Shearwater Peregrine vs. Aqua Lung i200C vs. Mares Smart

Whether you’re a beginner looking for simplicity, a family shopping for a child-friendly device, or a diver seeking the best value for money, this page will help you decide which dive computer is the right fit for your needs.

Overall Rating

The Shearwater Peregrine is a highly versatile and reliable dive computer that excels in meeting the needs of beginners, budget-conscious divers, and families introducing younger divers to the sport. Its combination of a vibrant display, user-friendly interface, durable design, and affordable pricing makes it one of the best choices in its category.

Final Scoring

CategoryScoreWeightWeighted Score
Design and Build4.50.150.675
Display and Readability50.201.0
Features and Functionality40.251.0
Ease of Use50.150.75
Battery Performance40.100.4
Value for Money50.150.75
Total4.58/51.004.58/5

Best For

  • Recreational divers seeking simplicity and reliability.
  • Beginners learning the basics of diving.
  • Budget-conscious divers who want premium features at an affordable price.
  • Families introducing children to diving with a safe and easy-to-use device.

Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)

The Shearwater Peregrine delivers exceptional value, clarity, and ease of use, making it a top contender for recreational diving. While it lacks some advanced features for technical diving, it excels in providing everything a recreational diver needs.

For a deeper comparison with the Aqua Lung i200C and Mares Smart, check out our dedicated comparison page.

Conclusion

The Shearwater Peregrine is a dive computer that combines simplicity, durability, and advanced features at a price that’s hard to beat. Its bright, intuitive display, user-friendly interface, and reliable performance make it a standout choice for recreational divers. Whether you’re a beginner building confidence underwater, a budget-conscious diver seeking value, or a family introducing a younger member to diving, the Peregrine delivers everything you need without unnecessary complexity.

While it may lack advanced features like trimix support or air integration, these omissions keep the Peregrine focused on what matters most for its intended audience. Its rechargeable battery, rugged build, and customizable interface ensure a seamless experience for both first-time and seasoned recreational divers.

If you’re looking for a dive computer that blends practicality, affordability, and performance, the Shearwater Peregrine is an excellent choice. For a closer look at how it compares to other top models like the Aqua Lung i200C and Mares Smart, visit our comparison page.

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