Shearwater Peregrine vs Aqua Lung i200C vs Mares Smart

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Comparing the Shearwater Peregrine, Aqua Lung i200C, and Mares Smart, three of the best dive computers for beginners, each offering unique strengths in affordability, features, and durability to suit a variety of diving needs.

Category	Shearwater Peregrine	Aqua Lung i200C	Mares Smart
Design and Build	4.5/5	4.0/5	4.5/5
Display and Readability	5.0/5	3.5/5	4.0/5
Features and Functionality	4.5/5	4.0/5	4.0/5
Ease of Use	4.5/5	4.0/5	4.5/5
Battery Performance	4.0/5	3.5/5	4.0/5
Value for Money	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
Total	4.5/5	4.08/5	4.25/5

Editor’s Choice

If you’re seeking the best all-around dive computer for beginners, the Shearwater Peregrine takes the crown. Its vibrant full-color display, customizable features, and wireless connectivity provide unmatched usability and value, making it a standout choice for those who want premium functionality without overwhelming complexity.

Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Product	Rating	Price
Shearwater Peregrine	★★★★★ (4.5/5)	Click for Best Price
Aqua Lung i200C	★★★★☆ (4.1/5)	Click for Best Price
Mares Smart	★★★★☆ (4.3/5)	Click for Best Price

Introduction

Choosing the right dive computer can be challenging, especially for beginners and recreational divers seeking a balance between affordability, usability, and essential features. The Shearwater Peregrine, Aqua Lung i200C, and Mares Smartare three of the top choices in this category, each offering unique strengths tailored to different diving needs.

Whether you prioritize a vibrant display, a budget-friendly price, or a durable, watch-style design, this comparison will help you decide which dive computer best fits your underwater adventures. Read on to explore how these three models stack up across design, features, ease of use, and more, ensuring you make an informed decision for your diving journey.

Best For: Beginners, recreational divers, and those seeking cost-effective, reliable dive computers.

Design and Build

Each of these dive computers offers a unique approach to design and build, catering to different diver preferences.

Shearwater Peregrine

Modern and Functional: The Peregrine features a robust polycarbonate body and a bright 2.2-inch full-color display, making it both durable and visually striking.
Wrist Strap: Its adjustable silicone strap ensures comfort for various wrist sizes, but its larger profile focuses more on functionality than portability.
Depth Rating: Rated to 120 meters (394 feet), it’s suitable for recreational and light technical diving.
Score: 4.5/5

Aqua Lung i200C

Stylish and Compact: The i200C adopts a sleek, watch-style design that doubles as an everyday timepiece.
Durable Yet Lightweight: Its polycarbonate casing is scratch-resistant, but it doesn’t feel as rugged as the other two models.
Wrist Strap: The silicone strap offers a comfortable fit, appealing to divers with smaller wrists.
Depth Rating: Rated to 100 meters (328 feet), it’s tailored for recreational diving.
Score: 4/5

Mares Smart

Rugged and Versatile: With a stainless-steel bezel and durable construction, the Smart combines toughness with a sleek, watch-style appearance.
Comfortable Fit: The soft silicone strap and lightweight build make it ideal for all-day wear.
Depth Rating: Rated to 150 meters (492 feet), the Smart offers the highest depth rating of the three, making it suitable for recreational and light technical diving.
Score: 4.5/5

Comparison Summary

Best for Durability: Mares Smart
Best for Display Size and Functionality: Shearwater Peregrine
Best for Portability and Everyday Use: Aqua Lung i200C

Display and Readability

Clear and accessible displays are crucial for divers, especially beginners who rely on dive computers for essential underwater data. Here’s how these three models compare in terms of display and readability.

Shearwater Peregrine

Vibrant Color Display: The Peregrine boasts a 2.2-inch full-color LCD screen, offering excellent visibility in all lighting conditions, including low visibility or night dives.
Adjustable Brightness: Ensures readability without unnecessary battery drain.
Customizable Layouts: Users can personalize the display to prioritize key metrics like depth and dive time.
Score: 5/5

Aqua Lung i200C

Monochrome LCD: The i200C features a functional but basic monochrome display.
Compact Layout: The smaller screen matches its watch-style design but can feel slightly cramped for divers who prefer larger displays.
Backlighting: Provides adequate visibility in low-light conditions, though not as bright or vibrant as color displays.
Score: 3.5/5

Mares Smart

Monochrome LCD: The high-contrast screen is segmented for easy data interpretation, making it beginner-friendly.
Compact Size: While clear, the smaller screen may feel limited for divers who want a more spacious display.
Backlighting: Adjustable backlight ensures readability in darker environments.
Score: 4/5

Comparison Summary

Best for Vibrancy and Customization: Shearwater Peregrine
Best for Simplicity and Beginner Accessibility: Mares Smart
Best for Everyday Portability: Aqua Lung i200C

Features and Functionality

Each of these dive computers is equipped with essential features for recreational diving, but they differ in advanced options and usability.

Shearwater Peregrine

Dive Modes: Includes Air, Nitrox, Gauge, and Freediving modes, covering all recreational diving needs.
Customizable Settings: Divers can adjust display layouts and conservatism levels, making it adaptable for different diving styles.
Data Syncing: Bluetooth connectivity allows wireless syncing with the Shearwater Cloud app for logging dives and updates.
Depth Rating: Rated to 120 meters (394 feet).
Score: 4.5/5

Aqua Lung i200C

Dive Modes: Offers Air, Nitrox, Gauge, and Freediving modes, suitable for beginner and intermediate recreational divers.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Syncs with the DiverLog+ app, providing convenient access to dive logs and settings.
User-Replaceable Battery: Easy maintenance and low-cost upkeep.
Depth Rating: Rated to 100 meters (328 feet).
Score: 4/5

Mares Smart

Dive Modes: Includes Air, Nitrox, and Freediving modes, offering reliable functionality for recreational diving.
Decompression Management: Utilizes the Mares RGBM algorithm for safe and conservative decompression calculations.
Logbook Memory: Stores up to 36 hours of dive data.
Depth Rating: Rated to 150 meters (492 feet), making it the most versatile in this comparison for deeper dives.
Score: 4/5

Comparison Summary

Best for Advanced Customization and Connectivity: Shearwater Peregrine
Best for Simplicity and Budget Maintenance: Aqua Lung i200C
Best for Depth and Conservative Algorithms: Mares Smart

Ease of Use

Ease of use is a crucial factor, especially for beginners, as it can determine how confidently divers operate their dive computers underwater.

Shearwater Peregrine

Simple Two-Button Interface: Navigation is straightforward and intuitive, even for first-time users.
Customizable Menus: Allows users to tailor the display to prioritize the most relevant information.
Clear On-Screen Prompts: Provides guidance through settings and dive modes.
Score: 4.5/5

Aqua Lung i200C

Four-Button Interface: The buttons are logically arranged but small, which can make operation challenging with gloves.
Bluetooth Sync: Simplifies setup and logging through the DiverLog+ app, reducing the need to navigate the device’s menus manually.
Straightforward Menus: Beginner-friendly layout, though limited customization options are available.
Score: 4/5

Mares Smart

Two-Button Interface: Easy to navigate with ergonomic button placement.
Logical Menu Layout: Provides straightforward access to dive modes and logbook data, ideal for beginners.
Compact Size: While lightweight and portable, the smaller screen may make menu navigation slightly less intuitive.
Score: 4.5/5

Comparison Summary

Best for Customization and Intuitive Menus: Shearwater Peregrine
Best for App Integration and Simplified Logging: Aqua Lung i200C
Best for Ergonomic Design and Beginner Simplicity: Mares Smart

Battery Performance

Battery performance is critical for dive computers, as it affects reliability and long-term cost. Here’s how these three models compare:

Shearwater Peregrine

Rechargeable Battery: Offers 30+ hours of dive time on a full charge, depending on brightness settings.
Wireless Charging Dock: Convenient and eliminates the need for ports, though slower than direct USB charging.
Battery Status Indicator: Alerts users to low battery levels in advance.
Score: 4/5

Aqua Lung i200C

User-Replaceable CR2430 Battery: Provides approximately 6 months of regular use or around 60 dives.
Cost-Effective Maintenance: Easy to replace the battery without professional assistance.
Battery Status Indicator: Keeps divers informed about battery levels to prevent interruptions.
Score: 3.5/5

Mares Smart

User-Replaceable CR2430 Battery: Offers an impressive lifespan of up to 2 years for average recreational diving use.
Easy Replacement: Divers can replace the battery themselves, minimizing costs and downtime.
Battery Status Indicator: Provides clear alerts for low battery levels.
Score: 4/5

Comparison Summary

Best for Longevity and Low Maintenance: Mares Smart
Best for Rechargeable Convenience: Shearwater Peregrine
Best for Cost-Effective Battery Replacements: Aqua Lung i200C

Value for Money

Each of these dive computers delivers excellent value in its own way, catering to different budgets and diving needs.

Shearwater Peregrine

Affordable Premium Features: Priced around $500 USD, the Peregrine offers a full-color display, customizable settings, and wireless connectivity, making it an excellent investment for divers seeking premium features at a mid-range price.
Durability and Rechargeability: Its rugged build and rechargeable battery reduce long-term costs, adding to its value for regular use.
Score: 4.5/5

Aqua Lung i200C

Budget-Friendly: At approximately $300 USD, the i200C provides essential features like Bluetooth connectivity and multiple dive modes at a lower price, making it ideal for budget-conscious beginners.
Everyday Usability: Its watch-style design and replaceable battery add versatility and convenience, enhancing its value beyond diving.
Score: 4.5/5

Mares Smart

Strong Durability for the Price: Priced around $300–$350 USD, the Smart combines rugged construction, a high depth rating, and essential dive features, making it a dependable choice for its cost.
Longevity and Low Maintenance: With its long-lasting, user-replaceable battery and durable design, it offers great value for divers seeking reliability over advanced features.
Score: 4.5/5

Comparison Summary

Best for Premium Features and Customization: Shearwater Peregrine
Best for Budget-Conscious Divers: Aqua Lung i200C
Best for Durability and Long-Term Use: Mares Smart

Pros and Cons