Shearwater Perdix 2 AI Dive Computer Review
- Flawless air integration: Reliable signal across 60+ dives
- User-replaceable AA battery: 30–40 hours per cell
- Customizable display: Clear in low viz and bright sun
- Rec + tech ready: Air, nitrox, and trimix modes
- Rugged build: Sapphire screen and proven durability
See current pricing at: Dive Right In Scuba
If you are looking for a dive computer you can rely on every single dive, the Shearwater Perdix 2 AI has earned that reputation. It is not trying to be fashionable or gadgety. It is built to deliver rock solid performance without clutter. After using it across drysuit dives in cold Midwestern quarries and reef dives in Fiji, I trust this computer more than anything else in my kit.
Last updated: July 2025
Not really. It is an advanced dive computer designed for divers who want full control, customization, and long term growth. Beginners might be overwhelmed by the options, but confident divers who plan to keep diving seriously will appreciate its power and reliability.
Yes. It supports open circuit recreational, nitrox, and technical dive modes including trimix. You can grow into it as your diving evolves, which is one reason it is popular with serious divers at all levels.
Extremely. I have not had a single signal drop, even when the transmitter was behind my backplate or partially obstructed. Shearwater wireless integration has been rock solid across dozens of dives.
The Perdix 2 AI uses a user replaceable AA battery, which I prefer. Battery life is excellent. I get 30 to 40 hours per battery with high end lithium cells, and I do not need to worry about proprietary chargers or cables failing during a trip.
For divers who plan to keep diving regularly, yes. It is not cheap, but it is reliable, rugged, and you will not outgrow it. If you value trust and clarity underwater, it is worth the money over flashier or less proven alternatives.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, customizable display | Not a watch style form factor |
| Air integration is flawless at all wrist to tank distances | AA battery may be a downside for some |
| Excellent battery life and reliability | Premium price point |
| Proven algorithm and intuitive two button UI | |
| Strong brand trust and support |
Why I Chose the Shearwater Perdix 2 AI
I wanted a dive computer I could trust in all environments, whether local drysuit dives or warm water travel trips. After using other computers that felt cluttered or locked into preset views, I was drawn to Shearwater for a clean interface and deep customization. The Perdix 2 AI let me build screen layouts with the exact data I care about, and it supports air integration with no fuss. For a recreational diver who values precision and simplicity, it has been reliable across conditions.
Verdict
The Shearwater Perdix 2 AI is the most capable and reliable dive computer I have used. I trust it on every dive, whether I am wearing a drysuit in 45°F water or floating through reefs on vacation. It is not cheap, but it is a long term platform you grow into, not one you grow out of.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely. It is staying in my kit long term.
Who the Perdix 2 AI Is Best For
This computer is ideal for divers who want a long term platform they will not outgrow. It is especially well suited for:
- Divers who switch between cold and warm water environments
- Anyone planning to move into technical or twinset diving
- Divers who value screen clarity and data customization over compact form factor
- Those who prefer AA battery power over proprietary charging systems
It is not the right fit if you are looking for a sleek, watch style daily wear computer, or if you want a budget model for casual vacation diving only.
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score | Raw Score | Weight | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | Exceptional | 10.0 | 30% | 3.00 |
| Ease of Use | Exceptional | 9.0 | 20% | 1.80 |
| Versatility | Exceptional | 10.0 | 15% | 1.50 |
| Durability & Build Quality | Exceptional | 10.0 | 15% | 1.50 |
| Value | Strong | 8.0 | 10% | 0.80 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | Exceptional | 10.0 | 10% | 1.00 |
| Total | 9.60 / 10 | |||
Rounded Display Score: 9.6 / 10 — Exceptional
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance - 10: Reliable, accurate, customizable, and strong air integration.
- Ease of Use - 9: The two button UI becomes efficient once learned and works well with gloves.
- Versatility - 10: Cold or warm water, wetsuit or drysuit, air integration, compass, and custom layouts.
- Durability & Build Quality - 10: Rugged casing, sapphire screen, and proven reliability.
- Value - 8: It is expensive, but worth it when you rely on it every dive.
- Brand Trust & Transparency - 10: Shearwater has a strong reputation and supports divers directly.
My Custom Screen Layout
The Perdix 2 AI does not give you full control over every field, but it gives you control where it counts. The display is split into two main sections: a fixed top row with two primary columns, and a smaller bottom row divided into three columns. The left column in the bottom row is fixed, but the middle and right columns are customizable.
Here is how I have mine set up:
- Middle Column: AI pressure, gas time remaining, and current time
- Right Column: MOD, max depth, and temperature
This layout keeps my gas status front and center while still giving me critical environmental and dive limit data. I prefer to show time of day instead of runtime, and I do not prioritize NDL since it is already visible in the main section of the screen.
Setting this up took only a few minutes. The Shearwater menu system makes layout customization simple, previews changes as you go, and remains readable in low visibility or while task loaded. You can see my actual layout in the photo above.
I still want more flexibility. For example, the left column on the bottom row is locked to display a full text gas label such as Air. I already know what gas I am on and that space could be used for runtime, average depth, or pO2. Even just letting me make that label smaller would free space for more relevant info. It is a small limitation, but one I notice on every dive.
Performance in the Water
- Visibility & Readability: The large, high contrast screen is easy to read in all conditions including low viz, night dives, and direct sunlight. The customizable layout lets me prioritize the data I care about most.
- Button Control Underwater: The two button interface is responsive and glove friendly. It takes very little practice to navigate quickly, and with my setup I do not need to touch it after the dive begins.
- Signal & Air Integration: I have not seen a dropped signal. The wireless transmitter maintains connection even when mounted behind my backplate or partially blocked.
- Physical Fit & Durability: It sits flush on the wrist, does not interfere with drysuit seals, and feels rugged without being bulky. I tried using the bungee cords and switched back to the bungee buckles. I am glad it offers both options, but I prefer the buckles.