Why I Chose the Shearwater Perdix 2 AI
And Why It’s Staying in My Kit
A premium dive computer that earns its price with flawless air integration, unmatched customization, and proven durability. The Perdix 2 AI has been my most trusted device across more than 60 dives, from cold Lake Michigan wrecks to warm reef drifts. Whether you're a data-driven recreational diver or looking to grow into tech-style capabilities, this computer delivers reliability and confidence on every dive.
Overall Score: 9.6 / 10
Last updated: July 2025
If you’re looking for a dive computer you can rely on every single dive, the Shearwater Perdix 2 AI has earned that reputation. It’s not trying to be fashionable or gadgety. It’s built to deliver rock-solid performance with none of the clutter. After using it across drysuit dives in cold Midwestern quarries and reef dives in Fiji, I’ve come to trust this computer more than anything else in my kit. This review breaks down exactly why with scores, real usage notes, and no brand bias.
Not really. It’s 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’s popular with serious divers at all levels.
Extremely. I’ve never had a single signal drop, even when the transmitter was behind my backplate or partially obstructed. Shearwater’s wireless integration has proven rock solid across dozens of dives.
The Perdix 2 AI uses a user-replaceable AA battery, which I actually prefer. Battery life is excellent I get 30 to 40 hours per battery when using high end lithium brand batteries, and I don’t need to worry about proprietary chargers or cables failing during a trip.
For divers who plan to keep diving regularly, yes. It’s not cheap, but it’s reliable, rugged, and you won’t outgrow it. If you value trust and clarity underwater, it’s worth every dollar 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 | |
| Unmatched 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’s 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’s been flawless.
Verdict
The Shearwater Perdix 2 AI is the most capable and reliable dive computer I’ve ever used. I trust it on every dive, whether I’m wearing a drysuit in 45°F water or floating through reefs on vacation. It’s not cheap, but it’s a long-term platform you grow into not one you grow out of.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely. It’s 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 won’t outgrow. It’s 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’s not the right fit if you’re 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 (0–10) | Weight | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | 10 | 30% | 3.00 |
| Ease of Use | 9 | 20% | 1.80 |
| Versatility | 10 | 15% | 1.50 |
| Durability & Build Quality | 10 | 15% | 1.50 |
| Value | 8 | 10% | 0.80 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | 10 | 10% | 1.00 |
| Total | 9.60 | ||
Rounded Display Score: 9.6
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 10: Reliable, accurate, customizable, and flawless air integration.
- Ease of Use – 9: The two-button UI becomes very efficient once learned. Excellent with gloves.
- Versatility – 10: Cold or warm water, wetsuit or drysuit, air integration, compass, and custom layouts it handles everything.
- Durability & Build Quality – 10: Military-grade casing, sapphire screen, and proven ruggedness.
- Value – 8: It’s expensive, but feels worth it when you rely on it every dive. A long-term investment.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 10: Shearwater has the strongest reputation in the industry and supports divers directly.
My Custom Screen Layout
The Perdix 2 AI doesn’t 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 (about 66% of the screen) 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’s how I have mine set up:
- Middle Column: AI Pressure, Gas Time Remaining (GTR), and Current Time
- Right Column: MOD (Maximum Operating Depth), Max Depth (MAX ft), 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 don’t prioritize NDL since it’s already visible in the main section of the screen.
Setting this up took just a few minutes. The Shearwater menu system makes layout customization simple, previewing changes as you go, and the structure stays readable in low visibility or while task-loaded. You can see my actual layout in the photo below.
That said, I wish it allowed even more flexibility. For example, the left column on the bottom row is locked to display something like “Air” in full text. I already know what gas I’m on and that space could be used for something more useful like runtime, average depth, or pO₂. Even just letting me make that label smaller would free up space for more relevant info. It’s 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 extremely responsive and glove-friendly. It takes virtually no practice to navigate quickly and with my setup I don't even need to touch it after the dive begins.
- Signal & Air Integration: I’ve never had a dropped signal. The wireless transmitter maintains perfect connection even when mounted behind my backplate or partially blocked.
- Physical Fit & Durability: It sits flush on the wrist, doesn’t interfere with drysuit seals, and feels rugged without being bulky. I tried using the bungee cords and switched back to the bungee buckles. I'm glad it offers both options, but I prefer the buckles.