Shearwater Perdix 2 AI Review

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.

By Tyler Allison · Updated July 2025
Shearwater Perdix 2 + Air Integration
Use
60+ dives
Current role
Primary dive computer
Still in my kit
Yes

The Short Version

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.

What Works

  • Crisp, customizable display
  • Air integration is flawless at all wrist to tank distances
  • Excellent battery life and reliability
  • Proven algorithm and intuitive two button UI
  • Shearwater has a strong reputation and supports divers directly

What Doesn't

  • Not a watch style form factor
  • Premium price point

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.

What It Is Like to Dive

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.

It has been reliable, accurate, and customizable, with a rugged casing and sapphire screen. Air integration, a compass, and custom layouts make it versatile across cold or warm water, wetsuit or drysuit.

The user-replaceable AA battery provides 30–40 hours per cell. The computer supports air, nitrox, and trimix modes. It is expensive, but worth it when you rely on it every dive.

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
Custom screen layout on Shearwater Perdix 2 AI showing pressure, gas time remaining, 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.

What I Would Change

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.

Who It Makes Sense 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

When I Would Buy Something Else

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.