Considering new dive computer (Ratio to Shearwater)

[tallman]

Hi everyone,

I’m thinking about changing my dive computer and could use some advice from those with first-hand experience.

Right now, I’m diving with a Ratio iX3M 2 Deep. It hasn’t failed me, but I do find the interface clunky and slow, and the vibration alerts are so faint they’re easy to miss. I was originally planning to add the AI transmitter, but after reading multiple reports about unreliable connections, frequent dropouts, and questionable accuracy, I’m rethinking that idea. In addition, the support still seems lackluster in the US even after they have set up shop here.

At the moment, I’m torn between the Shearwater Perdix 2 and the Petrel 3. Perdix 2 Seems like the best fit on paper, but I love the larger screen on the Petrel 3 and from my research, it has stronger vibration alerts. If I make the switch, my Ratio will go to my wife, so it won’t be gathering dust in a drawer.

For those of you that have used either (or both), which would you choose and why? I don’t dive CCR at the moment, and if I do venture into that world, it’s still a few years away.


Any input is appreciated.

 

[tallman]

I dive in a semi-dry, 5mm and 4/3 mm, and have no issue whatsoever hearing or feeling the alarms (vibration or sound). I thought that the vibrations were a little too much at the beginning.

Maybe my motors are busted? I do not feel them in my 5mm at all and definitely not in my dry suit. The alarm I do hear on occasion..

How so? I upgraded to the iX3M 2 GPS 3 months ago, and I love its interface. It is sooooo easy to figure it out without reading the manual. Heck, my friend and former student got his at the same time I got mine, and he figured it out even when he doesn't speak English too well.

What is "slow" about it? How can it be slow?

Mine has a delay a lot of the times when pressing a button to view my compass or go back to the main screen it lags out for about 3 seconds before changing. I made sure to update the firmware and the problem still persists. Outside of the water its fine but below is where I encounter it.

After 8 years with the iX3M version one and almost 2K dives with it, and now the iX3M 2, I don't see this as an issue. Ratio gives you the option to adjust the gain that solves any issues with it.

That is what I am tying to determine. From what I read on here were horror stories on the transmitter which is why I started cross shopping. Essentially, if I was going to spend that much on the transmitter I might as well get one a new computer/transmitter that is tried and tested. I have the non-gps variant so unsure if that makes a difference.

Did you try to use them?

Not since they opened their US shops, but I had messaged with with questions before and the responses took ages. It sounds like its different now.

They are the same support company that supported SW in the US and gave exceptional service that people rave about. It wasn't the SW company itself that gave the exceptional service at all; it was this company, Dive-Tronix, which is now the official distributor for Ratio in North America.

I bought mine from diverssupply years ago but shortly after they stopped selling/supporting them. Its good to know that they have set a distributor.

 

[BoltSnap]

they have set a distributor

Which is the same company that gave great customer service to SW computers' owners in North America. The great customer service SW is known for is due to this company. AFAIK, Dive-Tronix is no longer the customer service provider for SW now, but they are for Ratio. Dive-Tronix is still the repair center for SW and Ratio.

 

[scubadada]

Which is the same company that gave great service to SW computers' owners in North America. The great service SW is known for is due to this company. AFAIK, Dive-Tronix is no longer the service provider for SW now, but they are for Ratio.

I don't believe this is accurate information, what is your source?

 

[BoltSnap]

I don't believe this is accurate information, what is your source?

Which part isn't accurate, that Divetronix is the disti for Ratio in the US, or they are the customer service company for SW in the US, or their no longer being so?

My source is a few of my dealer friends in the US.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Which is the same company that gave great service to SW computers' owners in North America. The great service SW is known for is due to this company. AFAIK, Dive-Tronix is no longer the service provider for SW now, but they are for Ratio.

I don't believe this is accurate information, what is your source?

Which part isn't accurate, that Divetronix is the disti for Ratio in the US, or their being the service company for SW in the US, or their no longer being so?

My source is a few of my dealer friends in the US.

It is my understanding that Dive-Tronix provides service for BOTH Shearwater and Ratio now. Both brands are clearly listed on their website.

 

[BoltSnap]

It is my understanding that Dive-Tronix provides service for BOTH Shearwater and Ratio now. Both brands are clearly listed on their website.

Sorry, I meant "customer service," not "repairs."

Dive Tronix does repairs for both, but not customer service for SW, AFAIK.

 

[scubadada]

Sorry, I meant "customer service," not "repairs."

Dive Tronix does repairs for both, but not customer service for SW, AFAIK.

I'm glad you corrected the Inaccurate information in your previous post.

 

[BoltSnap]

I'm glad you corrected the Inaccurate information in your previous post.

I am glad that you are glad, we aim to please