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.

 

[rongoodman]

Why the concern about the vibration alerts? What is it that you’re worried about missing?

 

[Rob9876]

I had both the iX3M 2 and the Perdix 2, and the Perdix is just a much better computer than the iX3M 2. I never have any trouble feeling the haptic alerts on my Perdix in my 3mm or 5mm wetsuits. Have not tried the Petrel, which I tend to think of (rightly or wrongly) as more of a CCR computer.

 

[tallman]

Why the concern about the vibration alerts? What is it that you’re worried about missing?

Nothing in particular, but if there were something I missed it would be nice for it actually warn me. In practice I doubt that matters.

 

[tallman]

I had both the iX3M 2 and the Perdix 2, and the Perdix is just a much better computer than the iX3M 2. I never have any trouble feeling the haptic alerts on my Perdix in my 3mm or 5mm wetsuits. Have not tried the Petrel, which I tend to think of (rightly or wrongly) as more of a CCR computer.

Yeah, I think in my use case the Perdix 2 is what is right for me. Even in the set up videos the computer seems way more snappy than my current one. Did you ever have to deal with customer support with the Ratio? I keep hearing horror stories on this board which is another factor that is pushing me away from it.

 

[Rob9876]

Did you ever have to deal with customer support with the Ratio? I keep hearing horror stories on this board which is another factor that is pushing me away from it.

Yes, Ratio customer support was horrible for me -- doubt I'll ever buy another Ratio product. Here's my prior post about that:

Post in thread 'Dive computer'

Mar 1, 2023

What issues?

My Ratio iX3M2 was glitching when I received it, flickering when trying to set Safety Stop Depth in Imperial units (I posted about this issue in another ScubaBoard thread). After contacting Ratio, they advised to update the software to the latest version by downloading the Ration Toolbox to my computer, which I did. I did think it was odd to have a glitch on such a basic function on a computer that had been out for half a year already. But the software update stopped the flickering.

Then when diving normal recreational dives the computer was almost constantly...

• Rob9876

• 
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[BoltSnap]

the vibration alerts are so faint they’re easy to miss.

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.

I do find the interface clunky and slow

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?

unreliable connections, frequent dropouts, and questionable accuracy

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.

the support still seems lackluster in the US even after they have set up shop here.

Did you try to use them?

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.

 

[GDHLEWIS]

I have used both, I dive the Ration as my daily driver and have borrowed a handful of Shearwaters as loaners from friends to see the difference. Both are great computers and will do more than will be required of them from most divers.
In my view the SW is a more refined computer, clear its been thought out a little more and had a longer technical pedigree compared to the Ratio. I wouldn't say its better though as both will do exactly the same as the other for the most part. The ratio and transmitter pairing I used to have issues with, but after a scheduled firmware update that stopped being an issue, I just have to make sure to repair them from time to time and you shouldn't have a single issue.
Would I sell the Ratio and for for SW right now...no, the cost increase does not make any sense in my view. IF I had to buy another computer right now Id probably buy the Shearwater...but Id have to dive one again to be sure.
Again both are fantastic computers and do the same as each other.
I have never had an issues with the vibration on the ratio and do not find the interface clunky in any way. I just find the SW more refined as they clearly have more experience with these large format computers.
My biggest bug with Ratio is the lack of app for the computer...I hate subsurface with a passion...thats my only real issue.
Good luck choosing