First Dive Computer suggestion

[sheeper]

If you are planning to go tec in the future, get a Perdix. Learning that computer will serve you well as you progress in diving.
I stress to my students to invest in a dive computer that matches up where they want to go in diving. I have two computers for tec. a Shearwater Petrel and a Perdix (no interest in the AI). The "insides" and firmware is the same so the data matches up on each one. It is only the outward appearance and minor features (like the Perdix compass) that differs. I would expect that Shearwater will maintain that development trend.

 

[dmaziuk]

I think VTX has a bit of a reputation for bad screen in bright sunlight and short battery life.

 

[ls1dreams]

If you plan to do tech diving: buy a used Shearwater ($500-$600).

If you don't: Just go with something simple like the Aeris A300. I like that model because it's nearly identical to the VEO 2.0 but $100 cheaper. Runs dual algs, backlight, etc. Downside is a $90 cable. Might be able to find one on ebay for $60 though.

IMO, all other computers fall into these categories:

- cheapos with only one button which = horrible user interface
- overpriced midrange computers in the $300-$500 range that offer little over a cheap computer unless you want watch vs. puck sized

 

[CptTightPants21]

I think VTX has a bit of a reputation for bad screen in bright sunlight and short battery life.

I haven't stayed up to date with it, but as of a year ago, yes, these were the issues and the computer really was an expensive piece of d0gsh*t. And this opinion is coming from someone who actually likes Oceanic's other models--Geo 2, Veo, etc and would recommend them if you are going the lower budget route

Shearwaters last forever and I wouldn't let new models stop me from buying one new. Predators are still actively being bought and they are what 4 models old?

Getting a petrel 1 for ~$400 is good compromise option. Same great quality and value, but saves $300 to be spent on other scuba gear.

 

[scubadada]

I guess you sea a lot of this question here, I have the opportunity to acquire a Oceanic VTX or a Shearwater Perdix AI, what would you recommend?, mainly it will be for rec diving until I gain more experience and do in the future more tech diving

Thank you in advance

You're kidding, this is SB

 

[CarcharodonCarcharias]

I guess you sea a lot of this question here, I have the opportunity to acquire a Oceanic VTX or a Shearwater Perdix AI, what would you recommend?, mainly it will be for rec diving until I gain more experience and do in the future more tech diving

Thank you in advance

Get the Perdix (AI or non). If you know you want to continue diving, get the Perdix and you are done. No need to worry about upgrading to another computer later.

 

[gopbroek]

[QUOTE="ls1dreams, post: 7925094,

If you don't: Just go with something simple like the Aeris A300. I like that model because it's nearly identical to the VEO 2.0 but $100 cheaper. Runs dual algs, backlight, etc. [/QUOTE]
Actually it's a three button and the equivalent to a VEO 3.0

 

[Centrals]

Even if he does, he can use it as a bottom timer. And if he learns "ratio deco" then he does not even need a computer.
Only one left in stock!

 

[stuartv]

I guess you sea a lot of this question here, I have the opportunity to acquire a Oceanic VTX or a Shearwater Perdix AI, what would you recommend?, mainly it will be for rec diving until I gain more experience and do in the future more tech diving

Thank you in advance

If you intend on going into technical diving later, then the Perdix AI, for sure.

When you do eventually go into technical diving, you will need to have 2 devices for depth and dive time. If Shearwater or someone else has come out with something better by then, you can buy that and the Perdix can become your backup device. In my opinion, having a backup computer is better than having a backup device that only functions as a bottom timer (e.g. a computer that is being used in gauge mode). So, any of the other computers that are being recommended will - in my opinion - not be as good when you do go to tech.

Besides, now that Shearwater has a model with AI, I can't foresee them coming out with any new model any time soon that is going to really make the Perdix AI obsolete. Over the last couple of years, they have come out with a new model each year that had new features and, thus, a reason to upgrade. The Petrel 2 came out and added an electronic compass. The Perdix came out and was much less bulky than the Petrel 2. Now the Perdix AI has come out and AI was the last major feature that the market, in general, offers and Shearwater was missing. They have "caught up" to the market now and I think any future models are likely to just be evolutionary refinements. Maybe smaller. Maybe better battery life. But, not any significant new features that are going to make many people want to sell their Perdix AI and buy the new one.

If you buy a Perdix AI now, the only reason I could see that you would ever consider replacing it is if you eventually go to a closed circuit rebreather. And even then, replacing it would be a maybe. I have a CCR buddy now who just sold the Perdix he was using as a backup device to replace it with a Perdix AI (so he can use the Perdix with AI for the occasional times when he does single tank recreational dives). Tech divers always need to have 2 computers (or 2 bottom timers, or 1 of each). Buy a Perdix AI now and the worst case is it will still be a great backup device, when you advance into tech diving.

If you were confident that you would never pursue tech diving, then I would say to just buy a cheap computer. But, when you know you're planning to go that way eventually, I'd say don't waste your money now on a computer you will want to replace later. When you go tech, you will very likely want to replace one of those cheap computers, but almost certainly not want to replace a Perdix AI.

 

[Snoweman]

The Shearwater web site video talks about the algorithm in the Perdix AI, with an optional upgrade. What is the upgrade, and how much does it cost? I can't find it in their FAQ's.

Look at about 2:08 for what I am talking about.