Shearwater Petrel 1 as backup computer?

[Caversluis]

I use a Perdix 2 as my main dive computer, with a very old Oceanic Veo as a backup computer.

There is a Petrel 1 for sale for a very reasonable price. I know the Petrel 1 is old, but would it stil be useful as a backup computer?

Posting in “Technical diving” as I am not looking answers like: “You can buy a brand new Zoop for that price”

 

[LFMarm]

Petrel 1 is a great computer. Compared to the Petrel 3, ver 1 is missing compass, vibration and AI but would work great as a backup and Shearwater still provides full service on them. There are several threads discussing the different versions of the Petrel, e.g., ISO used Shearwater petrel 1 or 2 computer (advice)

 

[TrimixToo]

The Petrel would be a fine primary computer. It'll do just fine in a secondary/backup role as well.

 

[macado]

I used two Petrel 1s as my primary dive computers up until a few months ago. One of my wife's computers is still a Shearwater Predator which pre-dates the Petrel platform.

The only downside to the Petrel 1 (and Petrel 2) are that they are no longer supported platforms by Shearwater since they can no longer get motherboards / depth sensor. This means they are effectively no longer serviceable beyond the battery compartment or screen replacement.

If you can get a Petrel 1 for cheap then I'd say go for it. They are great computers. As others mentioned, it's just missing the digital compass, vibration alarms and air integration features.

 

[halocline]

I’ve been using a petrel for years, I think they’re excellent.

 

[mr_v]

What's a "very reasonable price?" You can buy Divesoft Freedom for under $800 and Garmin G1 for under $500.

I would not touch Shearwater now.

 

[rjack321]

Some of us still have predators in active primary use Mine is the primary monitor and deco computer on my Kiss CCR

 

[greeniguana]

I still use my predator. I like taking it on recreational dive boats. "wow! what's that???"

 

[cozmo]

I to still use my Predator That I had bought brand new literally moments before the Petrel came out. Has never missed a beat and is now my backup computer when diving OC. That being said at this point of time I will not use just any computer and stick to only Shearwater. So back to the question if you need a backup get a Shearwater and if you can get one for a good price used I would pick it up.

 

[TrimixToo]

I would not touch Shearwater now.

Why?