Why are the Shearwaters held in such HIGH REGARD?

[Michael Thomas]

Hello,
I am looking to get a new computer and was thinking about the Shearwaters. If they are not air integrated why are they so popular?
I would think a computer at the price should have a transmitter ...and I would think the diver would want one...I would think it would be better no? Whats so appealing ?
Please your opinions....models???
Also what about the ATOMIC COBALT?
I am diving in the North East. AOW...nothing past 130 feet.
Thank You.

 

[BoltSnap]

Take a look at the Oceanic/Aqua Lung computers also. I'd wait for few more weeks to see what new computers will be announced at DEMA (in about two weeks from now).

 

[Dogbowl]

From what I've read, people like Shearwater because:

1) They're reliable;
2) Tech divers don't like air integration - it's a potential point of failure;
3) Some rec divers also think air integration in its current incarnation is unreliable;
4) Big, easy to read screen;
5) User replaceable batteries;
6) Nice straps/bungee;
7) Company provides good service;
8) I'm sure there are other reasons.

Both my husband and I have one. We are beginner recreational divers.

 

[Michael Thomas]

Thank you both for your reply!

 

[Aotus]

From what I've read, people like Shearwater because:

1) They're reliable;
2) Tech divers don't like air integration - it's a potential point of failure;
3) Some rec divers also think air integration in its current incarnation is unreliable;
4) Big, easy to read screen;
5) User replaceable batteries;
6) Nice straps/bungee;
7) Company provides good service;
8) I'm sure there are other reasons.

Both my husband and I have one. We are beginner recreational divers.

All those reasons, except #6, a lot of us change out the straps for bungee, some of us install the computer on a wrist slate. Other reasons include customized display (data and color), a recreational nitrox mode, and continued updates for older versions that improve and sometimes add functionality. It's a bulletproof computer that can grow with your diving, serving you equally well in shallow reef and deep wreck and cave dives. Unless you're the type that likes to put money into the latest new electronics, you only need to buy a shearwater computer once.

edit: I admit I'd love to get a new Perdix, but my Petrel 1 is too good and has been with me through so much that I don't have the heart to move to the latest just for the form factor and a built in compass. For a first-time buyer, I'd recommend the perdix, but you'd be plenty happy with any petrel, or predator for that matter if you're looking to save $$.

 

[CptTightPants21]

In addition to the other reason stated (except straps, they are beyond annoying, switch to bungee)

1. Unparalleled customer service
2. You will never need to buy another computer (unless you want a back up )

They are so popular because of the great screen, software, customer service, and reliability.

Some people like air integration, but it more of a luxury and isn't remotely necessary. Besides the obvious failure points...

 

[doctormike]

Awesome computer. Extremely readable, durable and flexible. Good for everything from newbies doing open water to rebreathers and technical diving. Customer service is absolutely the best, have never seen anything like it in any industry. I have emailed them on a Sunday night and gotten an answer within 20 minutes. User replaceable AA battery, that you can get anywhere in the world.

I used to dive air integration, got rid of it and definitely don't miss it. Lots of threads about that here, but I find that the clipped off brass and glass SPG is just fine. I had a lot of link failures when I had mine, and on every thread about this several people post about their own issues with link failures. Also, in every thread, there are also a lot of people posting that they never have problems. But the issue with that is that if you sell 1000 computers with a 20% failure rate, you will have 800 people swearing that the link never fails.

 

[BoltSnap]

Based on your profile, you don't need to spend this much money unless you "want" to spend not because you need to at all. One of the basic Oceanic computers will do just fine with all the features and more you will need. VEO 2 or 3 are a great value indeed.

 

[Stoo]

As others have said, they are fantastic computers and Shearwater is unbelievable when it comes to customer support. There are dozens of stories here, including a recent one from me about their legendary support for their product. I think the most amazing example of customer service for any product at all was from these pages. I wish I could find the post, but someone posted a photo of their screen as they were confused by what it was they were seeing.

Several posts later, long after the display had been explained, someone from Shearwater posted that the explanation from other users was correct, but amazingly, they had noticed what appeared to be a tiny, hairline crack in the screen, stocking out from under one of the Torx fasteners. They asked the user to return it to them. The screen was replaced (and knowing them, probably the guts too) and returned it, for no charge.

Really, what company does that?

I am impressed with great design, and one tiny thing that stands out is a perfect example of good design: the battery compartment is a standard DIN o-ring. Something most users likely have with them, and something that is available everywhere. I recently read a thread on here where someone needed a replacement o-ring for their LiquidVision (I think). Nobody had a clue what size it was and LiquidVision wasn't answering emails. That would cause me "Go Postal"

As for you buying too much computer, two things come to mind. First, there is much simplified "Rec Mode" which is simple to use and has all of those pesky "rec" features, like safety stops etc.

Second, if you dive much, there's a damn good chance you will suffer a computer death along the way. By the time you buy the replacement, you will likely be over the cost of a Petral or Perdix. Your payback would take a while, but in the end, there's a good chance it will still be around!

 

[RainPilot]

It started with Bruce designing a computer for himself to dive with that addressed the issues he had with the tech of the time. It was not a commercial enterprise. He IIRC only reluctantly came out of retirement due to everyone that saw one wanting it.

That foundation of building a better PDC first and foremost with commercial considerations far behind has led I believe to @Shearwater great success.