Tech computer: Perdix or Petrel 2?

[hilljo88]

I have them both, slightly prefer the Perdix for its more compact size, screem seems brighter.Petrel 2 built like a tank. Kind of like asking which child you like more...

 

[JohnnyC]

If you want to get into a Shearwater, I've got a Predator I'm selling. It will get you into the Shearwater architecture for less than the cost of new.

Yep, it's a bit chunky, takes Saft's not AA's, and it doesn't have some of the fancy bells and whistles, but they're fantastic computers. And the screen is generally regarded as the best looking of all of the Shearwater screens.

 

[tbone1004]

@dulinor @tcoen will have to confirm, but while they are functionally identical, I do believe the hardware on the Petrel and Perdix is different.

@Chase Kaplan while you can say that tech divers have plenty of money and most are still diving Petrel's, it's because they just work. My Petrel 1 was working just fine until it was nicked, and sure it would have been cool to be able to upload to the cloud, but @Shearwater still hasn't ironed that out yet so I still use the traditional software on the Perdix AI. Sure the digital compass is nifty, but if I have to navigate somewhere I use a nav slate so I only really use it for reference.
I got the Perdix because I wanted the AI now that it was in a reasonably priced computer that was fully featured and I can tell you that it is 100% worth it, to me. I don't check pressure often with a normal gauge because it's mildly annoying when carrying deco bottles and in sidemount, to me at least, is really a pain. On the CCR it just added clutter, so now I don't have to worry about any of that.
The smaller form factor is quite noticeable when diving with less exposure protection. I normally am in a thick wetsuit or a drysuit so the Petrel was never an issue, but I did a couple days in the ocean wearing a t-shirt and bathing suit with my CCR and the Perdix felt much better than my Petrel ever did.

It's all up to you, if I were you, I'd get the Perdix AI even if you don't get the transmitters. Can't hurt to have the function, it's not much more, and should you change your mind later, it's a lot more expensive to correct. If you really like the Petrel form factor though, I would recommend to grab a used one in the US, or check out what @JohnnyC has and get a couple rechargeable 14500's so you don't have to deal with Saft's which are super annoying

 

[Caveman]

@dulinor @tcoen will have to confirm, but while they are functionally identical, I do believe the hardware on the Petrel and Perdix is different.

@Chase Kaplan while you can say that tech divers have plenty of money and most are still diving Petrel's, it's because they just work. My Petrel 1 was working just fine until it was nicked, and sure it would have been cool to be able to upload to the cloud, but @Shearwater still hasn't ironed that out yet so I still use the traditional software on the Perdix AI. Sure the digital compass is nifty, but if I have to navigate somewhere I use a nav slate so I only really use it for reference.
I got the Perdix because I wanted the AI now that it was in a reasonably priced computer that was fully featured and I can tell you that it is 100% worth it, to me. I don't check pressure often with a normal gauge because it's mildly annoying when carrying deco bottles and in sidemount, to me at least, is really a pain. On the CCR it just added clutter, so now I don't have to worry about any of that.
The smaller form factor is quite noticeable when diving with less exposure protection. I normally am in a thick wetsuit or a drysuit so the Petrel was never an issue, but I did a couple days in the ocean wearing a t-shirt and bathing suit with my CCR and the Perdix felt much better than my Petrel ever did.

It's all up to you, if I were you, I'd get the Perdix AI even if you don't get the transmitters. Can't hurt to have the function, it's not much more, and should you change your mind later, it's a lot more expensive to correct. If you really like the Petrel form factor though, I would recommend to grab a used one in the US, or check out what @JohnnyC has and get a couple rechargeable 14500's so you don't have to deal with Saft's which are super annoying

I'll do that rather. It does seem that the Perdix is the better computer and it will be worthwhile to buy the AI even if i never get down to using it because it cant be fitted in later or so I've heard

 

[tbone1004]

I'll do that rather. It does seem that the Perdix is the better computer and it will be worthwhile to buy the AI even if i never get down to using it because it cant be fitted in later or so I've heard

Once the Shearwaters leave the factory, the only "option" to change functionality I'm aware of is adding VPM to the deco algorithms. Everything hardware wise is fixed

 

[Caveman]

Once the Shearwaters leave the factory, the only "option" to change functionality I'm aware of is adding VPM to the deco algorithms. Everything hardware wise is fixed

Ja I've seen that all of the dealers offer that as an optional extra. I'll probably get mine from DGX. Is the VPM worth upgrading right away or can it wait until I start getting more involved in more extreme tech diving?

 

[tbone1004]

Ja I've seen that all of the dealers offer that as an optional extra. I'll probably get mine from DGX. Is the VPM worth upgrading right away or can it wait until I start getting more involved in more extreme tech diving?

VPM is not worth upgrading ever...

 

[boulderjohn]

Ja I've seen that all of the dealers offer that as an optional extra. I'll probably get mine from DGX. Is the VPM worth upgrading right away or can it wait until I start getting more involved in more extreme tech diving?

VPM is not worth upgrading ever...

Only a few years ago, VPM was all the rage. I used it for years. I don't know anyone using it now.

 

[tbone1004]

Only a few years ago, VPM was all the rage. I used it for years. I don't know anyone using it now.

I don't want to say the letters because if we say them three times, it might be like saying Beetlejuice and Ross will come in and derail the thread...

 

[Stoo]

I have a Petral and Mrs Stoo has a Perdix. We both wear drysuits and drygloves. On occasion, I wear both. I find that the lower profile of the Perdix means that I have some trouble accessing the buttons, since they're party "buried" in my suit. In a wetsuit this would be a non issue. For the same reason, the one button tends to be partially hidden by my glove cuff. The Petral, which stands a little higher, doesn't have this problems.

Mrs Stoo on the other hand, is a 95# bruiser with tiny hands, and she loves her Perdix.