Predator vs Petrel (on used rEvos)

[azstinger11]

Hi all,

looking at used rEvos for our entrance into the CCR world (for now let’s leave the choice of CCRs out of this thread ) . We have seen a few with predators instead of a Petrel. While I have two shearwaters already and love the customer support a bit apprehensive about getting something no longer actively sold/supported.

It seems like the Predators are larger, OLED instead LCD screen, SAFT battery only, and limited memory? Any other big things I’m missing? Any other reason(s) as a dedicated CCR computer I’d be limited/displeased?

 

[grantctobin]

Hi all,

looking at used rEvos for our entrance into the CCR world (for now let’s leave the choice of CCRs out of this thread ) . We have seen a few with predators instead of a Petrel. While I have two shearwaters already and love the customer support a bit apprehensive about getting something no longer actively sold/supported.

It seems like the Predators are larger, OLED instead LCD screen, SAFT battery only, and limited memory? Any other big things I’m missing? Any other reason(s) as a dedicated CCR computer I’d be limited/displeased?

The battery holster on the Predator isn’t the most resilient thing in the world. If you go that route, be careful when replacing batteries.

 

[azstinger11]

The battery holster on the Predator isn’t the most resilient thing in the world. If you go that route, be careful when replacing batteries.

Like break the plastic fragile or likely to induce a flood from an o-ring getting out of place fragile?

 

[grantctobin]

Like break the plastic fragile or likely to induce a flood from an o-ring getting out of place fragile?

https://www.shearwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Predator_Manual_2_3_3.pdf

See page 49. If you aren’t careful, you’ll kink/rip one of the leads. In April, Shearwater had a few spares left for overhauls but the number was dwindling.

 

[davehicks]

Just get the Petrels. They are not that much more expensive used, and will hold their value. The Predator is good computer but is an old design that feels it's age. The battery guage is very flaky. The buttons have a habit of failing in old age. You need a dental pick to pull out the battery holder safely. You can use it to keep your car from rolling during a tire change.

 

[azstinger11]

Just get the Petrels. They are not that much more expensive used, and will hold their value. The Predator is good computer but is an old design that feels it's age. The battery guage is very flaky. The buttons have a habit of failing in old age. You need a dental pick to pull out the battery holder safely. You can use it to keep your car from rolling during a tire change.

Right now not seeing any used units come up the combo of tech I want, a few have come up with everything I want but with Predators instead of petrels. Upgrading would be relatively expensive but sounds like would ultimately be a good idea.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I used a Predator/Fischer on my rEvo for several years, no issues. As stated be careful changing batteries. When ordering SAFT batteries not all are made equal---chinese crap is available.

 

[rjack321]

Right now not seeing any used units come up the combo of tech I want, a few have come up with everything I want but with Predators instead of petrels. Upgrading would be relatively expensive but sounds like would ultimately be a good idea.

The predator is fine. Besides breaking the battery wire and age related cracks at the mounting holes of the screen there is not much to go wrong. The screen can be replaced for about $100