Powerful, Simple, Trusted: A Deep Dive into Shearwater Computers

In any field of serious endeavor, there are brands that are good, and then there are brands that become the undisputed standard. In the world of scuba diving, Shearwater Research is the standard. For divers who prioritize safety, reliability, and empowerment, the Shearwater name represents the pinnacle of dive computer technology.

This legendary reputation wasn't built on flashy marketing or trendy features. It was forged in the most demanding underwater environments on earth and is rooted in a core philosophy that resonates with divers of all levels: create powerful, simple, and trusted tools that enhance every dive.

At Paragon Dive Store, we are a premier Shearwater dealer because we believe deeply in this philosophy. We've seen firsthand how these computers can elevate a diver's confidence and capabilities. This guide will take a deep dive into the Shearwater DNA—what makes them different—and then showcase how that philosophy is brought to life in their most popular models for every type of diver.

The Shearwater Philosophy: What Sets Them Apart?

Before looking at any specific model, it's essential to understand the principles that guide every product Shearwater creates.

1. Powerful & Intuitive

The true genius of Shearwater is its ability to house an incredibly powerful processing engine within a famously simple user interface.

• Ultimate Control: At their core, all Shearwater computers use the Bühlmann ZHL-16C decompression algorithm with Gradient Factors. Without getting too technical, this means the diver has complete control over the conservatism of their dive profile. You can adjust the settings to match your personal risk tolerance, the demands of a specific dive, or your physical condition on that day. This level of control was once reserved for only the most elite technical divers.
• Deceptive Simplicity: Despite this power, a Shearwater is remarkably easy to use. The two-button control and state-aware menus are logical and intuitive. The information you need right now is always presented with unmatched clarity on a bright, full-color screen. It's the ultimate combination: complex on the inside, simple on the outside.

2. Trusted & Robust

The brand was born from the needs of technical and cave divers, where equipment failure is simply not an option. This heritage of trust is their most important asset.

• "Never Locks You Out": This is a cornerstone of the Shearwater promise. Many dive computers will "lock out" and stop functioning for 24-48 hours if you violate their safety parameters (like ascending too fast or missing a deco stop). Shearwater believes that this is the moment you need your computer the most. A Shearwater will warn you aggressively of your error, but it will never stop providing the critical decompression information you need to get back to the surface safely.
• Built to Last: From armored casings and titanium bezels to toughened glass screens and reliable piezo buttons, Shearwater computers are built to withstand the rigors of real-world diving.

3. World-Class Support

Shearwater's commitment to the diver doesn't end after the sale. They are renowned for having some of the best customer service in the entire industry. Combined with the free Shearwater Cloud app for digital logging and easy firmware updates, they provide a seamless and supportive ownership experience.

Finding Your Shearwater: Excellent Options for Every Diver

Now that you understand the philosophy, let's see how it's expressed in three of their most popular models. Each computer is built on the same core DNA but is tailored for a specific diver's needs.

The Shearwater Peregrine: The Ultimate Sport Diving Computer

The Shearwater Peregrine is the purest expression of the Shearwater philosophy for the recreational diver. It offers all the power and clarity the brand is known for in a focused, accessible package.

• Who It's For: The new diver buying their first high-quality computer, the avid vacation diver, and anyone who primarily dives on air and nitrox.
• How It Embodies the Philosophy: It simplifies the experience by offering four core modes (Air, Nitrox, 3 Gas Nitrox, Gauge) while retaining the powerful Bühlmann algorithm. Its massive 2.2" color screen is brilliantly simple, and strong vibration alerts provide unmistakable feedback. With wireless charging and a fantastic price point, it’s a trusted tool for a lifetime of sport diving.

The Shearwater Tern & Tern TX: The Everyday Watch-Style Powerhouse

The brand new Shearwater Tern delivers the trusted performance of the Peregrine in a sleek, watch-style computer you can wear anywhere.

• Who It's For: The active sport diver who prefers a more compact, everyday-wearable format. The Tern TX model is for the diver who also wants the massive safety and convenience benefits of air integration.
• How It Embodies the Philosophy: The Tern offers powerful Air, Nitrox, and Freediving modes in a stunningly simple and compact design with a high-contrast AMOLED screen. The Tern TX model elevates this by integrating seamlessly with up to four wireless tank transmitters. This provides real-time Gas Time Remaining (GTR) data—a powerful feature that calculates your remaining air supply in minutes at your current depth and breathing rate. This is a perfect example of Shearwater using technology to enhance diver awareness and safety.

The Shearwater Perdix 2: The Expedition-Grade Legend

The Shearwater Perdix 2 is the flagship, the direct descendant of Shearwater's technical diving heritage. It is the ultimate expression of a rugged, go-anywhere, do-anything dive computer.

• Who It's For: The advanced sport diver who wants a computer they will never outgrow, as well as aspiring and active technical (TDI) and rebreather divers.
• How It Embodies the Philosophy: The Perdix 2 is trusted because it is virtually indestructible, with an armored casing and titanium bezel. It is powerful because it includes full Open Circuit Trimix and Closed Circuit rebreather capabilities. And it is simple and reliable thanks to its user-replaceable AA battery, which can be found anywhere in the world, and its clear, large-format 2.2" screen.

An Investment in Confidence

Choosing a Shearwater computer is about more than just features; it's an alignment with a philosophy of empowerment, reliability, and trust. It's about owning a tool that is designed to help you become a safer, more confident, and more capable diver.

Whether you need the focused simplicity of the Peregrine, the compact versatility of the Tern TX, or the expedition-ready power of the Perdix 2, there is a Shearwater that is perfect for your diving journey.

As a premier Shearwater dealer, the team at Paragon Dive Store is here to help you navigate these incredible options. Explore the collection online or visit us for a hands-on look at what makes Shearwater the most trusted name in diving.