Computers

Shearwater offers a wide array of computer models tailored to the requirements of different styles of diving and the preferences of different divers. They publish this Shearwater Dive Computer Comparison chart PDF that compares and contrasts the differences in features and functionality.

Open circuit sport and advanced nitrox divers should consider the Peregrine and Tern models. Technical divers needing full mixed gas and/or closed-circuit capabilities should consider the Teric and Perdix models. The Petrel is Shearwater's most feature rich expedition grade model with the largest display. AMOLED displays are the most readable underwater, while Backlit LCD displays offer the best value. The NERD is a unique heads-up display model often seen in rebreather applications.

If you are screwing the transmitter directly into a first stage HP port (or a HP stand off adapter or HP pivot swivel that are simply extending the port) then the Apeks, Mares, and Shearwater transmitters do not require an air-spool. However, the Garmin requires inserting the flow-restrictor that was included with the transmitter and then screwing the assembly in to the HP port (or standoff, or pivot swivel.) Finally, snug up the transmitter with a wrench, but do not overtighten... the O-ring at the base of the threads on the transmitter is what makes the seal.

If the transmitter will be attached to the swivel end of a high-pressure hose then you will need use an air-spool. Included with the Garmin transmitter is a unique air-spool that is larger at one end than the other. The large end should be inserted and then the transmitter with the air-spool in place should be screwed into the hose swivel and snugged up with a wrench. The Apeks, Mares, and Shearwater transmitters do not include an air-spool and you will need to supply a standard air-spool you purchased separately with the HP hose. In this case either end of the standard air-spool may be inserted into the transmitter and then screwed in to the hose swivel and snugged up with a wrench. Take care not to nick the o-rings during assembly; a few people also prefer to add a very small amount of oxygen-compatible lubricant. Regardless, when the transmitter is snugged up to the hose swivel, the transmitter may (or may not) turn freely (or at all) on the end of the hose.

In order to reduce electronic waste, recent changes to regulations in the EU and some other countries now prohibit including external USB chargers (aka power cube, aka wall rat) with products that have a rechargeable battery. In some cases, product descriptions may still mention or depict a USB charger, but it has been intentionally omitted by the vendor and must be sold separately. The original intent was targeted at cell phones but for the products sold globally by Dive Gear Express, this also applies to most of our devices with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries such as: dive computers, gas analyzers, lights, and radios.

The Garmin dive computers sold by Dive Gear Express support English by default and include a language pack that also supports: Български (Bulgaria), Čeština (Czech), Dansk (Danish), Deutsch (German), Eesti (Estonian), Eλληνικά (Greek), Español (Spanish), Français (French), Hrvatski (Croatian), Italiano (Italian), Latviešu (Latvian), Lietuvių (Lithuanian), Magyar(Hungarian), Nederlands (Netherlands), Norsk (Norwegian), Polski (Polish), Português (Portuguese), Русский (Russian - East Slavic), Română (Romanian), Slovenčina (West Slavic), Slovenščina (South Slavic), Suomi (Finnish), Svenska (Swedish), Türkçe (Turkish), and Yĸpaïaϲbĸa (Ukrainian).

All Garmin watches always support English, but have two different firmware versions that in turn each supports a specific language pack software download. The firmware version of the watch depends on the country of the authorized retailer: Asian Pacific (APAC) that supports the CJK ideographic character sets OR Rest of the World (RoW). The firmware between the APAC and RoW versions is different, so changing the language is not just a matter of downloading a different language pack. The Descent models sold by Dive Gear Express are the RoW version, not the APAC version, and do not support Chinese, Japanese or Korean languages.

The original Shearwater Peregrine was announced in July 2020. In May 2023, Shearwater announced the Adventures Edition Peregrine in both "Light" and "Dark" versions that differ only in cosmetic styling from the "Original" edition. In May 2024, Shearwater introduced the "TX" edition of the Peregrine which supports integration with the SWIFT tank pressure transmitter, also called wireless 'air integration' (AI) and also includes an electronic compass. While the TX edition does support AI and compass, the earlier lower priced editions do NOT and can not be later upgraded.

The Shearwater dive computers sold by Dive Gear Express support English by default and also include language support for: Chinese-Simplified, Chinese-Traditional, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish.

The short answer is you do NOT need the upgrade.

VPM and DCIEM are additional decompression models available on some Shearwater dive computers as an optional alternative to the default Bühlmann GF gas content model used by all Shearwater dive computers (and most other dive computers) to compute no-decompression limits and decompression schedules for dives. For recreational diving, there is no expert consensus that VPM or DCIEM is better than Bühlmann. If you don't understand the differences and why you would choose one or the other, Dive Gear Express and Shearwater recommends sticking with the factory default of Bühlmann 30/70.

Avelo Mode allows a Recreational Avelo Diver using the Avelo Dive System equipment to gain easy visibility of their Avelo dive data and ensure accurate gas time remaining on the Teric dive computer when also paired with a SWIFT transmitter.

There are a variety of aftermarket frames, covers and bull-bars for dive computers that are available on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and even at some dive retailers. Although these aftermarket accessories may enhance the cosmetic appearance of the device, in our experience they do not provide any significant additional protection. Dive computer manufacturers may not warrant their devices when used with the untested aftermarket covers as they have been known to obstruct, obscure or even damage the computer functions. There are also aftermarket 3D printed mounts for dive computers, again untested with the possibility of causing malfunction or even the loss of a device.

We have consulted with the manufacturers of the dive computers we sell and learned they express disdain for these aftermarket products. Our dive computer manufacturers tell us that they have delivered the best possible product and appropriate accessories after extensive research and development. The fact is, the addition of these aftermarket products cause more problems than any dubious benefits they may provide. Thus Dive Gear Express, as a respected major retailer for all the dive computers we carry, does not recommend or sell unapproved aftermarket dive computer accessories for this critical piece of life support equipment.