SHEARWATER TERIC vs PERDIX is it worth the upgrade?

We all agree that the Shearwater TERIC is an awesome technical diving computer, but for those of us who already own a Shearwater PERDIX computer, is it worth spending the extra money for the upgrade? SAGA PADI Course Directors and Technical Divers Nick Derutter and Stephen J. Aynsley go over the key differences.
Get your own Shearwater PERDIX or TERIC at 5% off with coupon KZbin5 on:
www.divesaga.com/shop
Many thanks to:
Nick Derutter
Stephen J. Aynsley
College of Diving www.dive-utila.com
Asa Croak
Get social with us:
www.divesaga.com
divesaga
divesaga

[@esklemm]

Probably the most thought-out and thorough review of the Teric that I have seen yet. I love the fact that you guys show that you took it out, tested it, and came back with the results instead of some of the others I've seen who do an "unboxing" but haven't actually used it yet. I also love that you have tried both the Teric and Perdix next to each other since those are the two I'm comparing to purchase. I don't have either...or a computer of my own at all for that matter but am really considering both of these and just can't make the decision to go smaller or larger. Unfortunately, it might just come down to that $250 price difference since I can buy the Perdix and a transmitter for the price of the Teric alone. Thanks guys! You got a 👍 from me and after I check out some more vids you might have a new sub as well. 😄

[@DiveSAGA]

Thank you for those kind words! That really nice to hear. You definitely wouldn't regret buying the Perdix! Feel free to have a look in our online store www.divesaga.com/shop and use promocode youtube10 for a 10% discount :)

[@esklemm]

@@DiveSAGA Awesome, thanks! I was also thinking of how beautiful the footage was for the entire video. Really crystal clear and I enjoyed the beautiful intro!

[@josephasong2096]

No, it's not well thought-out lol

[@Mike-nh3be]

I have a Perdix and made the decision to avoid the Teric due to the inability to swap out the battery particularly in remote locations. These small battery rechargeable watch size computers seem great when new but only have about a 3 year life or about a 500 charge cycle. It's a good design and being a shearwater I'm sure it's well made but it's the battery that concerns me. I like being able to swap out a standard AA battery, anytime anywhere. Thanks for your review.

[@DiveSAGA]

I think I would mostly agree with everything you just said there :)

[@ManchesterFC7]

Only a 3 year life? Then replace the battery at year 2. Easier task than going to get oil changed on your car.

[@ctsean]

@@ManchesterFC7 You realize the Teric does not have a replaceable battery right?

[@dtrietsch]

From Shearwater’s FAQ: The typical battery life is 5 years. The battery can be replaced at authorized service centers. The cost of replacement is $100 CAD + shipping. The turn around time for replacement is 5 business days after receipt of payment, excluding shipping time. The battery replacement includes inspection, functional testing and pressure testing. If the battery is not meeting performance specifications within the 2-year warranty period it will be replaced free of charge. Variations to battery lifespan can be expected due to operating at extremes of the rated specification, such as high environmental temperatures or repeatedly fully discharging the battery.

[@ManchesterFC7]

@@ctsean read above, it is replaceable.

[@bigblockcommando]

Just went thru the decision process and ended up with the Teric. I think you nailed it with there is no reason to upgrade a Perdix to the Teric but for the $170 difference between the AI Perdix and the Teric I like the extra features and while the battery cycle might have limited cycle life you also decrease the chance of flooding by not having to open it to replace the battery. I like the less bulky feel without a big reduction in information size. I would say go with what's more comfortable and fits your preferences. I can't see regretting either purchase.

[@wayneleinen7030]

I'm a tech diver and have been diving the original Shearwater Predator (hardwired CC version) for about 7 years now. I just bought the Teric recently and LOVE it. The ability to completely customize every mode of diving is awesome. I've had no charging issues... Not sure what's wrong on your end, but when I set mine in the charger, the screen orientation changes to landscape immediately, and the light on the charger flashes. There's no doubt that it's charging. Nice, non-standard review.

[@DiveSAGA]

Thank you for commenting! Since the review, the computer has indeed been showing the charging screen, not sure what the issue was! But I agree, excellent piece of technology!

[@camilanunes9266]

Thank you so much. Im researching to buy my very own first diving computer as I just got certified and that helps a lot 🙏🏻

[@DiveSAGA]

Happy I could help!

[@camilanunes9266]

Im in between Teric and Garmin M3Ki so I can't wait to hear what are your valuable thoughts on that.

[@DiveSAGA]

@@camilanunes9266 they're both great. I have a slight preference for Shearwater but that's just personal. Both are excellent

[@Jetfire108]

I went from the aqualung i300c to a teric and I love it. The menu is easy to scroll threw and you can customize it to ur liking

[@seanwestgate6255]

Love my Teric. A lot of the previous dive watch computers would take a huge hit on Battery life when switching from watch to dive mode. With the Teric it’s seamless. Love that. And so many other features. Win win!

[@DiveSAGA]

It's definitely a great computer and awesome battery life for such s small unit!

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Good Job on the video guys, I just picked up the Teric. My Atomic Cobalt recently crapped out...

[@DiveSAGA]

Have fun with it!!! :)

[@Teampegleg]

The word you were looking for was probably either Qi or inductive charging. Qi is probably the best word because the Teric follows the Qi standard. Which means it can charge on many, but not all, wireless phone chargers on the market. I didn't own a Perdix before I bought my Teric, but the Perdix AI was one of the other computers I was considering. The Qi wireless charging was one of the reasons I went with the Teric, as my phone uses the Qi charging so they can share a charger and since it is sealed at the factory that means I can't accidentally flood the computer due to changing the battery. The other reasons was that the Teric screen is more readable in direct sun light, and that vibrating alarms means you know that it is your computer beeping and not some random one on the dive site.

[@DiveSAGA]

Thanks for that! It's always tricky to come up with words on the spot 😂 I think the wireless charging us an amazing feature and so much better for the environment too. Have fun with the Teric! 😎

[@sergeivershinin549]

I have both, I like both and use both simultaneously in my dives :-)

[@vp4991]

As an owner of both of these, I would really like to hear your thoughts on the appearance/visbility of the two underwater. You can see my comment/question from today. Much appreciated.

[@OrangeOrangesMax]

Wow such beautiful camera shots.

[@DiveSAGA]

Thank you! Really appreciate you leaving a comment!

[@cameronjeffray456]

Great review!

[@DiveSAGA]

Thanks for leaving the feedback! Really appreciate it!

[@royr.1398]

As a New Jersey Tec/Wreck diver it is a mandatory for me to dive two computers. I use the Teric as my secondary computer, but I'm finding it a bit more user friendly than the Perdix. I do love them both, great products worth every penny!!!!!

[@DiveSAGA]

Amen!!! Such good quality products and amazing customer service too!

[@vp4991]

As an owner of both of these, I would really like to hear your thoughts on the appearance/visibility of the two underwater. You can see my comment/question from today. Much appreciated.

[@katkat4986]

ok update --- last month, i bought a perdix. now i bought a teric as a back up. i am so in love with my perdix. it's a powerful dc for every kind of dive but can be overkill if jjst for recreational dives. teric will do the job.

[@marlingunworks6172]

Just found this video. Considering the two computers discussed. I like the ease of using AA batteries and the ability to keep a couple spares in my dive kit. Relatively easy to find all over the world. Plus the teric having battery drain issues while off pushed me towards the perdix.

[@DiveSAGA]

I still have my two Perdixes and no real reason to get rid of them!

[@AndrewR74]

I have a Perdix AI, and I don't think I would get a Teric, purely for the battery. I see the breakdown of my cell phone and smart watch batteries. When I got my galaxy watch, it would hold a charge for 7 days. 4 month's off using it, and the charge is 4-5 days now. I would be sceptical with a battery like that in my dive computer. With the Perdix as you know, it is a minute or two to get a new battery changed.

[@DiveSAGA]

Yes I agree. So far nobody seems to have real issues with it. I imagine time will tell!

[@chrislass5526]

Good job thanks...love my perdix

[@rickwestlake3048]

I'm about to do my first Tec training (in April, in the Philippines) ... and I've got to move up from the one-gas Suunto Zoop I've been using, to a computer that lets me switch from a 'bottom gas' to a 'deco gas' (e.g. Nitrox 50%) or even a third gas (oxygen 100%) for accelerated decompression. Yeah, I can admit to the appeal of a wristwatch-sized computer like the Teric, but the big-screen Perdix is easier on my "senior-citizen" eyes, at least when I visited the Shearwater booth at the Washington DC dive show. This video reinforces the notion that I'd be better off with a MORE-functional computer, i.e. the Perdix or the Teric ... but the AA-battery Perdix is a better match to my plans and expectations than the wristwatch-size Teric.

[@DiveSAGA]

Hands down the Perdix. I agree the Teric is wonderful engineering but I still consider the Perdix the gold standard for tec computers. Feel free to use coupon code KZbin10 at checkout in our online store for a 10% discount :) www.divesaga.com/shop

[@cheaplaffsarefree]

Given Shearwater's track record, I have no doubt that the Teric is arguably the best dive computer ever made. Walks the dog, makes your breakfast, and solves your marriage problems, I've been told. I'm staying with my Perdix, though, because I dive mostly cold water with thick gloves. Two big buttons are easier to operate than four little ones under those circumstances. Also, the day I brought it home, Elvis landed on my front lawn with a cure for cancer, a winning lottery ticket, and the key to peace in the Middle East. I don't feel any need to top that.

[@DiveSAGA]

Yes that's basically the essence of the review as well, if you already have a Perdix, unless you're feeling particularly spendy, you may want to hold off on the upgrade.

[@chrislass5526]

Lol awesome

[@DD-xp4ui]

Agree fully with both of you. If you own a perdix A.I. like me theres no need to upgrade to teric as it's not really an upgrade. some features like charging can be seen as a negative or a positive on the teric. If I didnt own a perdix I would sell whatever I had or use as a backup and buy a Teric. I love the ability to change colors on the display and the compass with ability to show a marked direction while on main screen is awesome. I also like the ability to back up in the settings menus with the 4 buttons although really thats no big deal. So I think I just typed out everything you said haha, didnt mean to do that. If my backup dies and I have extra funds i will definitely get a teric vs a second perdix but I wont be selling perdix to buy a teric.

[@DiveSAGA]

We're fully with you on that one! Still an impressive device!

[@jimmusante9107]

at a dive shop , we tested that when the Teric is in the charge base, a light on the base comes on to show its charging.

[@DiveSAGA]

That's good to know. Maybe it was just this unit!

[@20arthur20]

@@DiveSAGA yes! probably your unit. Mine also has the light Jim mentioned above. And it changes when charge is complete.

[@katkat4986]

thank you for this video! i'll get the perdix 2 sinxe i get to travel a lot. i have the budget for teric but in some places where i dive, electricity is sometimes an issue so AA's are preferable. if i get extra budget in the future, i won't mind buying a teric as a back up DC

[@katkat4986]

UPDATE: i just got my perdix!!! i bought a silicone spray to seal the battery area and other areas where there could be possible leaks

[@pucioy]

Perfect for me would be perdic with all teric pluses - like teric in big screen version. Just AA baterry is still good idea.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

You say "upgrade", but I had the choice of a Teric or Perdix AI for the same price, and I picked the Perdix and would again today, well, the Perdix 2 today. I don't need a daily dive watch, especially one that needs to be charged every two days. I much prefer a dedicated dive computer with a battery life of up to 40 hours. 40 hours underwater. A fresh battery at the beginning of a two week liveaboard, and a spare just to be sure, and you're set.

[@stephensmith4118]

I currently dive a Petrel 2, but I'm looking for a second computer. My question is Teric or Perdex? And why. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Great video!

[@DiveSAGA]

That's a tricky one. Honestly, I'd say it almost comes down to taste. I like big screens like Petrel or Perdix but I must say the Teric was better than I expected. They packed a lot of power in a very elegant device and it's also a little bit more discrete to wear. I own a Perdix and like having the Teric as a backup. I have both on sale if you're interested 😊

[@bjoernbuck7173]

Guys, I'm looking for a diving computer to serve me from beginning to end. The perdix looks promising, but; 1) Does it show two tanks at once if both carry a transmitter, or do I have to cycle through? 2) can I monitor my tank and that of a mate at the same time? I would really like that. Thank you all!

[@TheAshantidutch]

Hi gents, I have recently purchased a Teric, is there a way to fix a particular screen as your favourite?

[@chadmahandful]

Guys... Excellent video! Probably the most common sense review I have seen. While I appreciate the viewpoint from tech diving, how about from the view point of a new diver or a rec diver perspective. Would the ability to already have the expansive capability to pursue further diving without having to upgrade later be worth the purchase for either of these divers?

[@DiveSAGA]

That in itself is an interesting topic for discussion. I would say... If you have the dollars to spend, yes! Because this computer will definitely last you many years. If you're tight on budget or not sure you'll ever become a tec diver, perhaps I'd spend my money on something else. That would be my two cents :) If you're interested in getting one though, check us out in the online store at www.divesaga.com/shop and I may be able to set you up with a discount coupon!

[@kevindivesflorida3201]

I run the Teric on rec dives and perdix teric combo on tec

[@DavidV328]

I love my Perdix AI. I really like the bigger screen, and the double straps for extra security. My only wish would be to be able to make some more display configuration customization so I could make some to me important items appear even bigger on screen. So a smaller Teric for me would be a step in the wrong direction. And a AA battery lasts for about 40 hours of divetime, so there is less to worry than with a wireless recharging option and degenerating chargeable batteries in a $$$ dive computer.

[@DiveSAGA]

This is what I feared as well but I must admit, the screen resolution is so high that it actually read just as easy as the Perdix and I did NOT expect that!

[@mikedydiver]

#saga how about other dive comps. And how do they compare to the teric on dive profile is it more agresive or conservative? Service centers location, this is if some thing gose wrong.

[@JimmieJohnson48Car]

This one is easy. I use a Perdix AI for drysuit diving in the PNW, and the Teric for warm water diving in the Caribbean (no suit). I love that the Teric has no extra bulkiness, but it's not ideal for drysuit diving. They also make snap on protectors for the bezel to avoid those scratches.

[@connorwilsonbikes111]

Why is the teric not ideal for drysuit ?

[@JimmieJohnson48Car]

@@connorwilsonbikes111 you can add an extender to the band to get it around the cuff of the suit, but it’s cumbersome and the couple times I’m tried it I was worried the entire dive that it was going to come off and I would lose a $1200 dive computer. The Perdix is better suited for dry suits with its bungee wrist strap. Also where i dive in a dry suit, visibility is usually pretty poor and so the larger display on the Perdix is much easier to read in dark murky water.

[@connorwilsonbikes111]

@@JimmieJohnson48Car ahhh yep thank you I suppose there was to work around it

[@B_A_Images]

Looking to buy my first dive computer. Right now the Teric is $100 more than the Perdix. Is the Teric worth it?

[@DiveSAGA]

At this point it is. If you get it from divesaga.com/shop you can use coupon code KZbin5 and get 5% off.

[@abobakr82]

Great video, thanks guys.. I didn't like the scratches,I see the screen more clear and I did like the compass performance

[@DiveSAGA]

Yeah the screen is surprisingly clear!

[@knightyogi]

I have a Teric, and I don't use the charging cradle. I use a standard wireless charging base that I carry with me all the time to charge my phone anyway, so the Shearwater charging base can be left at home. One less thing to lose during travel. I have used a Zoop for over a decade, so the Teric is such an amazing upgrade. Glad I made the move.

[@DiveSAGA]

That's a really good piece of advice. Thank you!

[@Binford400]

Love my Perdix, it’s used as my main and I bought the Teric for my back up. I really like they both run same math. The Teric allows for less bulk on my left arm so in tight areas it’s less to worry about. Both computers are awesome in my book ! But the compass is the cats meow on the Teric

[@lionhearttantra840]

I have perdix AI and am planning to buy teric also so I do have a back-up. Have you tried connecting them with 1 transmitter and use both at the same time?

[@Binford400]

Yes I use one transmitter, I run my Teric on tank2 is all.

[@Johndadiver]

I bought the Teric. I have some misgivings regarding wearing it as a watch exposing it to possible damage. (not a daily wearer) I do love the bright clear set up. I also wanted to know the artist you guys use in background music?

[@DiveSAGA]

I wouldn't wear it as a watch and take the risk but that's a personal choice. The music is from the KZbin Creator Studio.

[@Johndadiver]

@@DiveSAGA thanks. I am so looking forward to the upcoming trip to Grand Cayman. I see you guys have a PADI instructor school. I am on the quest now. Currently enrolled in Dive master through NAUI. and I have a couple of classes through SDI. My Open water was through SSI back in the 1980's and more recently I got my ADCI (commercial) Maybe I'll come to your school trying to be all things to all peoples

[@DiveSAGA]

You have to try everything at least once! 🙂 So definitely welcome on one of our PADI IDC's!

[@Shlomiko66]

Sorry, I do not speak English, so it was difficult for me to understand the whole video. Could you tell me just which of the two suits more, and if the differences between the two justify paying the difference? Thank you

[@Akon11]

Perfetto 👌

[@davidziccardi2315]

Does it let you switch from back gas to deco gas like the Petral?

[@DiveSAGA]

Yes absolutely. That's what it's made for. I think it holds up to five gasses.

[@ahmadkaddoura7060]

will you advise for Peregrine for advanced recreational diving ? thanks

[@DiveSAGA]

Yes that's a good choice dive computer for someone who does a lot of recreational diving and wants to keep their options open for future growth!

[@ahmadkaddoura7060]

@@DiveSAGA thanks a lot for your prompt advice..appreciate it

[@EMECLN]

Thanks for the great review. Possible to get a discount on Teric?

[@DiveSAGA]

Where do you live?

[@EMECLN]

Houston, TX

[@DiveSAGA]

@@EMECLN I can get you 5% off. Use promo code FB5 upon checkout!

[@colmdoherty49]

Surly the question is if u haven’t got either what should u get

[@DiveSAGA]

That depends a bit on your preference and budget, since they both are equally capable.

[@juliomanalo7074]

I don’t have a Teric but I’ve seen several product reviews. When charging in the supplied cradle, the screen defaults to watch mode then rotates to horizontal so it acts like a desk clock. It also serves as an indicator that the charger is active. I’m making this comment in response to the portion in the video where you showed that nothing was happening when you tried to charge the unit on the cradle.

[@DiveSAGA]

Hi! Yes we've since figured it out. Thank you for taking the time to respond though! Hope you liked the video!

[@vp4991]

My biggest question is comparison of visibility under water, and I do not see a lot of comment on that question. I can tell the Taric is great, though smaller. Are there complaints about Perdix visability underwater? Or is it just awesome versus now more awesome - but smaller? I am looking to upgrade my computer mainly for this issue with my current one (non-color, not so bright or clear. I wear reading glasses and I notice). I am leaning toward the Perdix primarily for the screen size. If the Teric is that much better in visibility then I would give that up. But if it is not, then I may prefer the user changeable battery, for example, of the Perdix. I would would appreciate any thoughts at all from anyone.

[@DiveSAGA]

I would say they're comparable. The Teric screen is definitely better than I first expected!

[@TheRancherr]

I think Teric is great as a backup computer, I am using Perdix and consudering buying Teric for backup tec dives.

[@DiveSAGA]

Sounds good! I think the Teric could serve as a primary but I really like my Perdix!

[@ronbeatty516]

The video music is distracting and too loud. Other than that, it is a great video. Thanks!

[@veyvey877]

well having more than one alway fine by me lol

[@adlapl]

Frankly, great ... but battery says no.