At Santa Barbara Aquatics, we recognize that selecting the ideal dive computer is akin to choosing a dependable dive buddy. It's not merely gear; it's your underwater guide, your source of critical information, and your safety net beneath the waves. Within the world of dive computers, Shearwater Research shines as a beacon of innovation and excellence. In this all-encompassing guide, we'll introduce the unique features of Shearwater dive computers – the Peregrine, Perdix AI, Teric, and Perdix 2, helping you discover the perfect match for your distinct diving style. 

Why Choose Shearwater Dive Computers?

Before diving into the specifics, let's explore the benefits that set Shearwater apart:

• Color Screens: Enjoy vibrant and easy-to-read displays that enhance your diving experience.
• Ease of Use: Shearwater dive computers are designed with intuitive menus, making navigation a breeze.
• Highest Quality and Customer Service: Shearwater is synonymous with quality, and their dedicated customer service is unparalleled.
• Made by Divers for Divers: Shearwater dive computers are crafted with the insights and expertise of divers, ensuring they meet real-world diving needs, whether you dive once a year on vacation or are a dedicated tech diver.

Shearwater Peregrine: Dive More, Dive Easy

The Peregrine dive computer embodies the spirit of simplicity without sacrificing performance. Tailored for recreational divers, it boasts:

• Color Screen: A vibrant display that provides critical data at a glance.
• Large Format Wrist Computer: Ensures easy readability and interaction.
• Rechargeable Battery: For hassle-free power management. Induction charging means less failure points for water.
• 2 Buttons, Easy Menu: A user-friendly interface for intuitive navigation.
• Customizable Layout: Tailor the display to suit your preferences.
• Available Colors: Choose from black, the Adventures Light Edition, and Adventures Dark Edition.

If you're a diver who seeks the elegance of simplicity and values ease of use, the Peregrine is your diving partner, offering reliability and practicality in every dive.

Shearwater Teric: Where Elegance Meets Performance

Elegance, sophistication, and cutting-edge technology converge in the Teric dive computer: 

• Color Screen: High-resolution AMOLED display with customizable watch faces.
• Watch Style Dive Computer: Seamlessly transitions from dive tool to stylish timepiece.
• Rechargeable Battery: Ensures you're ready for every dive.
• Digital Compass: Navigate with precision.
• 4 Buttons, Easy Menu: Intuitive navigation for a seamless experience.
• Optional Air Integration: Connect with the Swift Transmitter for air integration.
• Customizable Screens: Tailor the display to your preferences.
• Haptic Vibration Alerts: Stay informed underwater.
• Multiple Dive Modes: From recreation to technical to rebreather to freediving.
• Available Colors: Choose from black, blue, silver, and the bronze Journeys Edition.

The Teric is perfect for divers who seek versatility and style in one package. With the option to connect up to two transmitters, you're in complete control of your diving experience, whether you're exploring wrecks or navigating intricate underwater landscapes.

Shearwater Perdix AI: Precision and Possibilities

For divers who demand precision and versatility, the Perdix AI offers a wide array of features:

• Color Screen: Crisp display for essential information.
• User Changeable Battery: Powered by AA batteries for convenience.
• Large Format Wrist Computer: Ensures readability and interaction ease.
• Digital Compass: Navigate with precision.
• Optional Air Integration: Connect up to two transmitters for real-time tank pressure monitoring.
• Multiple Dive Modes: From recreation to technical to rebreather to freediving.
• 2 Piezo Buttons, Easy Menu Layout: Simple navigation for hassle-free use.
• Customizable Layouts: Tailor the interface to match your preferences.

Tailored for divers who venture into both recreational and technical realms, the Perdix AI boasts multiple gas capability, trimix support, and customizable decompression algorithms. It's your go-to companion for diving into the depths with utmost precision and confidence.

Perdix 2: Classic Enhanced

Building on the Perdix AI's foundation, the Perdix 2 brings innovation to the classic:

• Color Screen: Clear display for critical data.
• User Changeable Battery: Powered by AA batteries for your convenience.
• Large Format Wrist Computer: Ensures readability and interaction ease.
• Digital Compass: Navigate with precision.
• Optional Air Integration: Connect up to four transmitters for comprehensive monitoring.
• Multiple Dive Modes: From recreation to technical to rebreather to freediving.
• 2 Piezo Buttons, Easy Menu Layout: Intuitive navigation for stress-free operation.
• Customizable Layouts: Tailor the interface to suit your preferences.
• Haptic Vibration Alerts: Stay informed underwater.
• Available Colors: Choose from titanium bezel and black titanium bezel.

Designed for those who appreciate the beauty of straightforward functionality, the Perdix 2 offers multiple gas switching, nitrox, and trimix support. Its customization options ensure you view only the critical data you need. Whether you're embarking on warm-water dives or venturing into deeper depths, the Perdix 2 is your unwavering partner.

Choosing Your Dive Computer: A Personal Journey

Selecting your Shearwater dive computer is a personal journey that aligns with your diving aspirations. Each model offers distinct features catering to different preferences and skill levels. Whether you're a technical diver seeking innovation, a recreational explorer valuing simplicity, or an adventurer who embraces elegance and performance, a Shearwater dive computer awaits – a companion ready to complement your underwater experiences.

At Santa Barbara Aquatics, we're here to guide you towards discovering the Shearwater Research dive computer that resonates with your goals. Equip yourself with dive technology that merges innovation, reliability, and exploration. Set off on your diving expeditions with the perfect digital partner by your side.

 

 

No scuba diving experience is complete without a dive computer—the device that provides critical insights about your depth, dive time, ascent profile, and more in real time. But with so many different dive computers on the market in 2023, how can you make sure you buy one that will meet your needs on your next scuba adventure?

Santa Barbara Aquatics is run by experienced professional divers, so we know all about how to find a dive computer that’s worth your money—we’ve even got a list of suggested models! Find recommendations for all budgets below, and purchase the best dive computer for you by trusting our in-depth knowledge.

Entry Level Dive Computers ($500 or Less)

If you’re still getting your feet wet with scuba diving or are on a budget, these dive computers make great options:

Via Santa Barbara Aquatics.

Cressi Leonardo Dive Computer

Price: $229.95

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Cressi has been around since 1946, so you can count on their products to be backed up by generations of research and development. The Leonardo dive computer is no exception—it uses an elegant one-button design to make setting Air, Nitrox, and Gauge modes as simple as possible.

Key Features:

• FO2-adjustable (21% to 50%)
• Three levels of user-adjustable conservatism
• User-selectable deep stop function

Via Santa Barbara Aquatics.

Cressi Goa Dive Computer

Price: $299.95

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Cressi’s Goa is a different take on the dive computer entirely. You’ll get the same high-end Italian design, but the unit itself has been designed entirely from scratch. A high-contrast display in a surprisingly streamlined case with two-button control for everything makes this a sleek and user-friendly module, while the brand new CPU means you get data updates faster than ever.

Key Features:

• Larger battery with longer life
• Programs for free diving as well as scuba
• Data acquired every five seconds during scuba and every two while free diving

Mid-Range Dive Computers ($300 to $1000)

Best-suited for people who want to invest a bit more in their scuba diving experience.

Via Santa Barbara Aquatics.

Shearwater Research Peregrine

Price: $530.00

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A simple and accessible dive computer with a full-color display, the Peregrine also comes with multiple diving modes. This makes it ideal for divers at all experience levels—especially those who want a high-value device with a streamlined feature set for Air and Nitrox diving. It also includes a USB wireless charging station.

Key Features:

• 5.59 cm LED screen with vivid color range
• Four modes: Air, Nitrox, 3 Gas Nitrox, and Gauge
• Quick NDL and intuitive DECO dive planner features

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Oceanic Pro Plus 4.0 Console Computer

Price: $729.95 to $879.95

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The ProPlus 4.0 is a dive computer that features the latest Bluetooth 4.0 technology, allowing divers to adjust and customize dive features on the go. Its display is also extremely clear and easy to read, thanks to a new display area, wider font size, and 22% larger digits than the previous model.

Key Features:

• Automatic altitude adjustment
• Decompression capability of 10 to 60 feet
• Three modes of operation: Air, Nitrox, and Gauge

Via Santa Barbara Aquatics.

Suunto D5 Wrist Computer

Price: $914.95

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The Suunto D5 dive computer is a versatile and user-friendly device that offers a variety of features to enhance the diving experience. Its interface is easy to use and its display is extremely clear, allowing you to focus on exploring. This device also boasts wireless connectivity to the Suunto app, allowing you to relive and share adventures with friends and diving community.

Key Features:

• Backlit LED screen for clear and easy reading underwater
• Share dive logs and more via the Suunto app
• 100m water resistance and up to 12 hours dive time per charge

Premium Dive Computers (Over $1000)

If you’re looking to invest in a top-of-the-line dive computer, these are the ones for you.

 

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Shearwater Research Teric Wrist Dive Computer

Price: $1150.00

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Designed for recreational diving, the Tetric includes advanced features like multi-gas functionality and a three-axis tilt-compensated digital compass. It has Recreational, Gauge, Freediving, Open-Circuit Tech, and Closed-Circuit/Bail-Out modes, and is configurable with a button that provides single-press access to different tools like compass, stopwatch, a countdown timer, and more.

Key Features:

• Multi-gas functionality (including open-circuit and closed-circuit Air, Nitrox and Trimix)
• Three-axis tilt-compensated digital compass for navigation and safety
• Hoseless gas pressure integration allows for monitoring of up to two tank pressures

Via Santa Barbara Aquatics.

Shearwater Research Perdix 2

Price: $1080.00

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A full-size, high-performance device designed for serious recreational divers, the Perdix 2 features a rugged armored casing with a precision titanium surround bezel to protect its performance-enhanced electronics. The aluminosilicate glass lens guards a fantastic 2.2" bright screen, offering improved clarity, impact, and damage resistance. The device also has a customizable alert system to draw your attention at critical moments.

Key Features:

• 3 gas nitrox computer for the serious recreational diver
• User-customisable display layout
• Optional air integration via Swift transmitters

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Scubapro G2 Wrist Dive Computer w/ Transmitter

Price: $1350.00

Find It Here

The G2 has the same three-button control, intuitive menu structure, and diver-friendly functions that earned Scubapro’s earlier Galileo model its reputation as the easiest computer to use. This bundle includes a transmitter for wireless air integration and supports up to 11 transmitters when all features are activated.

Key Features:

• Easy to read and use with a choice of four colorful screens and user-friendly menu
• Designed to go anywhere with multiple dive modes including Scuba, Freediving, Gauge, CCR and Sidemount
• Wireless air integration with hoseless monitoring of tank pressure and true remaining bottom time (RBT)

Dive Deeper with Santa Barbara Aquatics

Buying a reliable dive computer with the features you need makes you safer and more aware, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your underwater experience. For more information about these products or any of the others we sell, contact Santa Barbara Aquatics. One of our team members will be happy to help you make sure you’re completely prepared for your next dive.

Summary:

• The pressure for scuba tanks is measured in psi (Pounds per Square Inch). Low pressure tanks have 2400 or 2640 psi, while high pressure tanks have 3300, 3442, or 3500 psi. 3000 psi is considered a standard pressure. 
• Low pressure tanks hold less air and take up more space than high pressure tanks. However, they also experience less wear and tear and take less time to fill.  
• High pressure tanks are more compact and can be filled with more air. 
• High pressure steel tanks are more negatively buoyant than aluminum tanks, allowing divers to wear less weight on their belt or BCD.
• Generally high pressure tanks are recommended for divers on longer and deeper dives. Santa Barbara Aquatics sells a wide range of high-quality tanks at various pressures and can help you find the best option for your needs.

The term “scuba diving tank” is actually a bit of a misnomer, since “tank” is technically a term used to describe unpressurized containers (think of the gas tank in your car or truck). Scuba tanks, on the other hand, might more accurately be termed “pressure vessels” or “compressed gas cylinders”, since they hold purified air that’s been pressurized to various degrees, depending on the kind you’re buying—but of course, “scuba tank” is a lot easier to say. 

More important than what you call your scuba tank, however, is the fact that different tanks have different levels of pressure. If you want to have the best possible experience next time you’re underwater, it’s important to know the differences between high pressure and low pressure tanks so you can choose the kind that will serve you best. Below, our pro divers at Santa Barbara Aquatics explain the pros and cons of these different options so you can shop for the gear you need with confidence. Let’s dive in!

Via Adobe Stock.

Why Do Scuba Tanks Have Different Pressure Levels?

Scuba tanks are available at a variety of different pressure levels (measured in psi, which stands for Pounds per Square Inch), but the most common pressure levels you’ll find when you go shopping for equipment are: 

• 2400 psi 
• 2640 psi 
• 3000 psi 
• 3300 psi 
• 3442 psi 
• 3500 psi

Generally, divers will select higher pressure tanks for more technically-demanding expeditions, whereas lower pressure tanks are often chosen for their comparative reliability and ease of use. Next, we’ll dive into the specifics of each type so you can see their advantages and potential drawbacks.

Via Adobe Stock.

What Are Low Pressure Scuba Diving Tanks? 

2400 psi and 2640 psi scuba tanks are considered “low pressure”. Lower pressure tanks experience less strain on regulators and valve components, which means that these tanks are likely to last the longest and need less maintenance than high pressure tanks. Filling a tank to 2400 or 2640 psi also takes less time and puts less strain on your compressor. 

Of course, there’s no such thing as a “zero maintenance” scuba tank, and checking your equipment before diving is an absolute must to ensure your safety. It’s also vital not to overfill your tanks—lower pressure tanks do not hold as much air as high pressure versions, but trying to fit more air in your tank than it is rated for can be dangerous. Contact us to learn more about how to properly fill your tank before diving.

Pros

• Faster to fill with compressed air 
• Puts less strain on air compressor 
• Puts less strain on valves & regulators 
• Can last longer than high-pressure tanks 

Cons

• Less air capacity 
• Bulkier than high pressure tanks

Via Adobe Stock.

What Are High Pressure Scuba Diving Tanks? 

Anything from 3300 psi to 3500 psi is considered a high pressure scuba tank. These tanks can be filled with a larger volume of compressed air, and are typically smaller than low-pressure tanks—making them popular choices for more experienced divers (including many technical divers). 

The higher pressure of the air inside can cause more wear and tear on components, even in high-quality tanks, but one handy trick you can use to get around this is to strategically underfill the tank. For example, a 3442 psi tank will still hold 89 cubic feet of air at 3000 psi—enough for the vast majority of recreational dives. This will help your tank last longer, and you’ll still have the option to fill it to the maximum pressure for dives when you really need the extra amount.

Pros 

• More compact 
• Can hold more air 
• Can be strategically underfilled to reduce wear and tear 

Cons

• More time required to fill completely 
• Regulators can experience wear and tear at max pressure 
• Filling to maximum can strain some air compressors

When to Choose Low Pressure vs. High Pressure Scuba Diving Tanks 

Newer and more casual divers will likely want to begin with lower pressure scuba tanks, whereas experienced divers who need the extra breathing room for longer and deeper dives may benefit from purchasing tanks rated for higher pressures. 

To learn more about finding the best tank for your needs and pick up tips for using it most effectively, reach out to us and speak with one of our experienced divers—we sell a wide range of high-quality scuba tanks with different pressure levels, and we’ll also show you how to fill your tank and take care of it so you can always count on it during your dives.

Take the Pressure Out of Scuba Tank Shopping 

Knowing you have the right scuba gear gives you the confidence to truly immerse yourself in your next underwater excursion. Use what you’ve learned above to start shopping for your next scuba tank, and contact us with your questions so you can make sure you’re getting the best equipment for your needs.

To get the most out of your next scuba diving experience, you’ll need gear you can trust—and perhaps the most important piece of your kit will be your mask. A great scuba mask should feel comfortable while you wear it, provide excellent visibility so you can enjoy the sights beneath the water’s surface, and have an effective seal to prevent leaking or coming loose. 

With so many different scuba masks available, it can be difficult to know where to start shopping for one that meets all your needs—but we’re here to help. The experienced professional divers who run  Santa Barbara Aquatics are deeply familiar with scuba gear of all kinds, and we’ve recommended several below that will let you go and soak your head with total confidence. Find our top picks for entry level, mid-range and premium scuba masks below.

Entry Level Masks (Under $100)

If you’re still getting your feet wet with scuba diving or are on a budget, these scuba masks make great options:

TUSA TM-5700 Liberator Plus Mask 

Price: $65.00 

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Taking the basic design of their popular Liberator mask, Tusa has gone one step further by adding a smoother and more durable frame. Perfect for standard and narrow faces alike, this mask also has a double feather-edged silicone skirt to prevent leaking, and can accommodate prescription lenses to help you see clearly at every depth. 

Key Features: 

• 2-window square form design creates a streamlined look 
• Designed for easy installation of optional corrective lenses 
• Highest grade crystal silicone used for double feather-edged skirt

Cressi Nano Mask 

Price: $69.95 

Find It Here

With a compact shape to help divers cut through the water and Cressi’s patented Integrated Dual Frame Technology System, which locks the silicone skirt in place to prevent leaking, this mask was designed with serious deep sea use in mind. It also has the lowest internal volume of any scuba mask on the market, making it ideal for freediving as well as scuba diving. It’s not easy to find a mask this feature-rich for less than $100, but Cressi has done the trick. 

Key Features: 

• Patented Dual Frame 
• Technology System holds skirt in place to prevent leaks 
• Lowest internal volume of any scuba mask currently in production 
• Durable buckles feature micrometric regulation

TUSA Freedom HD Scuba Diving Mask

Price: $99.00

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A single lens mask with an incredibly wide field of view, this mask also comes with a unique buckle system that allows it to fit a wider variety of different face sizes comfortably. However, despite its large frame, it also has a surprisingly low internal volume, making clearance more convenient.

Key Features:

• Single lens construction with wide field of view
• Large frame that still manages to offer minimal internal volume
• 180° rotational buckle system for easy fitting on a variety of faces

Mid-Range Masks ($100 to $170) 

Best-suited for people who want to invest a bit more in their scuba diving experience.

ScubaPro Crystal VU Plus Mask

Price: $134.00

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With a unique (and patented) single lens design that transitions seamlessly into side windows to provide a panoramic view, this mask is designed to provide superior visibility. It also ultra-clear no-tint glass and a double-sealed silicone skirt, giving you a lot for your money.

Key Features:

• Patented single lens design provides panoramic visibility
• Comfortable, watertight double silicone sealing
• No-tint glass helps reduce blurring and glare

Atomic Aquatics Subframe Mask

Price: $149.95

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A two-frame mask so strong it’s practically indestructible, this mask even comes with a lifetime warranty against frame breakage. But that’s not all—it also has a wide field of view, distortion-free UltraClear lenses, and easy-to-use buckles that can be adjusted simply by squeezing them.

Key Features:

• Lifetime warranty against frame breakage
• Metal subframe adds strength while reducing bulk
• UltraClear lenses for distortion-free vision

Oceanic Cyanea Ultra Scuba Mask

Price: $139.95

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Offering outstanding peripheral vision via an oversize lens, this minimalist mask is excellent for both scuba diving and snorkeling. Stability ridges on the silicone skirt prevent fogging, while ultra-clear optical glass provides excellent visibility and a chlorine resistant goggle-style strap keeps it snug throughout years of use.

Key Features:

• Chlorine-resistant goggle-style strap
• Superior clarity provided by ultra-clear optical glass
• Lightweight but extra-wide frame provides great peripheral vision

Premium Masks ($170 to $220)

If you’re looking to invest in a top-of-the-line scuba mask, these are the ones for you.

ScubaPro Synergy 2 TruFit

Price: $193.00

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The carefully molded silicone frame of this mask provides extra softness around your face while offering stability and strength near the frame—resulting in a product that’s both comfortable and durable. The ultra-clear lens also provides excellent visibility, while the high-quality seal does an admirable job of resisting leakage. ScubaPro calls this “the most comfortable dive mask on the market”, and we agree.

Key Features:

• Thicker and firmer outer silicone skirt provides superior strength
• Thinner silicone contours the face for a more comfortable fit
• Ultra-clear lens for optimal visibility

Atomic Subframe w/ ARC Technology Mask

Price: $189.95

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ARC stands for Anti-Reflective Coating, and that’s what this high-end mask from Atomic Aquatics offers. This incredibly-durable double window mask uses an internal frame molded underneath the silicone skirt to provide superior rigidity without the bulky plastic found on many other masks. The lenses are also designed to provide clearer vision in low visibility conditions, making this an excellent mask for explorers and underwater photographers.

Key Features:

• Subframe technology provides excellent durability without adding bulk
• Low volume design and wide field of vision
• Lens design provides superior clarity in low visibility environments

TUSA M-2001 Paragon Scuba Diving Mask

Price: $220

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No less than three distinct layers make up the structure of this high-end diving mask. PuRiMax polyurethane bumpers protect a cross-beam metal structure bolted to a polycarbonate frame, creating a seriously tough product. On top of that, a special anti-reflective treatment for the CrystalView Optical Glass lenses offers protection from both UV and HEV light while providing some of the clearest vision you can get underwater. No wonder so many professional divers use these.

Key Features:

• Three-layer frame structure is fantastically tough
• Varied thickness throughout silicone skirt and stability ridges provide a world-class fit
• Lenses protect against UV and HEV light

Dive Deeper with Santa Barbara Aquatics 

The right scuba mask can empower you to explore the ocean’s depths with total confidence. To learn more about any of the masks above (or about diving in general), contact Santa Barbara Aquatics today. Our experienced professionals will be happy to help you learn everything you need to know for an ideal diving experience.