Earlier this week, a customer messaged our Facebook page with a dilemma. Shearwater just launched the shiny new Perdix 3, which means we just listed it on the site. He currently dives the Perdix 2, and he wanted to know if he needed to upgrade to the new model.
My answer? Honestly, no.
Don't get me wrong, we love selling scuba gear. But if you have a perfectly functioning dive computer that gives you the data you need, keeps you safe, and fits your diving style, you do not need to drop another grand just because a new version dropped.
This happens outside of scuba, too. When my old smartwatch died, I had the option to buy the brand-new Pixel 4 or snag the older Pixel 3 on a heavy discount. I went with the older model, and I couldn't be happier. It does exactly what I need it to do for a fraction of the cost.
Buying scuba gear shouldn't be about chasing the newest shiny object. It should be about solving a problem. So, before you add to cart, here is how you actually know if it's time to upgrade your dive computer.
Your Diving Has Changed
This is the number one reason to upgrade. The computer you bought when you got your Open Water certification might not cut it anymore.
If you started out doing 40-foot reef dives in the Caribbean, a basic puck computer was perfect. But if you are now getting into decompression diving, exploring wrecks in the Great Lakes, or moving into Trimix, your computer needs to grow with you. You need something that handles gas switching, uses the Bühlmann GF algorithm, and allows for wireless air integration. If your diving outgrows your computer's brain, it is time for an upgrade.
The Feature Gap is Real
Sometimes a new model drops a feature that actually solves a real-world problem for you.
Let's look at the new Shearwater Perdix 3 as an example. It still uses a standard AA battery and has the same bombproof titanium bezel as the Perdix 2. But the new model upgraded to an ultra-bright AMOLED display with a completely new "Big" layout option.
If you have great vision and dive in clear water, the Perdix 2 screen is fantastic. But if your eyesight isn't what it used to be, or you dive in murky, low-viz quarries where reading your deco stops is a struggle, that massive AMOLED screen on the Perdix 3 is, for all intents and purposes, a safety necessity. Upgrading for a specific, problem-solving feature makes total sense.
The Battery is Dead and Buried
Sometimes the universe makes the decision for you. If your old computer flooded, the buttons finally gave out, or it has a non-replaceable battery that refuses to hold a charge, may it rest in peace. You literally cannot dive without one, so it is time to shop.
The Best Time to Score a Deal
If you are in the market for a new computer (either yours died or you are upgrading from a basic puck), the absolute best time to buy is right when a new model drops.
When a manufacturer releases the "latest and greatest," the previous models immediately get discounted. If you don't care about having a slightly faster Bluetooth connection or the absolute highest resolution screen, snagging a top-tier "older" model on clearance is the smartest money you can spend in scuba.
Right now, because the Perdix 3 just hit the market, we are running some incredible deals to clear out our remaining Perdix 2 inventory. It is still one of the most capable, rugged, and trusted technical dive computers on the planet. And now, it is cheaper.
Do Your Homework
Before you pull out your credit card, actually read the spec sheets. Does the new model add a feature you will actually use, or does it just have a slightly different colored bezel?
If you have the budget and simply want the crispest, brightest screen and the fastest tech on the market, we will gladly ship you a new Perdix 3 today. But if you want to save some cash and score a legendary piece of life support that will last you for the next decade, grab a Perdix 2 before they are gone.
Need help deciding which model fits your diving style? Stop by the shop or give us a call here at Dive Right In Scuba. We'll actually give you our honest advice.