Detailed review and test of the Shearwater Peregrine TX. Discover the additions of air integration, 3D compass, and its Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm.
To learn how to get the most out of your gear underwater, discover the AquaExposure training.
Since its launch, the original Peregrine has established itself as the go-to reference for demanding recreational divers thanks to its ultra-readable screen, robustness, and clean Canadian-school interface. However, divers who wanted to take the step toward air integration or onboard navigation had to look at the tech big brother, the Perdix. With the arrival of the Shearwater Peregrine TX, the brand finally fills this gap. By keeping the highly appreciated screen format and adding wireless pressure integration (AI) as well as a digital compass, Shearwater offers a formidable tool. Let's see if this evolution makes the Peregrine TX the best ally for our dives in Belgium and elsewhere.
Global Score: 4.6/5
| Criterion | Score | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| Algorithm & stops | 4.9/5 | Proven Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm with fully customizable Gradient Factors. |
| Air & multi-gas | 4.3/5 | Excellent air management (up to 4 transmitters) and 3 Nitrox gases, but no Trimix or CCR. |
| Screen & ergonomics | 4.8/5 | Outstanding 2.2\" LCD color screen for readability and intuitive 2-button interface. |
| Battery & power | 3.8/5 | 30 hours battery life, behind user-replaceable battery models, but very practical induction recharge. |
| Connectivity & app | 4.8/5 | Flawless Bluetooth and highly effective Shearwater Cloud app. |
| Compass & instruments | 4.7/5 | Integrated tilt-compensated 3D compass, ultra-precise for navigation. |
| Robustness & depth | 4.4/5 | Highly resistant ballistic polymer casing, waterproof to 120 meters. |
| Price & service | 4.5/5 | High-end pricing for recreational diving, but justified by outstanding global support. |
This computer is suitable for: The passionate recreational diver, exploration diver (up to Nitrox/O2 decompression stops), or Sidemount diver looking for maximum readability and reliable air integration.
This computer is not ideal for: Divers actively engaging in technical Trimix/CCR training or tight budgets.
[!WARNING] Safety alert - Wireless pressure integration: The Peregrine TX offers cylinder pressure display directly on screen. However, transmitters depend on internal batteries (CR2 cell on Swift) that wear out over time. Redundancy remains essential: do not dive without a classic mechanical pressure gauge or a backup regulator to prevent any signal loss or battery discharge in immersion.
Shearwater's mathematical rigor is well established. Although positioned on the recreational segment, the Peregrine TX makes no concessions on the safety of your decompression.
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16C. One of the most open and reliable algorithms on the market. (Score: 5/5)
Gradient Factors: Fully configurable at the diver's choice (e.g., 30/70 for increased safety or 90/90 in pure recreational mode). (Score: 5/5)
Deco display: Clear display of remaining no-stop time (NDL), decompression ceiling, and TTS (Time To Surface). (Score: 5/5)
Ascent alert / tissue saturation: Intuitive tissue graph, highly effective haptic vibration alerts underwater. (Score: 4.5/5)
Software reliability: Shearwater's legendary system stability. (Score: 5/5)
This is the major evolution of this \"TX\" version. Air integration transforms the computer into a true control console, ideal for optimizing gas reserve planning.
Number of gases managed: Up to 3 gases (Air, Nitrox up to 100% O2). (Score: 3.5/5)
Trimix: Not supported (restricted to Nitrox). (Score: 1/5)
CCR Mode: Absent. (Score: 1/5)
Air integration: Excellent. Allows pairing up to 4 Swift transmitters simultaneously, ideal for Sidemount or deco cylinder tracking. Real-time calculation of GTR (Gas Time Remaining) and SAC rate. (Score: 5/5)
Note: Low scores on Trimix and CCR are inherent to the recreational positioning of the machine but impact the score of this specific block according to our universal protocol.
One of the greatest strengths of the Peregrine range. Software ergonomics remain an absolute reference on the diving market.
Screen type: High-resolution color LCD screen (320 x 240 QVGA). (Score: 4.5/5)
Useful display size: 2.2 inches (5.59 cm). (Score: 5/5)
Readability: Exceptional, perfect contrast even in the very dark waters of our quarries. Adjustable backlight. (Score: 5/5)
Navigation: 2 push buttons in 316 stainless steel, large and perfectly usable with thick dry gloves. (Score: 4.5/5)
Personalization: Configurable home screens to display exactly the desired pressure or compass data. (Score: 5/5)
For reasons of compactness and rechargeability, Shearwater chose a sealed internal battery. A modern solution but one that requires some logistics.
Battery type: Li-Ion internal rechargeable battery (factory replaceable only at end of life). (Score: 2.5/5)
Autonomy: Up to 30 hours of use at average brightness. (Score: 4/5)
Charge indicator: Precise with low battery alert. (Score: 5/5)
Cold water behavior: Very well controlled voltage drop, the battery holds its promises even in 4°C water. (Score: 4.5/5)
Shearwater excels on external software. Analyzing your profiles after immersion becomes a real pleasure.
Synchronization: Fast and stable wireless Bluetooth. (Score: 5/5)
Companion app: Shearwater Cloud (available on iOS, Android, Mac, and PC), by far one of the best on the market for logbook maintenance and configuration. (Score: 5/5)
Firmware updates: Simplified via the app. (Score: 5/5)
Interoperability: Easy export to universal formats (DL7, UDDF) or third-party applications (Subsurface). (Score: 4/5)
The integration of the 3D compass fills the other major gap of the first generation of Peregrine.
Built-in compass: 3-axis digital, tilt-compensated. Very responsive and easy to calibrate. (Score: 5/5)
Temperature sensor: Present and responsive. (Score: 5/5)
Specific mode: Very complete Gauge mode with precision stopwatch. No advanced apnea mode. (Score: 4/5)
The Peregrine TX retains the \"armored\" look specific to the brand. It is built to last and handle rough treatment on boats.
Certified depth: 120 meters (394 ft). (Score: 4/5)
Screen protection: Screen protected by a provided protector film. Robust ballistic nylon polymer casing. (Score: 4/5)
Certifications: Complies with the strictest European safety standards. (Score: 5/5)
Shearwater quality has a price, but the investment is durable thanks to the international renown of their customer support.
Value for money: Very correct. Although more expensive than a standard recreational computer, its air integration and compass make it an excellent alternative to the Perdix 2 for those who do not need Trimix. (Score: 4/5)
Service availability: Excellent distribution network in Europe and responsive support based in Canada. (Score: 5/5)
Warranty: Standard manufacturer 2-year warranty. (Score: 3.5/5)
Recommended level: Ideal from Level 2 / Advanced Open Water, perfect for deep air divers or those practicing simple Nitrox decompressions.
Logistics workflow: The wireless induction charger is very easy to use. Just think about placing the computer on its stand the night before your dive weekend.
Transmitter choice: For maximum reliability and to avoid signal collisions (especially in Sidemount), the use of the Shearwater Swift transmitter (which listens for free channels before transmitting) is highly recommended.
The Peregrine TX uses the proven Bühlmann algorithm with Gradient Factors. Do not forget that no algorithm takes into account your fatigue state, hydration, or personal risk factors. Always adjust your conservatism settings (GF) with discernment and stay conservative in your ascent profiles. Keep your regulator firmly in your mouth underwater, and maintain redundant backup safety plans.
The Shearwater Peregrine TX is a total success. By filling the rare gaps of the initial model without complicating its DNA, Shearwater offers the most accomplished recreational and light technical dive computer on the market. Its incredible readability, combined with the comfort of air integration and a 3D compass, makes it a premium choice for any diver wishing to invest in durable and extremely safe equipment.
The computer runs on an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery, delivering approximately 30 hours of autonomy at medium screen brightness. It recharges wirelessly via induction on the provided USB-C charging pad.
To learn more about choosing batteries and extending the life of your computer, read our complete guide to dive computer batteries.
If you do not need air integration or a 3D compass, you can consult our Shearwater Peregrine Adventures Edition review. For advanced technical diving with Trimix, refer to our Shearwater Perdix 2 review.
To compare this computer with other models, check our dive computer comparator.
The Peregrine TX adds two major features that were missing from the original model: wireless air integration (up to 4 transmitters) and a tilt-compensated 3D digital compass.
No, the Peregrine TX is restricted to recreational and entry-level technical diving (Air, single Nitrox, and multi-gas up to 3 Nitrox mixtures up to 100% O2). It does not manage Trimix or rebreathers. For these uses, you must look toward the Perdix 2 or Teric.
Autonomy is about 30 hours of diving at average brightness. It recharges wirelessly via induction on the provided charging pad.
It supports up to 4 wireless transmitters simultaneously (ideally Shearwater Swift transmitters), making it compatible with Sidemount configurations.
