null
Shearwater Tern TX VS Teric

Shearwater Tern TX VS Teric

Posted by Elma Tarr on October 3rd, 2024

Read time: 10 minutes
Teric vs Tern TX banner

Shearwater Teric or Tern TX- which is better?


Shearwater Research is well known for their reliable, durable and innovative dive computers- popular between recreational divers, dive professionals and technical divers alike, and I have witnessed this firsthand in many dive destinations around the world. One question that kept arising was: Which is better? The Shearwater Teric or the Tern TX? Obviously, the answer varied depending who I spoke to... So, I decided to test it out and took both of these computers diving in Sodwana Bay, South Africa, in order to answer this question for myself. 


Shearwater Features:

First, let's discuss why Shearwater is so popular. Shearwater is a fantastic brand for several reasons:


Innovative Technology: Shearwater is known for its cutting-edge dive computers that integrate advanced algorithms and user-friendly interfaces. They cater to recreational and technical divers, and dive professionals, such as myself, offering safety and performance features.


Reliability: Divers trust Shearwater because their products are built to withstand tough underwater conditions. The brand is known for its durability and accuracy, which are critical for dive safety.


User-Centric Design: The design of Shearwater's products prioritizes usability. Their intuitive interfaces make it easier for divers to access important information quickly, even in challenging conditions. Even on the lower visibility days in Sodwana Bay, I was able to read and navigate these computers with ease.


Community Engagement: Shearwater actively engages with the diving community, listening to feedback and continuously improving their products. This strong connection helps them stay relevant and responsive to diver needs.


Excellent Support: They offer solid customer support and resources, ensuring that users can get help when needed. This commitment to customer satisfaction builds trust and loyalty.


Aesthetic Appeal: Their dive computers have a sleek, modern design that many divers appreciate, blending functionality with style. This stood out to me immediatly when first seeing the Tern TX and Teric for the first time. Compared to the Perdix 2 Ti and the Peregrine, these Tern TX and Teric are super slim and watch-like, allowing me to wear them out of the water and feel comfortable within the water.


Overall, Shearwater stands out for its commitment to quality, safety, and user experience, making it a top choice for divers at all levels.


Comparison between the Shearwater Tern TX and the Teric Computers:


Shearwater Tern Wrist Dive Computer

Shearwater Tern TX Wrist Computer

$
595.00
 
$
Screen Size
1.3”
1.39”
Typical Battery Diving Hours
20
30
Depth Rating
120m/349ft
200m/660ft
Weight
100g
119g
Alarms
Haptic
Haptic/Audio
Lens Type
Toughened Glass
Sapphire
Color Variant
Black only
Bronze, Black, Blue, and Silver
Modes
Air, Nitrox, 3-Gas Nitrox, Gauge, Freedive
OC Rec, OC Tec, CC/BO, Gauge, Freedive
Number of Gasses
3 OC
5 OC/5CC

Both the Tern TX and the Teric share the following features:

  • Wireless rechargeable batteries
  • Digital compass 
  • 500 hours of dive log  
  • Supports up to 4 transmitters 
  • AMOLED screen technology 
  • Bluetooth capability

Conclusions- what we discovered when diving with the Tern TX and Teric:


First, let me say that I found both the Shearwater Teric and Tern TX to be excellent dive computers, but I do believe that they cater to slightly different audiences.


The Tern TX is designed more for recreational divers. I found interface and features to be a lot easier to navigate, and the buttons were easy to use with gloves on. It is a great choice for divers who want straighforward functionality without the advanced options of the Teric. I also really enjoyed how compact and light this computer was, while still remaining robust. I made use of the Air, Nitrox and Freedive features- which all proved to be very accurate, and at the cheaper price point, I think that this is a great option for recreational divers or dive professionals who do not plan on doing an technical diving. I thought that the screen was nice and customisable, but it only comes in one color, and the battery life was not as good as the Teric.


In contrast, The Teric is a high-end, multi-gas dive computer that offers advanced features like customizable screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and a sleek watch-like design. It would say that this computer is ideal for technical divers who need extensive data and versatility in various diving scenarios. This computer definitely offered more features underwater, and although I did not do any tech diving with this computer, when playing with setting, I could see how advanced and accurate these features were. In terms of air and nitrox modes, the Teric performed the same as the Tern TX, but what I found to be better with the Teric was the battery life, and the combination of both obvious vibration alarms and loud Audio alarms, where the Tern TX just vibrates. This watch comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to customise you style, and is definitely strong and durable- made for any conditions. This watch has a more premium price range, but I would definitely recommend it to more advanced divers looking to upgrade their skills, or technical divers looking for a reliable computer.


Both are durable and reliable, but your choice would depend on your diving style and the level of complexity you prefer. Would you like to delve into specific features or aspects of either model?


Still not sure which computer will suit your needs? Please reach out to us at scuba@bluewaterphotostore.com for professional and personalized assistance from our team of professional divers. 

scott geitler / bluewater photo
elma tarr scuba instructor

Elma Tarr

Elma Tarr is the Scuba Gear Brand Manager at Bluewater Photo and an IDC Staff Instructor with over 3,500 dives to her name. Her passion for the underwater world began over 21 years ago, and she has since turned that passion into a thriving profession.

Elma’s interest in dive gear was sparked by a key insight early in her teaching career: one of the biggest obstacles for new divers was often improperly fitting equipment. This realization drove her to deepen her expertise in gear selection, fit, and performance, making her a trusted resource for divers of all levels.

An avid traveler and underwater photographer, Elma has explored dive sites across the globe, with a special love for macro photography. Her blend of field experience, technical knowledge, and customer-first mindset makes her an invaluable part of the Bluewater Photo team.

we-make-awesome-trips-possible.jpg
We make awesome trips possible!

More Dive Trip Details

we-make-awesome-trips-possible.jpg
Educational Videos and Articles

View our Videos & Articles

we-make-awesome-trips-possible.jpg
Find the right gear with our Buyer's Guides

Read our Buyer's Guides.

Win a free trip by joining our newsletter

Ask us anything!