ScubaLab has named the Shearwater Tern and Tern TX the 2024 Testers Choice for recreational dive computers. Seven new dive computers were tested in a head to head evaluation. View the video below or keep reading to see the results.
ScubaLab tested the computers at the University of Southern California's hyperbaric chamber on Catalina Island, where they put them through a series of simulated dives alongside other computers to gauge the performance of their decompression algorithm. They also tested computers in the field at Blue Grotto Dive Resort in Central Florida.
ScubaLab evaluated how easy the computers were to set up, how well they could see their screens in different conditions, and how well they presented data during the dives. The compact watch sized Tern scored excellent almost across the board. Test divers loved it's wrist friendly ergonomics and brilliant high resolution color display. It is easy to pick up the ins and outs of the four button operation. Testers especially liked the one touch brightness adjustment. The dive display has a clean appearance and logical organization, with the option to customize data fields, change color schemes, and activate a big numbers mode.
The Tern has nitrox and freediving support by default. The Tern TX adds wireless air integration and a digital compass, providing everything a recreational diver could need. The compass can be viewed via a dedicated screen or a minimalist overlay. There's a wealth of secondary data that's easy to cycle through quickly. Test divers also love the attention grabbing vibration alerts, especially at safety stops. In addition to a sleek design and robust performance, the Tern also includes high end extras like wireless inductive charging and quick release straps. A favorite of test divers offering excellent performance, the Tern and Tern TX are ScubaLab's 2024 testers choice for recreational dive computers.
Courtesy Scuba Diving Magazine