Shearwater Unveils the New Tern and Tern TX Dive Computers

Shearwater Research has recently announced the latest additions to its iconic line of dive computers - the new Tern and Tern TX models. Designed specifically with sport divers in mind, the compact watch-style devices are reliable and simple to use, yet offer a host of powerful features.

Commenting on the new units, which are expected to begin shipping in mid-January 2024, Shearwater Research CEO Jason Leggatt stated:

“Building upon the success of the Peregrine and borrowing features from the Teric, the Tern and Tern TX make a great addition to our product line. The Tern is an affordable option for anyone seeking a compact sport diving computer. As well, we are excited to bring transmitter-enabled computers to more divers, delivering precision gas pressure information on a brilliant display. The Tern TX is an incredible sport diving computer to those seeking a comfortable, round form. In combination with the Swift Transmitter, the Tern TX offers a world-class transmitter-enabled system at an attractive price.”

Features Overview

Both Shearwater Tern and Tern TX models come with the following feature set:

5 diving modes - Air, Nitrox, 3 Gas Nitrox, Gauge, and Freedive
500 hours dive log
Bluetooth connectivity
Wireless charging with quick charge support
20 hours of battery life in dive mode
Haptic alarms
Depth rated to 394ft (120m)

The Tern TX stands out with its included air integration feature (can connect to up to four Swift transmitters) and digital compass.

Build and Design

The new watch-style units are the most compact dive computers Shearwater has ever produced - both come with a screen measuring 1.3” (~33mm) in diameter. Thanks to the vibrant, high-resolution AMOLED display, the devices provide great visibility in various lighting conditions, making it easy for divers to keep track of their crucial information. The users will be able to choose between different watch faces and configure interface colors.

The watches also come with toughened glass. The bezel and buttons are silver in color for the Tern and black for the Tern TX.

Both computers come with Shearwater’s new Remora quick-connect bands and webbing straps, offering easy customization with various strap lengths and colors.

Wondering how Shearwater Tern Series Compares to Garmin Dive Computers?

Read Garmin Watch Reviews

Tern/Tern TX vs. Peregrine vs. Teric

In terms of functionality and target audience, the Shearwater Tern is very similar to the highly popular Peregrine model (the Tern TX additionally incorporates air integration and digital compass features) but comes in a much lighter and sleeker format - like that of a more sophisticated (and expensive) Shearwater Teric.

Neither Tern nor Tern TX includes OC mixed gas technical and CCR modes. This intentional omission further reflects their target audience - recreational Air and Nitrox divers from beginner to advanced levels, who mainly do not need these specialized modes.

All in all, thanks to such a fusion of features and a fairly competitive price, the Tern line will likely be a hit with recreational divers of all levels who are looking for a reliable, feature-rich, and stylish dive computer.

	PEREGRINE	TERN	TERN TX	TERIC
SCREEN TECHNOLOGY	Backlit LCD	AMOLED	AMOLED	AMOLED
SCREEN SIZE	2.2”	1.3”	1.3”	1.39”
TRANSMITTERS SUPPORTED	-	-	4	4
TYPICAL BATTERY DIVING HOURS	30	20	20	30
DIGITAL COMPASS	-	-	Yes	Yes
DEPTH RATING	120m / 394ft	120m / 394ft	120m / 394ft	200m / 660ft
NUMBER OF GASES	3 OC	3 OC	3 OC	5 OC / 5 CC
MODES	Air, Nitrox, 3-Gas Nitrox, Gauge	Air, Nitrox, 3-Gas Nitrox, Gauge, Freedive	Air, Nitrox, 3-Gas Nitrox, Gauge, Freedive	OC Rec, OC Tec, CC/BO, Gauge, Freedive
DIVE LOG HOURS	200	500	500	500
WEIGHT	122g	100g	100g	119g
ALARMS	Haptic	Haptic	Haptic	Haptic / Audio