A thick‐film polyvinylidene fluoride (PVF2) sample was used to evaluate this material for underwater shock‐sensor applications. The free‐field voltage sensitivity of the sensor showed a flat frequency response with a bandwidth of 2 MHz. The response of the PVF2sample to a 1‐ms pressure pulse was linear to within 0.6 dB at a peak pressure of 69 MPa. The PVF2shock sensor also showed reduced high‐frequency ringing in its response to a shock wave when compared with a similar device using a PZT element.