Some links on Dive Otter are affiliate links. If you follow one of those links and make a qualifying purchase, Dive Otter may receive a commission from the retailer. You pay the retailer directly, and there is no separate charge to you for using the link. I disclose these relationships near relevant recommendations and purchase links so you know about them before making a decision.
Why I Use Affiliate Links
Dive Otter is an independent, ad-free publication. Affiliate commissions help offset some of the costs of maintaining the website and producing its content without relying on sponsored articles or paid product placements.
I choose what to write about and what to recommend based on my experience, research, and assessment of the equipment. An affiliate relationship does not determine which products receive coverage or influence what I say about them. If I believe something is a poor choice, I will say so regardless of whether a retailer offers a commission.
The standards behind my recommendations are explained in the Editorial Standards, while the Field Review Methodology explains how I evaluate equipment I have personally used.
Why I Prefer Local Dive Shops
I buy much of my equipment from local dive shops, and I encourage other divers to do the same when practical. A good shop does far more than sell equipment. It provides training, fills, servicing, advice, charters, and the community that makes it easier for people to keep diving.
When I link to an online retailer, I am providing another purchasing option, particularly for readers who do not have access to a well-stocked local shop. I prefer linking to businesses I know and trust, but the availability of a commission is not a reason to recommend one retailer over another.
If your local dive shop carries the equipment you want and can provide the support you need, I encourage you to start there. I would rather see a good local dive shop remain in business than earn a commission from a purchase that could have supported it.