My Scuba Gear for Drysuit Diving

Here’s a look at the scuba gear I currently use when I'm diving in my drysuit. As a recreational diver, you generally do not need a drysuit in Chicagoland unless you plan to be diving to the deeper wrecks on Lake Michigan.

This page reflects my personal experience and preferences based on my diving style, training, and the conditions I dive in. Gear selection is highly individual, and what works for me may not be ideal for everyone. If you're unsure about equipment choices, I always recommend testing different options in real diving conditions before making a decision.

xDeep Zen - Stainless Steel

Size: Standard
Why: Modular BPW layout adaptable to cold and warm water.
Notes: ~13lb travel weight, 42lb Toroidal Wing with double shell Cordura 1100
Thoughts: I originally had the 'Deluxe' harness configuration, but found the buckles got in the way of streamline flashlight placement on the shoulder straps.

Halcyon Weighted Single Tank Adapter

Why: Moves ~6lbs from belt to back for better trim.
Notes: Moving weight from off of my belt and placed in line with my spine theoretically allows for better/easier trim.
Thoughts: The bolts are permanently attached and are SUPER long. I had to trim them to not poke into my back. But otherwise worked well.

xDeep - Tank Weight Pockets

Size: 5lb
Price: ~$70
Notes: I own (4) of these so I do not have to keep switching them between setups

xDeep - Belt Weight Pockets

Size: S - 5lb & M - 10lb
Price: ~$110
Why: I like the way the weight pouches are bolted to the backplate and how they use a positive clip system to hold them in.

ScubaPro MK19 EVO / G260

Why: Cold water appropriate, environmentally sealed, balanced diaphragm design.
Notes: Configured in 'Long Hose' primary donation setup
Thoughts: Breathes great, just like every other regulator I've owned

Long Hose Stick - Halcyon

Perdix II + Air Integration

Why: Highly customizable, easy to use with dry gloves.
Notes: Worn on every dive regardless of setup
Thoughts: Gives me everything I want to know and more. Is way easier to use than the Mares Genius I use to own.

Halcyon - Master SPG

Size: 2.5in
Why: It's big and easy to read and I prefer 500PSI as the start of the red-zone instead of 700PSI like some other SPGs.
Notes: On a 22in rubber hose to keep it tight to the body and streamlined. I remove for airline travel to save weight.

Heavy Duty Drysuit Gloves

4th Element Rock Hopper Shoes

Arctic Top/Bottom

Wool Sport Socks

Xerotherm Gloves (Light)

Halo AR Gloves

Silicon Spray

H2 Short Bib 5/7mm

Size: XL
Why: Interior fabric lining makes on/off easy and it fits my face
Notes: Short bib for use with the drysuit.
Thoughts: Fits well, keeps ears warm.

Santi E.Lite+ Drysuit

Size: Semi Custom
Why: Durable and well-fitted drysuit with SmartSeals system. Color makes me stand out from the other divers
Thoughts: Great in cold weather, brutal in warm weather.

Bare Ultrawarmth Glove (5mm)

Venom Frameless Mask (RX)

Size: Low Volume
Why: Because I can have custom prescription lenses from SeeTheSea.
Notes: I have a spare mask with prior prescription just in case
Thoughts: Works great, minor water ingress in the nose pocket but manageable.

Venom Frameless Mask (Prior RX)

Size: Low Volume
Why: Because I can have custom prescription lenses from SeeTheSea.
Notes: This is a spare mask with prior prescription
Thoughts: Works great, minor water ingress in the nose pocket but manageable.

OMS Slipstream Fins

Size: XL
Why: Slightly negatively buoyant, so good with my drysuit. Also white makes me stick out at depth.

Large Strobe - Princeton Tech

OrcaTorch D720

Why: Adjustable beam, high output, good runtime.
Notes: My primary light that I take on every dive attached to my right shoulder dring. Sometimes on a fabric Goodman handle.
Thoughts: Fantastic flashlight with impressive beam throw.

OrcaTorch D710

Why: 6° beam, reliable backup.
Notes: My secondary light that goes with me on every dive on my left shoulder D-Ring.
Thoughts: Great flashlight for the price.

Goodman Handle (Soft)

Trilobite Cutting Tool

Why: Belt-mounted cutting tool, that has no risk of stabbing or cutting me or my gear.
Notes: I've used it multiple times for removing ghost fishing line from dive areas.
Thoughts: Reliable and compact safety tool.

Scissors

Halcyon - 6ft Closed End dSMB (skinny)

Why: 12lbs of lift, one-way inflation valve.
Notes: This one or its big brother are always in my left thigh pocket. I have both the orange and pink versions.

Halcyon - Defender Spools

Why: Delron does not sink as fast as aluminimum
Notes: Used for navigation, SMB deployment, or line laying. I always have one with me for dSMB deployment and I have several other spares in different sizes.

Suunto SK8 Compass

Why: High quality. I've tried the less expensive kind and they suck. Horribly!
Notes: Goes on every dive on my left wrist so it becomes a habit to know where I am.

Emergency Whistle

Why: Audible signaling device.
Notes: In my right thigh pocket zip-up flap.
Thoughts: It's break your ear drums loud!

Highland Deluxe Wet Notes with Graphite Pencil

Why: Used for quick reference calculations and notes.
Notes: They are always with me in my right thigh pocket. I have minimum gas calculations written in them for quick reference as well as emergency contact info in the back.

AL40 (DIN) Pony Bottle

Why: Used for redundancy on deep dives (>50ft in Lake Michigan).
Notes: Standard pony bottle setup

Faber HP100 Steel Tanks (DIN)

Why: Good buoyancy characteristics and capacity, potential for back-mount doubles.
Notes: I have (2), one with left hand and one with right hand valves. This is not normal.

Bolt Snaps - xDeep

Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max+ w/ Filter Kit

Why: Works with phones I already own. And can use it to make an emergency phone call if I am within cell range.

Microfiber Towel - Rainleaf

Size: 48"x24"
Price: ~$13
Notes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A4ZXXR2/