My Spare Scuba Gear

Not all the gear I purchase ends up a good or useful purchase. Some of it ends up in a spare bin to either hand out to friends or replace a primary broken item in a pinch.

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.


Aqualung Leg3nd Regulators

Aqualung Leg3nd Regulators

Apple Watch Ultra 2 w/ Oceanic+

Apple Watch Ultra 2 w/ Oceanic+

Why: Non-air-integrated backup dive computer.
Thoughts: Works fine as a backup. Subscription cost may not be justified for casual divers.

Sharkskin Titanium 2 Top & Bottom

Sharkskin Titanium 2 Top & Bottom

Bare Reactive II (7mm)

Bare Reactive II (7mm)

Size: XLT
Why: Good for diving down to ~50°F.
Notes: It was my first wetsuit purchase, but does not get used much now that I own a drysuit
Thoughts: Love this suit, but prefer drysuit for cold dives.

Dive Right Bellows Thigh Pocket

Dive Right Bellows Thigh Pocket

Why: Dangles from BCD waist strap, secured around the thigh.
Notes: Used as a spare in case someone wants a thigh pocket and does not have shorts
Thoughts: Functional but awkward when getting in/out of BCD.

Aqualung Aleutian Gloves (5mm)

Aqualung Aleutian Gloves (5mm)

Size: Large
Why: A backup pair of cold water diving gloves in case a buddy forgets theirs.
Thoughts: Good dexterity, but stitching failed after 15 dives. Repaired with wetsuit glue.

Aqualung Seawave Hood (7/4mm)

Aqualung Seawave Hood (7/4mm)

Size: XL
Why: Used when I was diving a 7mm wetsuit, but I prefer drysuit diving when it's 7mm cold water.
Notes: Not really used anymore but I keep it around as a backup.
Thoughts: No complaints. Easy to get on/off and keeps my head warm.

Mares i3 Mask

Mares i3 Mask

Why: Has side glass for a wider field of vision. My first mask used during early training.
Thoughts: Not available for prescription lenses, so I switched masks. I keep it as a spare.

XS Scuba Snorkel

XS Scuba Snorkel

Why: Kept in case required by an instructor or agency.
Notes: It's a snorkel...works like a snorkel.

Deep6 Eddy 'Flippers'

Deep6 Eddy 'Flippers'

Size: XL
Why: Slightly negatively buoyant fins, used as backups to OMS Slipstream fins.
Notes: White. Not as flexible as my OMS Slipstreams.
Thoughts: I prefer the OMS Slipstream flexibility more when diving in my drysuit, but these are great for in my wetsuit where I want more precision than my Mares Avanti Quattro

Small Strobe - OrcaTorch

Small Strobe - OrcaTorch

OrcaTorch D630v2 Canister Light

OrcaTorch D630v2 Canister Light

Why: 7-degree beam, long runtime.
Notes: I have one in case I need it, but none of my dives so far have required a dive light that can last 4 hours.
Thoughts: Usable but not super bright.

xDeep dSMB - Long

xDeep dSMB - Long

Why: I wanted one that could function as life ring on surface.
Notes: Taken as a spare when on ocean boat dives.
Thoughts: It's massive, so impractical as a daily use dSMB. But it has some unique features that allow it to be used on the surface as a life ring.

XS Scuba 50lb Lift Bag

XS Scuba 50lb Lift Bag

Why: For lift operations or emergency flotation.
Notes: Yellow

Generic 3-1/2 ft dSMB

Generic 3-1/2 ft dSMB

Why: Dual-color Orange/Yellow, used for dSMB practice and dive marking.
Notes: Used as a spare or to loan out to someone who is wanting to practice.
Thoughts: Good size for calm water. Push-in inflation valve is tricky.

Reel

Reel

Light Monkey Dive Reel (400ft)

Light Monkey Dive Reel (400ft)

Review Mirror

Review Mirror

Slate

Slate

Poseidon "Chuck Taylor"

Poseidon "Chuck Taylor"

Why: Comfortable and easy to use.
Notes: I take these as backups when I'm travel diving.
Thoughts: The original insole disintegrated after 10 dives and I had to replace it with an aftermarket insole that wasn't made of paper. Seriously guys? Paper? In a Dive Boot...that gets wet?

DryFob

DryFob