Warm Water Wetsuit Diving Local

Here’s a look at the scuba gear I currently use when I'm diving in my wetsuit in the summertime in Chicagoland or when I am flying to Florida or Mexico and weight restrictions on the air travel are less constraining than long-haul International flights.

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

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.

DGX Aluminum Backplate

DGX Aluminum Backplate

Size: Standard
Why: I wanted a light'ish BPW setup for air travel to warm water diving locations and for local pool and 3mm diving.
Thoughts: With my 3mm wetsuit in local fresh water I only need 6lbs of lead, 2lbs if I'm diving my HP100's and no lead if I'm diving skin (like in a pool)

Hollis ST22 Wing

Hollis ST22 Wing

Why: I wanted a light BPW setup for air travel to warm water diving locations and for local pool or 3mm diving.
Notes: 22lbs of lift, which is plenty when I'm in my 3mm or skin.
Thoughts: Combined with the DGX aluminum plate, in 3mm wetsuit in local fresh water I only need 6lbs of lead, 2lbs if I'm diving my HP100's and no lead if I'm diving skin (like in a pool)

xDeep - Tank Weight Pockets

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

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

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

Long Hose Stick - Halcyon

Perdix II + Air Integration

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

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.

O'Neill Rashguard (Top/Bottom)

O'Neill Rashguard (Top/Bottom)

Size: XL
Price: ~$75
Notes: O'Neill Men's Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Rash Guard

Sharkskin Titanium 2 Hood

Sharkskin Titanium 2 Hood

Size: XXL
Why: No reason to let your head and ears get cold even on warm dives. Also makes mask on/off easier.
Notes: Worn whenever I'm diving my 3mm.

Bare Ultrawarmth Glove (3mm)

Bare Ultrawarmth Glove (3mm)

Size: XL
Why: These fit my hand perfectly.
Thoughts: My absolute favorite gloves so far. It's like I'm not even wearing gloves and they can take me down to ~60F. These are so nice I purchased a second pair for future use.

Bare Velocity Ultra (3mm)

Bare Velocity Ultra (3mm)

Size: XLT
Why: Super comfortable and easy to put on and fits me perfect
Notes: Good for me down to ~65F.
Thoughts: My favorite wetsuit and the one I prefer to wear.

Tech Shorts - Halcyon

Tech Shorts - Halcyon

Why: Need pockets to put things in.
Notes: Worn on any non-drysuit dive.
Thoughts: Their shorts...just make sure you size up as these run SUPER small.

Venom Frameless Mask (RX)

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)

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.

Mares Avanti Quattro+ Fins

Mares Avanti Quattro+ Fins

Size: XL
Why: Slightly negatively buoyant, efficient for straight-line flutter kicking.
Notes: Only really used when I'm diving warm water tropical
Thoughts: Not as precise for maneuvering but perfectly usable in open water reefs where precision body control is not necessary

OrcaTorch D720

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

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)

Goodman Handle (Soft)

Trilobite Cutting Tool

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.

Halcyon - 6ft Closed End dSMB (skinny)

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

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

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

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

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.

Luxfer AL80 Tanks (DIN)

Luxfer AL80 Tanks (DIN)

Why: When doing training or pool dives locally with other divers on AL80, there is no point in me using my HP100s
Notes: Picked up four on Facebook Marketplace for $300 total

Bolt Snaps - xDeep

Bolt Snaps - xDeep

Chuck Taylor

Chuck Taylor

Size: 10.5
Why: These 'boots' are much more stable when walking on gravel for shore entry than traditional wetsuit boots. And...I mean...they also look cool.
Notes: Worn on any non-drysuit dive.

Lycra Socks

Lycra Socks

Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max+ w/ Filter Kit

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

Microfiber Towel - Rainleaf

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