Helping divers make informed choices about training, skills, safety, and gear.

Scuba Gear Guides

Start here for clear, unbiased gear advice. Each guide explains how to choose well, what features matter, and when to rent or buy based on how often and where you dive. Use the links below to jump straight to the item you are researching.

Row of weights

Buying vs Renting

Whether to rent or own is one of the first real crossroads for new divers. Helping you weigh cost, comfort, convenience, and how often you dive.

a row of scuba tanks

Should You Own Tanks?

Owning scuba tanks is not for everyone. But if you dive locally and often, it might be a smart move. I'll help you decide whether to invest or keep renting.

Nitrox cylinder with oxygen label and MOD marking

Buying New vs Used

It depends on the item. Which pieces are safe to buy secondhand, what to inspect, when it is worth spending for peace of mind and long term reliability.

Nitrox cylinder with oxygen label and MOD marking

Mask Buying Guide

It is about fit, visibility, and comfort. How to test for a proper seal, compare lens types and avoid common buying mistakes to improve your dives.

Woman putting in a contact lense

Prescription Mask Options

Contacts or glasses, you do not have to settle for blurry dives. Choose between prescription masks, contacts, and stick on readers to see clearly and dive safely.

White fins

Fin Buying Guide

They can change your power, control, and comfort. Paddle vs split, open heel vs full foot. Match stiffness, buoyancy, and strap type to your diving style.

Shearwater Perdix Dive Computer

Choosing a Dive Computer

Models, features, and price points can be overwhelming. The best computer is the one that matches your diving, future goals, and preferences.

ScubaPro MK19 regulator

Regulator Buying Guide

Reliability matters more than hype. First vs second stage differences, features like environmental sealing and hose routing, and why serviceability matters.

A BCD on display

BCD Buying Guide

Compare jacket, backplate and wing, and hybrid designs, and weigh customization against current and future dive goals to choose the best fit.

Wetsuit

Wetsuit Buying Guide

Your primary thermal protection, and a poor fit ruins even warm water dives. Choose the thickness, nail the fit, and avoid mistakes that lead to discomfort.

Chuck Taylor shoes

Dive Boot Buying Guide

Learn the differences between boots and dive shoes, which you need based on fins and environment, and when neoprene socks are useful.

Wetsox Lycra socks

Dive Sock Buying Guide

Blisters, cold toes, and suit struggles are avoidable with the right socks. Compare neoprene socks vs Lycra socks for easy entry and chafe prevention.

Halcyon spools

Reels vs Spools

Learn the differences, use cases, and materials so you do not waste money or fight tangles. And why spool is almost always the correct answer.

Hard Goodman handle

Goodman Handles: Hard vs Soft

Hard and soft Goodman handles behave very differently. Learn pros and cons, why cheap soft handles are a bad idea, and what keeps your light secure.

3 different colored SMBs

Surface Marker Buoy Guide

Understand SMB vs dSMB, how to choose size and inflation, and how to deploy from depth without tangles or loss of control.

Orcatorch D720

Dive Light Buying Guide

It does more than illuminate, it improves safety and team communication. Learn primary vs backup roles and the features that matter

Stahlsac Backpack

Gear Bags

Compare real world options like crates for local dives, dry bags for day trips, and roller suitcases for travel to protect gear and make dive days easier.

Trilobite

Dive Knives vs Line Cutters

Modern divers favor compact line cutters or trauma shears over bulky knives. Carry tools you can reach, deploy, and trust under stress.

Ae=pex Comfobite Mouthpiece

Mouthpiece Comfort

An ill-fitting mouthpiece causes fatigue and discomfort. Use your own regulator, choose a comfortable fit, and replace worn mouthpieces regularly.

XDeep Bolt Snaps

Boltsnaps, Retractors & Clips

Use bolt snaps for essential gear, avoid plastic clips and clutter, and store extras in pockets. Keep setups simple and streamlined.

Stream2Sea Defog

Mask Defog Options

Mask fog comes from condensation on the lens. Spit and baby shampoo work, but Stream2Sea defog is safer, consistent, and eco-friendly.

Wetsuit cleaning liquid

Scuba Gear Maintenance

Scuba gear is life support, not just equipment. Rinse after every dive, store cool and dry, and service annually to prevent corrosion, leaks, and failure.


Written by Tyler Allison • Last updated October 5, 2025

Revision History