Scuba Gear Guides

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.