Field Reviews
Scuba Gear Reviews
Firsthand field reviews of scuba equipment I have actually used. The focus is what the gear is like to own and dive, where it works, what compromises show up over time, and whether it remains in my kit.
Dive Computers
Tern TX
Updated
The Tern TX is now my backup computer to the Perdix, and I would dive either wherever and whenever I dive. Its compact size, clear display, and dependable air integration have earned my trust across pool training, local quarry work, and warm-water travel. Backup describes its place in my setup, not a limit on where I would use it.
Still in my kit
Viper - Novo
Updated
The Suunto Vyper Novo is a basic, button-driven dive computer aimed at entry-level recreational divers who want a traditional wrist-mounted unit without a color display. I used this computer deliberately to evaluate it across cold-water quarry dives, tropical dives in Hawaii, and pool sessions while working as a Divemaster. Despite doing the fundamentals correctly, the interface and screen readability consistently got in the way. While it costs less than modern color-screen alternatives, the usability gap is large enough that the savings are hard to justify.
No longer in my kit
Watch Ultra 2 w/ Oceanic+
Updated
I already owned the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for everyday use, so I was curious how it would perform with the Oceanic+ app in real-world dives. I tested it in both cold Midwest quarries and warm reef dives in Fiji. I never intended to use it as a primary computer, but I wanted to see how well it handled casual scenarios. The short answer: it’s fine for shallow vacation dives, but nowhere near a substitute for a dedicated dive computer.
Still in my kit
Genius + AI
Updated
I used the Mares Genius for about a year across warm and cold water wetsuit dives. I wanted a full-featured computer with air integration and a large screen, and the Genius looked like it fit those needs. In practice, poor software design, lack of customization, and a neglected ecosystem held it back. Despite solid hardware, it is not a computer I recommend today.
No longer in my kit
Perdix 2 + Air Integration
Updated
If you are looking for a dive computer you can rely on every single dive, the Shearwater Perdix 2 AI has earned that reputation. It is not trying to be fashionable or gadgety. It is built to deliver rock solid performance without clutter. After using it across drysuit dives in cold Midwestern quarries and reef dives in Fiji, I trust this computer more than anything else in my kit.
Still in my kit
Regulators & Gas Equipment
Leg3nd
Updated
A reliable, cold-water-capable regulator that served as my primary for 80+ dives. It performed well in cold and warm water with no issues, but I switched to ScubaPro due to local service availability. I no longer own it.
No longer in my kit
DNA Nitrox/Oxygen Analyzer
Updated
I've used the Divesoft DNA Analyzer for a full year as my primary tool for analyzing Nitrox fills. It has been with me across quarry dives, day boats, and coastal trips, and has proven consistently reliable. While it does require a smartphone to view readings, the app works without internet access and has never let me down. The analyzer runs on a single CR2450 coin cell battery, which has lasted through a full year of regular use without replacement.
Still in my kit
Long Hose Stick
Updated
A simple but flawless piece of kit, it provides perfect long hose retention without a canister light or tucking. It mounts cleanly to a backplate harness and never snags, slips, or fails. This is now my standard for all long hose dives.
Still in my kit
Stage SPG
Updated
The Halcyon Stage SPG is a compact brass analog pressure gauge known for clear markings, a rugged housing, and tempered glass. After testing two cheaper gauges, I moved to this model for its 500 PSI reserve band and reliable readability in low light. Below are the pros, tradeoffs, and how it has performed for me across fresh, cold, and warm salt water.
Still in my kit
MK19 EVO / G260
Updated
Cold-water ready and turret-equipped, it delivers proven reliability and performance. I chose it for its serviceability, local support, and trusted track record among Lake Michigan divers and it hasn’t disappointed.
Still in my kit
BCDs & Buoyancy
Axiom i3
Updated
A well-built jacket BCD with a unique inflator system. It delivers comfort, stability, and intuitive buoyancy control. It’s a solid choice for newer divers but lacks the modularity and progression potential of backplate systems.
No longer in my kit
Weighted Single Tank Adapter
Updated
Adds 6 pounds of non-ditchable ballast in line with your spine to reduce the need for weight around your hips and improve trim control.
Still in my kit
Weight Pockets
Updated
I use xDeep's trim and Secure Weight Pockets in my wetsuit and drysuit setups. After more than a hundred quarry, wreck, and cenote dives, they remain stable and dependable on my xDeep backplate. The tradeoff is the harness pockets' cumbersome buckle system: retention is secure, but underwater reinsertion is difficult and slow.
Still in my kit
Zen - Stainless Steel
Updated
This stainless steel Zen has become my dedicated cold-water rig thanks to its stable trim, wide plate, and modular harness options. I originally tried the deluxe harness, but eventually switched to a standard webbing setup for cleaner light and accessory stowage.
Still in my kit
Masks & Defog
Venom Frameless Mask
Updated
High-clarity frameless mask with exceptional comfort and prescription lens compatibility. Excellent fit for larger faces. Neoprene strap upgrade and bifocal lenses make it my primary mask, with a second non-Rx version always carried as a backup.
Still in my kit
Baby Shampoo
Updated
I used baby shampoo as mask defog during training and early dives because it was cheap and easy to find. It worked in controlled conditions but washed away when my mask flooded or got dunked. Inconsistent performance and concerns about using a household product in aquatic environments led me to stop using or recommending it.
No longer in my kit
Mask Defog
Updated
My default anti-fog solution for both freshwater and saltwater diving. I use it in quarries, Lake Michigan, and on ocean dives, and it has proven far more reliable than spit, baby shampoo, or random boat defogs. It continues working even if the mask floods or gets dunked during setup, and it is the only defog I trust around aquatic environments. It costs more than DIY options, but the reliability easily justifies the per-dive cost.
Still in my kit
Fins
Supernova
Updated
A modular travel fin designed to break down into compact components for easier packing. I have used it for wetsuit diving on boats, in quarries, and in pools, including four dives in Hawaii during a dedicated travel trip. The fin performs competently underwater, but its real value is portability rather than raw propulsion. I use it situationally when travel weight and space matter more than maximum power. One important tradeoff is the proprietary takedown tool. If it is lost, the fins cannot be disassembled or reassembled, which directly undermines their travel advantage.
Still in my kit
Eddy 'Flippers'
Updated
I used the Deep6 Eddy fins during GUE Fundamentals with a drysuit and steel backplate. They delivered precise control and neutral buoyancy in freshwater, but their stiffness contributed to leg fatigue on longer dives. I switched to softer OMS Slipstreams without finding a meaningful loss of control.
No longer in my kit
Slipstream Fins
Updated
A medium-stiff paddle fin designed specifically for cold-water and drysuit diving where control matters more than raw speed. I use these fins primarily with a drysuit, steel backplate, and long bottom times in quarries and cold water. Compared to stiffer alternatives, they deliver smoother power and reduce leg fatigue without giving up precision. They are not travel fins, but they excel in the environment they were built for.
Still in my kit
Avanti Quattro+ Fins
Updated
The Mares Avanti Quattro+ fins are the only piece of equipment still with me from my initial scuba purchase. I've used them on countless fun dives with wetsuit boots and they never let me down. They aren't ideal for technical maneuvers or drysuits, but for relaxed trips they shine.
Still in my kit
Wetsuits & Exposure
Maritime Assault Mid
Updated
A hybrid dive boot designed for divers who want real traction, fast drainage, and the ability to wear the same footwear on and off the boat. I have used these boots for boat diving, quarry and shore entries, and pool work, both wet and dry, paired with a wetsuit. They drain faster than any wetsuit boot I have owned and are comfortable enough to wear as street shoes before and after diving. After switching to these, I threw out my other wetsuit boots.
Still in my kit
Exoware Top & Bottom
Updated
The Bare Exoware is a low-bulk exposure layer designed to add meaningful warmth without the thickness or restriction of neoprene. I use it as my go-to option for sub-3mm conditions when a full wetsuit feels excessive. Unlike similar products that rely on marketing claims, the Exoware actually delivers noticeable thermal benefit while remaining easy to layer and comfortable in the water. It has replaced several other “light exposure” options in my kit.
Still in my kit
Aleutian Gloves (5mm)
Updated
Warm but poorly built, the Aqualung Aleutian 5mm gloves handled cold water well but fell short in durability and dexterity. Seams started unraveling after just a few dives, and the bulky fit made gear handling difficult.
No longer in my kit
Seawave Hood (7/4mm)
Updated
I bought the Seawave to pair with my 7mm Bare wetsuit for cold-water diving. With 7/4mm neoprene and a large bib, it aims to keep warmth in and water out, and with careful layering it does.
No longer in my kit
Reactive II (7mm)
Updated
Was my first wetsuit and served me well for cold quarry dives, though it was sometimes too warm in summer. It fits perfectly and is extremely warm, but I no longer use it often now that I dive in a drysuit. I keep it as a backup, but I wouldn’t pay the premium for the Reactive line again.
Still in my kit
Ultrawarmth Glove (3mm)
Updated
The Bare Ultrawarmth 3mm gloves are warm-to-temperate water scuba diving gloves designed for divers who want high dexterity without bulky insulation. I have used these gloves in pools, quarries, and open water dives into the high 50s°F, where they consistently delivered better warmth and control than I expected from a 3mm glove. Fit and dexterity are the standout strengths, making routine tasks like clips and buckles easy. After using these gloves extensively, they set the baseline that led me to buy the 5mm version for colder dives.
Still in my kit
Ultrawarmth Glove (5mm)
Updated
A standout wet glove for serious divers who want warmth and dexterity without bulk. These Bare Ultrawarmth gloves fit like a second skin, stay warm in cold water, and hold up to repeated use without fraying or flushing. I’ve used them extensively in both wetsuit and drysuit dives down to the low 50s and was impressed enough to buy a backup pair. They outperform cheaper gloves by a wide margin.
Still in my kit
Velocity Ultra (3mm)
Updated
My favorite wetsuit thanks to its perfect fit, easy donning, and solid warmth down to the mid 60s °F. The XLT sizing matches my body shape exactly, with no flushing or discomfort. It performs flawlessly for warm-water scuba, and while not the cheapest option, its comfort and reliability make it worth the price. I’d buy it again without hesitation.
Still in my kit
High Tops
Updated
I used Chuck Taylor High Tops as dive shoes for over 25 dives, mostly in moderate to warm freshwater quarries. They fit my fins and worked for casual wetsuit dives when insulation and extra grip were not needed, but sand ingress and slick surfaces exposed their limits. I no longer own them.
No longer in my kit
Tech Shorts
Updated
The best wetsuit-compatible storage solution I’ve found. These shorts deliver real drysuit-style pocket performance without compromise, giving me consistency across wetsuit dives that matches my drysuit rig. They’re rugged, drain well, and ride securely without shifting. I use them over everything from 7mm suits to rashguards
Still in my kit
Full Body Rash Guard
Updated
I picked up the Mako Full Body Rash Guard to deal with stingers and intense sun during tropical dives. After more than 20 dives in water over 80°F, it's proven to be an effective, comfortable, and durable solution. I wore it exclusively during a multi-day Fiji vacation and never had to think about sunblock, jellyfish, or reef rash.
Still in my kit
One - "Chuck Taylor"
Updated
The Poseidon One is a high-top, sneaker-style dive shoe intended for warm-water diving and pool use. I bought it on closeout for confined water and casual wetsuit dives, and after replacing a failed factory insole and swapping to bungee laces, it became usable and comfortable. Grip and fin compatibility are excellent, but the need for immediate modification prevents it from being a clean recommendation at full price. It is functional, but only after fixing a problem that should not exist.
No longer in my kit
Titanium 2 Top & Bottom
Updated
The Sharkskin Titanium Top and Bottom are marketed as a lightweight exposure system capable of replacing a 3mm wetsuit with claimed 5mm-equivalent warmth. I tested this set on warm-water dives hoping to reduce bulk while maintaining insulation. That promise did not hold up. Despite correct sizing, the system retained water around the ankles, delivered poor thermal performance, and failed to justify its premium price. After only a few dives, I retired it in favor of either a standard 3mm wetsuit or the Bare Exoware, which actually delivers meaningful warmth in a low-bulk layer.
No longer in my kit
Velocity (5mm)
Updated
My go-to wetsuit for dives that are too cold for my 3mm but don’t require a drysuit. I bought it used in near-new condition, and it fits perfectly thanks to Bare’s XLT sizing. It’s warm, reliable, and fills an important middle role in my dive kit. I’d absolutely buy it again if I needed to replace it.
Still in my kit
Titanium 2 Hood
Updated
The Sharkskin Hood offers a comfortable fit for warm water diving, but a missing crown vent and poor brand support make it a disappointing product I wouldn’t buy again.
Still in my kit
Drysuit Gear
Rock Hopper
Updated
Minimalist drysuit footwear designed for sock-style suits where ankle mobility and fin control matter more than insulation or walking comfort. I switched to these after struggling with ankle restriction from DUI Rock Boots, and they immediately improved my propulsion, trim, and fin fit. I have used them consistently for over two years with OMS Slipstream fins on boat and quarry dives. As long as entries are controlled, they solve a very specific problem extremely well.
Still in my kit
Rock Boot
Updated
Rugged overboots designed for drysuit socks, but too bulky and restrictive for precision diving and skill execution.
No longer in my kit
Arctic Top/Bottom
Updated
A robust, all-purpose undergarment for drysuit diving across a wide range of conditions. Warm, reliable, and easy to layer with, the Arctic was my first undergarment purchase and remains one of the most versatile pieces in my kit.
Still in my kit
Xerotherm Top/Bottom
Updated
A premium base layer for drysuit diving in moderate temperatures. Lightweight, streamlined, and surprisingly warm for its thickness, but the price is hard to ignore.
Still in my kit
Short Bib 5/7mm
Updated
A surprisingly comfortable and effective cold water hood that balances warmth, fit, and ease of use. It has become my go-to for drysuit diving. Ideal for divers who want a secure fit without claustrophobia or bulk.
Still in my kit
E.Lite+ Drysuit
Updated
A heavy-duty cold-water drysuit designed for divers who need durability without giving up mobility. I use this suit primarily for Midwest quarry diving, boat diving, and gear-intensive cold-water dives where abrasion resistance actually matters. The semi-custom fit, telescoping torso, and reinforced panels strike a rare balance between toughness and flexibility.
Still in my kit
Lights & Cameras
SeaTouch 4 Max+
Updated
I used the Divevolk SeaTouch 4 Max+ with the Filter Kit on a dive trip to Fiji, paired with an old iPhone 13. As a diver who prioritizes streamlined gear, simplicity, and value, I was curious to see if this setup could deliver decent photo and video performance without needing a dedicated camera system. It did. I dove it using a one-handed tray and have since upgraded my setup with external lights and a macro lens, confident enough now to use it with my daily phone going forward.
Still in my kit
D630v2
Updated
A budget canister light that functions reliably but underwhelms in output and long-term design. It’s a passable entry point for new divers curious about canister setups, but most will outgrow it quickly or find better performance in compact handhelds. I retired mine for canister light use training only.
Still in my kit
D710
Updated
A compact, budget-friendly dive light that exceeded expectations across 100 dives. The Orcatorch D710 was my primary for a full year and now serves as a trusted backup on every dive. With solid brightness, dependable performance, and zero failures, it remains a simple but reliable part of my core kit.
Still in my kit
D720
Updated
A reliable, adjustable-beam primary dive light that performs across all environments. The Orcatorch D720 has been with me on every dive for over a year, delivering consistent brightness, flexible beam control, and durable construction. Whether I’m diving cold quarries, guiding students, or traveling for warm water, this light adapts to the conditions and never lets me down.
Still in my kit
Raider III
Updated
A lightweight, low-profile Goodman-style handle that delivers secure control and full finger dexterity. The Oxycheq Raider III has been my preferred mount for slim dive lights like the D720, offering a stable and comfortable fit without the bulk of a rigid handle. It packs easily, holds position underwater, and has never interfered with task work or trim.
Still in my kit
Navigation
Cylinders
Gear Bags
34" Steel (Wheeled)
Updated
This is a large-capacity, wheeled dive travel bag designed to carry a full kit with durability and ease. It features a dry-zip main compartment, external compression straps, and a tough build that holds up to airport and travel abuse. Long enough to fit full sized fins like the Mares Quattro without bending, it’s a solid upgrade over basic duffels and a strong choice for divers who travel heavy.
Still in my kit
Steel Duffel
Updated
I use this as my go-to dive travel companion for carrying exposure gear, wet swimwear, and day-use items. It is sealed like a drybag using high-quality zippers, so the main compartment keeps contents dry even on wet boats or docks. I primarily carry it as a backpack, but it works well in all modes. I do not use the internal dry pocket often, but it is there if needed. After heavy use across flights, resorts, and boat dives, it is showing some corner wear but has not failed. I would buy it again without hesitation. It outperforms dry bags, laptop packs, and small suitcases in every way that matters.
Still in my kit
