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.
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