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.
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