How My Personal Dive Kit Differs (And Why)

When I built the "Base Kit" guide, I focused on the gear choices I would recommend to almost any diver: reliable, versatile, easy to find, and balanced for both local and travel diving.

But like many divers, my personal gear choices have evolved based on specific preferences, priorities, and experiences. Sometimes I'm willing to spend more for higher quality or specialized performance. Sometimes I even own two different pieces of gear in the same category to suit different types of diving.

Here’s a look at where I deviated from the general recommendations and why.

Mask

What I Recommended: Atomic Venom Frameless

What I Use: Atomic Venom Frameless

I stuck with the Atomic Venom Frameless because it offers excellent clarity and fit, and it can be fitted with a prescription aftermarket lens, which was important for my vision needs.

Fins

What I Recommended: Mares Avanti Quattro+

What I Use:
- Mares Avanti Quattro+ for wetsuit diving
- OMS Slipstream fins for drysuit diving

I use the Mares fins for wetsuit diving because they’re powerful and reliable, but for drysuit diving, I prefer the OMS Slipstreams. They're lighter for their size, a little stiffer, and better suited for managing the extra drag of a drysuit.

Regulator

What I Recommended: Scubapro MK17 EVO + S620Ti

What I Use: Scubapro MK19 EVO + G260

I chose the MK19 because it’s a sealed design with a swivel turret. It's great for hose routing, especially with backmount setups. I paired it with the G260 second stage for its proven cold water performance. I’m considering adding a lighter, compact travel regulator in the future, but haven’t yet.

Dive Computer

What I Recommended: Shearwater Peregrine TX

What I Use: Shearwater Perdix 2

I went with the Perdix 2 because it allows some screen layout customization. I prefer adjusting my display based on conditions and priorities, and the Perdix 2 gives me that flexibility. I also wanted something I could use for potential light tech diving in the future.

Backplate and Wing

What I Recommended: xDeep Zen (Aluminum or Stainless, depending)

What I Use:
- xDeep Zen with stainless steel plate for drysuit diving
- Hollis ST22 for warm water travel

I still use the Zen for drysuit and local diving, but I added a Hollis ST22 system for warm water trips. The ST22 is smaller, lighter, and better suited for tropical diving where a heavy stainless plate isn’t needed.

Cutting Tools

What I Recommended: Eezycut Trilobite + Save-a-Dive kit

What I Use:
- Eezycut Trilobite for all dives
- Trauma shears added occasionally when diving environments where entanglement hazards are more likely

I always carry the Trilobite as my primary cutting tool. I add trauma shears when I’m expecting heavy monofilament, thick lines, or environments like wreck diving.

DSMB and Spool

What I Recommended: Apeks 5.5' DSMB and Dive Rite 100' Spool

What I Use: Halcyon DSMBs and Halcyon spools

I prefer Halcyon for both my DSMB and spool because I feel their build quality is higher. I also like the one-way valve design on the Halcyon DSMBs as it makes inflation easier and more reliable during deployment.

Net/Net...

Building your dive kit is personal. The general Base Kit recommendations are a great place to start. But over time, it’s natural (and even smart) to adapt your gear to your style, conditions, and goals.