My Gear: What I Use and Why

My approach to dive gear is based on simplicity, reliability and modularity. I focus on high-quality gear that performs well in real diving conditions, not just in a shop or pool. I prefer to own my gear but will rent certain items when it makes sense (e.g., large steel tanks on trips). I recognize that gear can be expensive, and I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford my own setup. However, there is nothing wrong with renting from reputable dive shops, especially when it makes financial or logistical sense.

My Standard Four Gear Configurations

I use four different gear setups depending on conditions and travel needs. Each setup is optimized for comfort, safety, and efficiency in its intended environment. However, most of my core gear remains the same across all four configurations, with only specific items swapped based on water temperature, weight, or bulk restrictions.

My Gear Setups & Preferred Brands

Drysuit Dives

Used for Midwest cold water dives, including Lake Michigan & quarries.

Gear Focus: Drysuit, cold-water regulators, backplate/wing with integrated weight, lots of surface support extras.

Preferred Brands: Santi, Fourth Element, ScubaPro, xDeep, Halcyon, Shearwater, OrcaTorch.

See Full Gear List

Cold Water – Local Dives

Used for Midwest cold water dives in the summer (not Lake Michigan).

Gear Focus: 5mm Wetsuit, cold-water regulators, backplate/wing with integrated weight, lots of surface support extras.

Preferred Brands: Bare, ScubaPro, xDeep, Halcyon, Shearwater, OrcaTorch.

See Full Gear List

Warm Water – Local

Used for freshwater warm diving in the Midwest (summer dives in quarries) or to travel locations with minimal weight restrictions.

Gear Focus: Wetsuit selection based on temperature, minimal gear modifications.

Preferred Brands: Bare, ScubaPro, xDeep, Halcyon, Shearwater, OrcaTorch.

See Full Gear List

Warm Water – Travel

Used for trips where flying is required and packing light is critical.

Gear Adjustments: Lighter and smaller backplate/wing, less technical fins.

Preferred Brands: Bare, ScubaPro, Hollis, Halcyon, Shearwater, Mares, OrcaTorch.

See Full Gear List

Surface Support & Spare Gear

Surface Support

When you have a vehicle to put things in it is easy to take extra gear or items that you can't take on a plane. Things like Emergency O2 and AEDs, Nitrox Analyzer, changing mats, warm jackets and gear bags.

See Full Gear List

Spare Gear

Used scuba gear does not sell well. So much of the gear I purchased and then either did not like or I found better options end up in this list. I have them...but rarely use them.

See Full Gear List

Gear I Tried and Didn’t Like and No Longer Have

Jacket-Style BCDs: Too bulky, less modular, and don’t provide the trim control I prefer.
Air-Integrated Consoles: I prefer wrist-mounted AI computers for better visibility.
Mares Genius Computer: Mares abandoned the computer and has not maintained the firmware or software. It worked fine, but needed a software refresh to stay relevent in the market. It was also a beast on my wrist.
Cheap Compass: Oh man. They really suck. They don't balance correctly unless you hold them perfect and you can't rely on them to point in the correct direction!

Final Thoughts

Your gear should work for your diving style. What works for me might not work for you.

I believe in investing in quality essentials while being practical about everything else.

I’ll update this page as I refine my gear over time.

Disclaimer

This page reflects my personal experience and preferences based on my diving style, training, and the conditions I dive in. Gear selection is highly individual, and what works for me may not be ideal for everyone. If you're unsure about equipment choices, I always recommend testing different options in real diving conditions before making a decision.