My Spare Scuba Gear

ScubaPro - MK2 EVO

Halcyon - Stage SPG

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.

Halcyon - Long Hose Stick

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.

- DGX Aluminum Backplate

- Hollis ST22 Wing

- Kraken Roll Up Snorkel

- Lycra Socks

Bare - Reactive II (7mm)

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.

Mares - Avanti Quattro+ Fins

The Mares Avanti Quattro+ fins remain my go-to for warm water travel diving thanks to their smooth propulsion and comfort. 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.

Apple - Watch Ultra 2 w/ Oceanic+

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.

Stahlsac - 34" Steel (Wheeled)

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.

Oxycheq - Raider III

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.

Princeton Tech - Large Strobe

SurfEars - Earplugs for Divers

- AL40 (DIN) Pony Bottle

- DryFob

- Freedive Weight Belt and Pockets

- Light Monkey Dive Reel (400ft)

- Rear View Mirror

- Reef Hook

- Scissors

- Slate

- XS Scuba 50lb Lift Bag

xDeep - dSMB - Long