My Spare Scuba Gear

Not all the gear I purchase ends up a good or useful purchase. Some of it ends up in a spare bin to hand out to friends or to replace a primary broken item in a pinch.

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 are unsure about equipment choices, I recommend testing different options in real diving conditions before making a decision.

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.

See current pricing at: Paragon Dive Shop

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.

See current pricing at: Paragon Dive Store

DGX Aluminum Backplate

Hollis ST22 Wing

See current pricing at: Dive Right In Scuba or Paragon Dive Shop

Kraken Roll Up Snorkel

Fourth Element - Xerotherm Top/Bottom

A premium base layer for drysuit diving in moderate temperatures. Lightweight, streamlined, and surprisingly warm for its thickness, but the price is hard to ignore.

See current pricing at: Paragon Dive Shop

Silicon Spray

Fourth Element - Xerotherm Gloves (Light)

See current pricing at: Paragon Dive Shop

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.

See current pricing at: Dive Right In Scuba or Paragon Dive Shop

WetSox - Lycra Socks

Mares - Avanti Quattro+ Fins

The Mares Avanti Quattro+ fins are the only piece of equipment still with me from my initial scuba purchase. 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.

See current pricing at: Dive Right In Scuba or Paragon Dive Shop

ScubaPro - Go Sport

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.

See current pricing at: Dive Right In Scuba or Paragon Dive Shop

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.