Helping divers make informed choices about training, skills, safety, and gear.

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.

Lycra Socks

- Lycra Socks

Reactive II (7mm)

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.

Gear Review ( 7.8 / 10 )

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

One -  "Chuck Taylor"

Poseidon - One - "Chuck Taylor"

A high-top, sneaker-style dive shoe best suited for warm water and pool dives. It offers excellent grip, fits in standard fins without issue, and stands out for its unique style. However, the original insole on my pair disintegrated due to poor material choice, requiring replacement. After a simple bungee lace and insole mod, it became a reliable and comfortable part of my warm-water kit. Recommended, but only if the insole flaw has been fixed in the current version.

Gear Review ( 6.4 / 10 )
MK2 EVO / G260

ScubaPro - MK2 EVO / G260

Watch Ultra 2 w/ Oceanic+

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.

Gear Review ( 5.7 / 10 )
Raider III

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.

Gear Review ( 8.1 / 10 )
Large Strobe

Princeton Tech - Large Strobe

Earplugs for Divers

SurfEars - Earplugs for Divers

AL40 (DIN) Pony Bottle

- AL40 (DIN) Pony Bottle

See current pricing at:
Paragon Dive Shop

DryFob

- DryFob

Freedive Weight Belt and Pockets

- Freedive Weight Belt and Pockets

Light Monkey Dive Reel (400ft)

- Light Monkey Dive Reel (400ft)

See current pricing at:
Dive Right In Scuba

Rear View Mirror

- Rear View Mirror

Reef Hook

- Reef Hook

Scissors

- Scissors

See current pricing at:
Dive Right In Scuba

Slate

- Slate

XS Scuba 50lb Lift Bag

- XS Scuba 50lb Lift Bag

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

dSMB - Long

xDeep - dSMB - Long


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Written by Tyler Allison • Last updated December 6, 2025