Diving is an adventurous past time that so many people enjoy. Some people opt for renting their equipment, but there are those of us who love diving on a regular basis and are looking to purchase the best diving equipment for the long term. In this detailed guide, we’ll help you navigate all the top brands in the diving equipment market to make your diving excursions that much smoother and more enjoyable.
Buyer's Guide Table of Contents - Diving Equipment
First thing’s first: you can’t go diving without a proper scuba mask. The ideal mask will fit you perfectly, have a wide, clear lens, and seal tight to your face to keep water out without being too uncomfortable. Here are two of the top Scuba masks on the market that you should consider:
PrODUCT
Summary
Cressi Pano 3 Snorkel Set
Most Affordable
Overall Rating - 4.5/5
Much like the Cressi mask above, this mask has seamless side lenses for a wide, unobstructed view. The skirt is made from soft, hypoallergenic silicone for the most comfortable fit.
A BCD allows you to navigate the water with ease. It’s true that many divers rent them along with their other heavy equipment. But if you are a serious diver, having your own BCD that you know well and are comfortable with can make all the difference in the world. Here are a couple of our favorite BCDs.
Product
Summary
Cressi Start Jacket
Most Affordable
Overall Rating - 4.5/5
The Cressi Start Jacket is compact, comfortable and made with the most durable material possible.
The Cressi R1 is slightly more expensive as well as more advanced than the product reviewed above. This is a BCD for beginners to more frequent divers.
You can’t dive without a regulator. This is one of the diving tools that you absolutely need to function perfectly. The right regulator will be comfortable for you and last for a long time. These are a couple of our top picks that you should consider.
Product
SUMMARY
Palantic Dive AS101
Most Affordable
Overall Rating - 3.5/5
This regulator from Palantic Diving is a first and second stage regulator. It comes as a combination with the octopus.
Your wetsuit is one of your most important pieces of gear as a diver. To keep yourself warm and comfortable underwater, you will want a suit that insulates well and will stand up to the test of time. Here are two of the best wetsuits on the market:
Product
SUMMARY
BlueSeventy Helix
Most Affordable
Overall Rating - 4.5/5
This wetsuit is designed for all watersports and will keep you warm in colder water.
The Seavenger Wetsuit comes in both men’s and women’s sizes. It is made from durable 3 mm neoprene and has flatlock seams, like the suit above, to prevent tears.
Last but not least, your fins are another piece of diving gear you can’t live without. Good fins will keep you mobile in the water and be comfortable to wear. Here are two of the best diving fins on the market right now:
Product
SUMMARY
Seavenger Torpedo Swim Fins
Most Affordable
Overall Rating - 4.0/5
These affordable fins are durable, comfortable, and come with a mesh carrying case for easy transport.
These fins come together in a set with a Cressi mask and snorkel. Like the Seavenger fins, they are comfortable and light while still relatively durable.
Dive computers are a critical part of any diving mission. Without them, the diver could find him or herself in serious trouble.
These waterproof computers measure both the time and depth of a dive in order to help the diver avoid falling victim to decompression sickness. Being so essential, it’s important to purchase a good dive computer. So, here are a few great suggestions.
Product
SUMMARY
Oceanic Geo 2.0
Most Affordable
Overall Rating - 3.5/5
This lightweight, wearable dive computer offers four operating modes and features a Firmware auto-update function that makes for easy download and installations using a PC interface.
Available in 13 stunning colors, the Cressi Leonardo dive computer offers three modes of operation including Nitrox and Air, which, despite being incredibly useful, pales in comparison to the Oceanic's four modes.
The ocean is a spectacular place. Full of colorful fish, plants, and mysteries, it’s a wonderful place to get quality photos. For this, however, you need a camera that can withstand the water and its pressure - you need a dive camera. Here are two of our dive camera recommendations:
Product
SUMMARY
Akaso EK7000
Most Affordable
Overall Rating - 4.5/5
The Akaso EK7000 is a high-quality 4k camera that can capture live underwater photos.
Boasting an IPS touchscreen and a built-in EIS (electronic image stabilization), this version of the EK7000 offers a small upgrade from the previous version.
Dive knives are highly useful tools that every seasoned diver will have on him. Dive knives are most commonly used for cutting away tangles of fishing line, rope, seaweed, or anything else that can tangle a diver or marine animal.
However, they can also be used for anchoring in case of a particularly strong current. Besides their great uses for diving, they can also come in handy in camping trips where filleting meat is needed for food preparation. It will be good to know how to properly sharpen a fillet knife or a dive knife for that matter, to maximize its usage in any outdoor adventure you're going to get into.
Here are a few of our top picks for dive knives:
Product
SUMMARY
Promate
Most Affordable
Overall Rating - 4.5/5
This stylish knife comes in two varieties: blunt and sharp, and each option comes in an additional array of colors.
The Cressi Borg dive knife compares to the Promate model in a number of ways. Like the model above, this modern dive knife comes in both a pointed and blunt option.
Without light, diving would be impossible. This would mean that underwater photographers and marine enthusiasts would miss out on amazing opportunities, not to mention that vacationers along the coast would never be able to see the beauty under the waves. Luckily, dive lights are a real thing. Here is a couple of the best:
Product
SUMMARY
BlueFire Flashlight
Most Affordable
Overall Rating - 4.5/5
This unique underwater flashlight sports both UV red and UV blue light bulbs. Made of aluminum alloy and sealed with air-tight O rings, the light is sturdy and durable.
This Cressi mask has panoramic windows on both sides that connect perfectly to the front lenses for the widest possible view. The lenses are made from tempered glass, and the frame is a durable polycarbonate that will not crack or wear down with use. The silicone rubber skirt is soft against your skin but seals tight with its double-feathered edge. Perfect for the entire family, this mask is suitable for kids or adults.
Much like the Cressi mask above, this mask has seamless side lenses for a wide, unobstructed view. The skirt is made from soft, hypoallergenic silicone for the most comfortable fit.
Push-button buckles on the sides make the straps easy to adjust, so it is great for divers of all ages. In addition, this Cressi mask comes with the Supernova Dry, a submersible snorkel that is comfortable and easy to use.
The Cressi Start Jacket is compact, comfortable and made with the most durable material possible. These jackets were originally produced for scuba schools and rental companies, but you can have your own for a reasonable price.
The waist strap will not squeeze the diver when the jacket is inflated but will stay snug during the dive. Three large exhaust valves help to make adjusting buoyancy easy.
The Cressi R1 is slightly more expensive as well as more advanced than the product reviewed above. This is a BCD for beginners to more frequent divers. It is made from rugged, durable material, has an adjustable Velcro waist strap and a quick-release weight system for easy adjustment.
This regulator from Palantic Diving is a first and second stage regulator. It comes as a combination with the octopus. It has a chrome-plated brass body and steel-coated wings for superior durability.
Tight sealing keeps the inside from corroding and prevents icing in the first stage. It comes with a 36-inch hose, as well as an extra-large purge button.
This regulator is a bit more expensive than the one reviewed above, but it is very high-quality and worth the price. It is designed for dives as low as 198 feet and built to last through long-term use. This is a top-quality product with minimal maintenance.
This wetsuit is designed for all watersports and will keep you warm in colder water. It has Torsion Stretch Technology which offers a full range of movement as you swim. It's extremely flexible because of its 100% nylon ultra stretch jersey. It's been preferred by World Champion Athletes as it has undergone refining and testing.
The Seavenger Wetsuit comes in both men’s and women’s sizes. It is made from durable 3 mm neoprene and has flatlock seams, like the suit above, to prevent tears.
It also has anti-abrasion pads in the shoulder and knee and super-stretch panels in the knee and armpit. This is a comfortable, lighter wetsuit, ideal for water 65 degrees F and warmer.
These affordable fins are durable, comfortable, and come with a mesh carrying case for easy transport. The easy-kick design gives you the best speed without too much added weight, and adjustable straps make for a great fit on any feet.
These fins come together in a set with a Cressi mask and snorkel. Like the Seavenger fins, they are comfortable and light while still relatively durable. This is a great set for a beginner or first-time diver. The fins can be used for children and adults alike.
This lightweight, wearable dive computer offers four operating modes and features a Firmware auto-update function that makes for easy download and installations using a PC interface. It has a handy "Step back" function that allows users to navigate both forward and backward through menus and settings easily and uses a dual algorithm.
It can also be programmed to display deco and no-deco profiles and is excellent for use in low light conditions thanks to its built-in backlight system. The Oceanic dive computer is both stylish, available in two color options, and functional.
Available in 13 stunning colors, the Cressi Leonardo dive computer offers three modes of operation including Nitrox and Air, which, despite being incredibly useful, pales in comparison to the Oceanic's four modes.
It also offers adjustable FO2 and PO2, as well as a CNS oxygen toxicity indicator. The display is easy to navigate, providing large numbers and text, and the computer's alarms are hard to miss, as they are loud and distinct.
Its interface software is compatible with both Windows and Mac and connects to the device using IR. The computer offers a number of programmable alarms, just like the model above, making it a good secondary option.
The Akaso EK7000 is a high-quality 4k camera that can capture live underwater photos. It has a long battery life and comes with two rechargeable batteries, each with the ability to record for up to 90 minutes before needing a charge.
The camera offers built-in wi-fi and HDMI and is waterproof for a depth of 100 feet. It can be easily controlled through the wireless wrist remote control and comes with a number of accessories including a waterproof case.
It offers a unique 170-degree wide angle lens to help its users capture all of the small details around them with crystal clear clarity.
Boasting an IPS touchscreen and a built-in EIS (electronic image stabilization), this version of the EK7000 offers a small upgrade from the previous version. The camera is waterproof up to 131 feet, features an adjustable view angle, and various shooting modes. It is wi-fi compatible and has a slot for a micro SD card.
This stylish knife comes in two varieties: blunt and sharp, and each option comes in an additional array of colors. It sports an easy-grip rubber handle and adjustable straps, as well as a safety sheath for transporting the knife and preventing it from becoming dull.
It has a rust-free titanium 4 ⅜ inch serrated blade that, in addition to a serrated edge, also has a line cutter and straight edge. The knife is lightweight and doesn’t need much maintenance.
The sheath ensures the user’s safety as it features a double button push release. In addition, the knife can be securely strapped to its user by way of the corrosion proof leg straps.
The Cressi Borg dive knife compares to the Promate model in a number of ways. Like the model above, this modern dive knife comes in both a pointed and blunt option. It also comes in a variety of colors, although, it only comes in 3 colors whereas the Promate knife comes in many more.
The Cressi knife is made with a blade crafted from 304 Japanese steel and features two cutting edges -serrated and straight- to the Promate’s 3. The handle is designed ergonomically for easy hold and a tight grasp even with gloves on, and its sheath features two leg straps.
This unique underwater flashlight sports both UV red and UV blue light bulbs. Made of aluminum alloy and sealed with air-tight O rings, the light is sturdy and durable.
It features a smart battery indicator that warns the user when the battery hits 40% and uses a wide angle beam to cast plenty of light.
Things to Check When Choosing the Best Set of Diving Equipment
If you have been on a dive, you already have an idea of what kind of equipment and diving kits you need. There are a few things you need to consider when buying the right kit for you.
Life Support Equipment
This is the gear that keeps you breathing and monitors your dive. It is known as the BCD in the kit and it the buoyancy compensator. It is what keeps all of your gear in place and can also float to the surface if you need it to.
Regulators
Regulators are what make the oxygen in your tank breathable. It also is what gets air to other equipment that needs it. With a regulator, you are looking for comfort and what kind of depth levels they work best at.
Wetsuit
This is crucial for a dive because it keeps you warm and protects you from exposure. It helps trap your body heat so that you can use it on your drive. Depending on the depths you’ll is what will determine the type of suit you get.
Mask
This protects your eyes and nose from the elements and also goes hand in hand with your regulator so that you can breathe your oxygen while under water. You will want something that seals to your face effectively but is not too tight and uncomfortable.
Fins
Fins are to help you swim easily through the water. They prevent leg fatigue from swimming and make moving through the water easier.
Care and Maintenance
Cleaning your gear is important because it ensures that it is in good working order every time you need it. This will help avoid any possible malfunction while you are using it.
When you are finished using your gear, you want to put it in freshwater until it is completely submerged. Also, fill your BCD with some fresh water and gently shake it so that it can rinse off the sides of any residue.
Make sure to have it serviced annually to make sure that all your components are working properly and won’t fail you while you are underwater.
Also, make sure that even if you follow all of the maintenance tips that you still do a complete inspection of your gear before each dive just in case.
For Your Masks and Fins
Check your straps for any cracks. Because they are made out of rubber and salt water can be corrosive on them, always check for these small fractures.
They can get bigger over time and snap at the most inopportune time. Check the seal to see if it has maintained its shape. Replace all worn pieces as needed.
BCDs
You can check the inflator by connecting it to a regulator and a tank and shooting air into the BCD. If the pressure is not strong, there may be potential leaks. If you get your equipment serviced each year, a tech can also look for any possible leaks.
Check all buckles and straps for any corrosion and cracks. Replace them as needed. The buckles can become rusty and calcified due to the saline in the water so make sure that everything is treated for corrosion as needed.
Regulators
Check your regulator by hooking it up to a tank and breathing into it. Monitor your readings to see if everything is okay.
A tech can repair or replace any regulators that have discrepancies. As with all of your other gear, you will want to check for cracks and corrosion.
Tanks
Tanks have expiration dates so always check that yours is still up to date. Check and make sure all valves are secure and O rings are not corroded.
CONCLUSION
Diving is an adventure and allows you to enjoy plants and animals that people don't get to see every day. You don't want to have to worry about the comfort of your equipment, and you want to make sure that you are safe while you have fun. Get started with the top brands we have featured here, and you'll be on the right track for your perfect diving adventures.
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What do you look for in a diving equipment? Think we missed something?
