Gear Reviews 🛠️

Honest, hands-on reviews of scuba diving equipment. We test everything from regulators to dive computers so you can buy with confidence.

Seacsub

Seacsub Libera Free Mask

9/10
0-0Masks & Fins

The Seacsub Libera Free delivers an incredible panoramic view with its ultra-wide single-lens design, while the near-zero internal volume makes equalization feel effortless. After 30+ dives across Bali and Komodo, it's become my go-to mask for freediving AND scuba.

Dive Gear Express

DGX 600 Lumen Dive Light

8/10
$70-$90Dive Lights

The DGX 600 punches way above its $50 price point, delivering genuine 600-lumen output that rivals lights costing three times as much. After 40+ night dives and wreck penetrations, it's my go-to backup light and surprisingly capable primary.

Atomic Aquatics

Atomic Aquatics Z2 Regulator

8/10
$500-$700Regulators

The Atomic Aquatics Z2 is the 'entry level' regulator in Atomic's premium lineup — but it shares the same titanium internals and patented technologies as their flagship models. After 50+ dives, I can confidently say this is one of the best values in the regulator market.

Hollis

Hollis M1 Mask

8/10
$80-$120Masks & Fins

The Hollis M1 is the mask that keeps surprising me. Originally bought as a backup, it's become my primary after 80+ dives thanks to Saint-Gobain Diamant glass optics that rival $200 masks and a frameless design that fits virtually any face shape.

Garmin

Garmin Descent G1 Dive Watch

9/10
$500-$800Dive Computers

The Garmin Descent G1 is an Instinct 2 that moonlights as a serious dive computer. It trades a color screen and air integration for exceptional battery life, Bühlmann algorithm, and a price that makes it the best-value Garmin dive watch. I've worn mine 24/7 for six months and 60+ dives.

Aqualung

Aqualung i330R Dive Computer

8/10
$250-$350Dive Computers

The Aqualung i330R proves you don't need to spend a fortune for a color-screen dive computer. For ~$350, you get a bright IPS display, Bluetooth 5 connectivity, and up to 3-gas nitrox support. After 40+ dives, it's a solid value with some notable omissions.

Henderson

Henderson Thermoprene Pro 5mm Wetsuit

8/10
$300-$450Exposure Protection

The Henderson Thermoprene Pro 5mm delivers professional-grade warmth and 250% stretch neoprene at a mid-range price. After 40+ cold-water dives, the double-glued seams, Aqua Silk lining, and bombproof construction make it feel like a wetsuit costing $200 more.

Mares

Mares X-Stream Fins

9/10
$200-$280Masks & Fins

The Mares X-Stream redefines what a fin can feel like. The Optimized Pivoting Blade (OPB) system and tri-material construction deliver exceptional thrust with noticeably less leg fatigue. After 50+ dives, they have earned their place as my primary travel fin.

Scubapro

Scubapro Hydros Pro BCD

9/10
$800-$1,100BCDs

The Scubapro Hydros Pro is the most innovative BCD I have used in 15 years of diving. The injection-molded Monprene construction eliminates the fabric bladder entirely, resulting in a BCD that dries in minutes, weighs virtually nothing when wet, and will never get that musty BCD smell after years of use.

Suunto

Suunto D5 Dive Computer

8/10
$600-$900Dive Computers

The Suunto D5 sits in a weird spot in the dive computer market - it is not the cheapest, not the most advanced, and definitely not the newest. But after 50+ dives, I have come to appreciate its balanced approach: a gorgeous AMOLED display, tank pressure transmitter support, and Suunto proven RGBM algorithm in a package that does not scream dive computer on your wrist.

Scubapro

Scubapro MK25 EVO / S620Ti Regulator

9/10
$900-$1,200Regulators

The Scubapro MK25 EVO / S620Ti combination is widely considered the gold standard in scuba regulators for good reason. The legendary balanced diaphragm first stage paired with the lightweight titanium second stage delivers breathing performance that remains effortless at any depth, in any temperature, on any gas. After 80+ dives from Arctic waters to tropical reefs, I understand the hype.