Scuba diving is more popular now than it has ever been, and the market is flooded with an incredible amount of dive gear, new and used alike. If you’re brand new to diving, you are probably adding to your personal inventory; if you’ve been diving for a while, then it’s likely that you are ready to replace some items or do some upgrading. Either way, you want to get the best scuba equipment you can afford. We hope you find the following tips for choosing great scuba gear.
It’s All About Performance
As you learned in your first scuba class, every piece of gear you take beneath the surface with you has a specific and important function, whether that is to ensure you are able to breathe, see, take photos, or free yourself or a buddy from an entanglement hazard. Before worrying about brand names, focus on how well specific items will perform for you. Will they do the jobs you need them to do? Will they fit well and feel comfortable? Keeping all these things in mind, here are some tried and true pieces of advice which can help you to make the best possible purchasing decisions.
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Thinking about buying second hand gear from a private party? Unless you are knowledgeable and experienced, this might not be the best idea. Even though secondhand scuba gear costs less than brand new gear, there are usually no guarantees attached.
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Considering secondhand gear from a dive shop? In most cases, this can be a great way to save money. Lightly used and reconditioned dive gear often costs much less than brand new items do, and if you buy them from a reputable shop or dealer, then typically come with some kind of guarantee. Be sure to ask questions, and don’t forget to inquire about whether the shop’s return policy applies to any secondhand gear you buy there.
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Buying gear at a non-dive store? Sometimes this is a good idea, and sometimes it isn’t. Follow your instincts and go on a case-by-case basis. If you’re looking at snorkels, masks, fins, knives, and other items that don’t need servicing, and you know exactly what you want, this strategy can work.
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Buying online? This can be a great way to save some money and get exactly the items you want, so long as you deal with reputable online merchants. Be leery of online auctions, unless the seller has an excellent reputation and an acceptable return policy. Many online retailers offer equipment servicing, customization, and other perks, just like you’ll find large dive shops.
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Purchasing new gear at a local dive shop? This is still an outstanding method for getting exactly what you want, trying it on or testing it before you buy it, and benefiting from on-site servicing, warranty protection, and personal, one-on-one interaction with people who are knowledgeable about the items you are considering. If you have a local dive shop that sells gear, consider patronizing them. If they don’t carry a specific item, see if they can order it for you – in many cases, they’ll be more than happy to.
The number of gear manufacturers increases all the time, with some new brands offering exceptional quality and good value, and with some tried and true brands that offer the same. As you’re considering your purchases, don’t become overly focused on selecting brand-name equipment, but keep in mind that certain brands do have great reputations. A few universal favorites are:
- Aeris Diving Equipment
- Akona Diving Gear
- Apollo Scuba Equipment
- AquaLung
- Atomic Dive Gear
- Bare Wetsuits
- Cressi Sub
- Dacor Dive Gear
- DiveRite Scuba Gear
- DUI Drysuits and Accessories
- Genesis Scuba Equipment
- Henderson Wetsuits
- Mares
- Neosport Wetsuits
- Oceanic
- Pinnacle Wetsuits
- Poseidon
- Salvo
- Sherwood Scuba
- Sporasub
- Suunto
- Tusa
- Zeagle
These are just a few of the great brands that are available. Some specialize in just a few items, while others offer many different dive essentials and accessories. Here are some tips for choosing name-brand gear:
Masks & Fins – When purchasing masks and fins, don’t worry too much about brand names since there are many excellent products out there and some come from companies that are not well known. The same goes for snorkels, though you’ll find that some top makers do offer innovations such as folding snorkels, etc. Look for a good fit, quality craftsmanship, and functionality.
BCs – You cannot be too careful when selecting your BC. Some top brands include AquaLung, Scuba Pro, Cressi, Mares, and Zeagle, though there are other companies offering similar quality and useful features. Pick a BC that fits comfortably and has controls that are easy for you to reach and use.
Regulators – As with BCs, regulators need to be of good quality. Some of the most popular brands are AquaLung, Scuba Pro, Atomic, Sherwood, Mares, and Cressi. If you’re considering a brand that’s new to the market, be sure to read some reviews before making a decision. There are plenty of great regulators to choose from, but some on the market really are not the best.
Exposure Suits – Wetsuits and drysuits protect you from the elements and while adequate protection might seem like enough to the uninitiated, a perfect fit is vital to performance. Some top brands to choose from include AquaLung, Scuba Pro, DeepSee, Bare, Henderson, and Mares. There are lots of other great brands out there, so try on as many suits as you can and don’t be put off by the lack of a name brand. Again, read reviews and see what others have experienced with newer brands, and you’ll be on the right track.
Computers – There are plenty of excellent dive computers available with a variety of different functions. Some favorites are from manufacturers such as Suunto, Aeris, Uwatec, Genesis, Mares, and Cressi, however there are many other quality brands available. Decide which features you want and shop accordingly.
There’s no doubt about it – having gear you feel comfortable in and confident with can make all the difference in each and every dive. Enjoy your shopping experience, and happy bubbles!