Guides

Scuba Gear

How to choose and look after regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, masks, fins and smaller accessories.

Hands-on results are only described for gear we have used. When a guide compares products we have not tested, it says so.

Scuba GearJuly 20, 20268 min read

Jacket, Back-Inflate or Wing? How to Choose Your First BCD

Jacket, back-inflate and wing BCDs compared: where the air sits, lift capacity and how to size it, integrated weights, travel weight, fit and what to test first.

Scuba GearJuly 18, 20267 min read

How Much Does Scuba Gear Cost? Prices by Item, Tier and Upkeep

Scuba gear prices item by item from maker and shop listings: mask, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer and cylinder, plus what servicing costs each year.

Scuba GearJuly 16, 20269 min read

Renting vs Buying Scuba Gear: What to Buy First and What to Rent

Should you buy or rent scuba gear? The usual buying order, rental prices from named dive centers, regulator and BCD service costs, and when renting wins.

Scuba GearJuly 15, 20269 min read

Wetsuit Thickness Guide: What to Wear at Each Water Temperature

Wetsuit thickness by water temperature in °C and °F from Waterproof, BARE, Mares and O'Neill charts, plus depth compression, hoods and four dive regions.

Scuba GearJuly 13, 20269 min read

How to Choose a Dive Mask: Fit, Prescription Lenses and Fogging

How to choose a dive mask: the fit test, tempered glass, skirt color, window types and volume, prescription lenses, new-mask fogging and diving with contacts.