Scuba Gear Buying Guide

If you want the best scuba gear at great prices, then you have come to the right place.

Divers Supply brings you the best scuba diving gear, and our staff can give you great tips to make the most of your scuba adventures. Whether you are trying to decide which Sealife camera to buy or pick the right scuba watch, we are here to help.

Building your scuba kit is a journey, not a race. Start with quality basics and expand your collection as your experience and needs grow. The right gear will last for years and provide countless memorable diving experiences.

So, take your time browsing our extensive collection of scuba equipment online, and don't forget to read our articles for tips and advice on buying the scuba gear you need. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call us at 1-800-999-DIVE OR Chat with one of our Certified Divers Today!

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Our Scuba Gear Buying Guide

Scuba diving equipment adapts you to the underwater world and makes you part of it. You do the diving, but your scuba gear makes it possible. For example, a mask doesn’t see for you, but helps you see underwater. A dive regulator doesn’t breathe for you, but lets you breathe underwater. A wetsuit doesn’t make heat, but helps your body retain its own heat.

Our scuba gear buying guide will explain how to choose scuba gear that is comfortable for you, fits you well, and looks good. Scuba gear is a long-term investment for the type of diving you plan to do. With Divers Supply, you know you are buying quality equipment from trusted manufacturers at competitive prices. From the best scuba diving gear for beginners to the best deep sea diving gear for pros, we offer plenty of options depending on your level.

The Gear You Need Depends on Where You Scuba Dive

The first thing to remember is that you need scuba diving gear for the adventures you plan on having. You can dive almost anywhere there’s water. The scuba diving gear list you use will vary somewhat depending on your diving environment and preferences.

There are four general categories for dive equipment, but some gear fits in all the categories — for example, the mask you use for tropical diving is probably for temperate or cold water diving, too. Or, the thickness of your wetsuit and the accessories you get depend on the diving locations you are most likely to explore, etc.

Whether you're a newly certified diver ready to invest in your beginner scuba equipment or an experienced diver looking to upgrade, you need the right scuba gear that will make scuba diving comfortable, safe, and fun.

Scuba Mask 

Because the human eye is made for seeing clearly in air, a diver must create an air space between his eyes and the water to be able to see. A dive mask enables the diver to see and also protects their eyes and a good portion of their face against the cold, water impurities, and salt. Most masks today are made of silicone, while a few are still made with rubber. Certain masks come with a purge valve, and others can be fitted with corrective lenses. All Scuba masks encompass the nose to allow you to equalize the pressure in your mask and sinuses. Low-volume masks are easier to clear when flooded; most divers prefer them. The air inside the mask is warmer than the surrounding water, which causes condensation or fog to form on the inside of the glass. To eliminate this fogging, divers use a non-irritating solution referred to as Defog to ensure clear vision throughout the dive. 

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Understanding the Basics: What You Really Need

As a beginner, you want to focus on the essentials first.

The most important personal items are your mask, fins, and snorkel. These pieces of equipment must fit you perfectly as they are the first thing you will notice if they are uncomfortable.

Don't be tempted by the lowest prices — comfort and quality should be your primary considerations. Quality equipment will last you longer and accompany you in your scuba diving adventures for years to come. After all, the last thing you want is to waste an opportunity because your equipment has failed you!

Scuba Snorkel

The snorkel is required to breathe air at the surface without emerging the head from the water. This enables a diver to swim at the surface without losing sight of their underwater surroundings at the same time conserving air from their tank. Many snorkels are equipped with purge valves that keep the snorkel partially or totally dry when submerged, making them easier to clear. Snorkels are rarely longer than 12 inches because the pressure exerted below that depth makes it nearly impossible for a person to fill his lungs. 

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Scuba Fins

Water is 800 times denser than air and thus offers much more resistance to a diver trying to move forward. Since the diver is esentially floating in mid-water without solid footing, the diver needs a way to propel himself through the water.  Fins offer a flat and solid surface that enables the diver to move effectively. Fins come in many designs with varying surface areas. They are made of plastic, rubber, or various fibers. Larger blades offer more power but demand more energy in return, and shorter fins are more maneuverable. 

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Scuba Regulator

The regulator is a vital link in the SCUBA life support system!  A diver can only breathe air at a pressure equal to ambient pressure, that is, the pressure which surrounds him. A diving regulator is used to release the compressed air in the tank to the diver at ambient pressure and at any depth. Most professionals recommend that you purchase the highest quality regulator that fits your budget. With that in mind, every regulator that we sell will perform effectively, and you can depend on all of them within their design limitations.

SCUBA regulators are classified as demand regulators. Meaning each time you breathe, you will receive air (on demand). Some regulators do this more efficiently than others, but all regulators will deliver air efficiently. It is highly recommended that you have your regulator, octopus, buoyancy compensator, and tank inspected and serviced at least once a year by an authorized service center. Divers Supply’s award-winning service center is the architect of the double check service system. Meaning, your equipment is serviced by one technician and inspected by a second technician before it is released to the customer.  Many manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty program on their regulators. This normally means they will provide most parts at no cost if you have your regulator serviced each year within 30 days of the purchase anniversary date.

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Scuba Safe Second (Octopus) 

The octopus regulator is required for all divers. It is an emergency air supply for your dive partner, as their octopus is for you. Most octopus regulators are adequate, as they are all dependable. We recommend that you use an octopus holder to position the octopus for quick access and to keep it from dragging the bottom, which could damage it. 

Spare Air or Pony Bottle: Although not required, consider the Spare Air or Pony Bottle as a backup air system. Both of these unique systems provide you with a backup air source, giving you the capability of self-rescue in the event of a regulator malfunction or out-of-air emergency.

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The Core Life Support System

Your regulator and BCD (Buoyancy Compensator Device) form the backbone of your diving safety system.

The regulator should be your highest priority investment, as it's literally your lifeline underwater. Look for reputable brands with strong service networks. When you are ready to choose your BCD, consider your diving style — recreational divers sometimes prefer jacket-style BCDs, while technical divers often go for back-inflation models.

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Scuba Gauges

At a minimum, your instruments must provide you with information about your dive depth, dive time, the air pressure remaining in your tank, and a compass to monitor your underwater direction.

We recommend that you purchase a computer because it provides you with much more information, making your dive much safer. In fact, if your budget permits, we recommend that you purchase an air-integrated computer.

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Environmental Monitoring Equipment 

Your dive computer is another important investment.

Modern computers come with many different levels of functionality, from basic time and depth tracking to advanced gas mixing calculations. The prices vary accordingly, so consider your diving ambitions before you choose your dive computer. If you plan to advance to technical diving, buy one that can grow with your skills

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Scuba Cylinders (Tanks)

A diver on scuba needs a supply of compressed air in order to breathe underwater. Scuba cylinders (tanks) come in several capacities ranging from 6 to 130 cubic feet (cubic feet represent the gas capacity of the tank, and 80 cubic tanks are the most popular size).

Exposure Protection: Choosing Your Wetsuit

Your environment dictates your exposure protection needs.

Water temperature, dive duration, and personal tolerance are all significant features that determine the thickness of your wetsuit. For tropical waters, a 3mm wetsuit is enough, while cold water diving could require a 7mm suit or even a drysuit.

Remember to try on suits while mimicking diving positions to verify that they fit properly and allow you to move around comfortably.

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Weights

A wet or drysuit increases a diver's positive buoyancy making it difficult to descend to the bottom. To compensate for this, the diver wears a weight belt, a weight harness or weight pockets in his BCD. The weight belt is made of strong woven nylon and has a one hand release buckle that is quick and easy to snap on or off when required.  Lead bullets or other shapes are tightly threaded into the belt or pockets of the belt. The weight should neutralizes the divers buoyancy and should be adjusted depending on equipment and density of the individual diver. Weights come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. The most common today is shot weight that fits into a pocket belt or weight-integrated BCD pocket. 

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Knife or line cutter

A knife has many uses, but the main function for the diver is to cut monofilament or other types of line that you or your partner may become entangled in. Think of your knife or line cutter as an insurance policy, one that you hope you never use, but it’s there if you need it. We recommend any knife or dive tool with a line cutter and a sharp blade.

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Underwater Lights

There are 3 broad categories of Underwater Lights (1) Primary Light, which is required when diving at night or in areas of low visibility such as deep, caverns, caves and wrecks dives. (2) Secondary Light is required on all dives (day or night). It is also carried as a backup to the primary light. This is a small light, which may be used for illumination or as a signaling device. (3) Strobe or Chemical lights, are used primarily to signal or mark a person, item or location.

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Storage and Transport

A good-quality gear bag is often overlooked but extremely important. If you plan to travel, look for one with separate compartments for wet gear and sturdy wheels. For example, if you travel frequently with your scuba diving gear, you need a bag that can handle airline travel.

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Dive Flag

The dive flag is required by law and when deployed it indicates that a diver is below. This signals all boats to standoff a minimum of 100 feet from the dive flag.

The minimum size for any divers-down flag displayed on a buoy or float towed by the diver is 12 inches by 12 inches. The minimum size for any divers-down flag displayed from a vessel or structure is 20 inches by 24 inches.

Other Accessories to consider: 

• See-Me-Float or Surface Marker 
• Lift Bag
• Marker Buoy
• Finger Reel (Dive Reel)
• Mirror
• Whistle
• Slate  
• Save-A-Dive Kit 
• Spare O-Ring Kit 
• Mask Defog 
• Small First Aid Kit
• Dry Boxes 

Maintenance Considerations

Factor in the cost and availability of servicing your scuba diving gear. Every piece of life support equipment requires regular maintenance. Look for local dive shops' maintenance services and costs before you commit to specific brands or models. More complicated gear will require more expensive servicing.

Making the Investment

Quality scuba gear is a significant investment — but don’t try to cut corners by buying inferior equipment. You could jeopardize your safety and enjoyment. Quality gear will last a long time, and you will have peace of mind that you are safe.

If you are just beginning your scuba diving adventures, start your kit piece by piece with the most essential items first. Divers Supply offers package deals on essentials, which are good value for money and include components that work well together.

Buy Your Scuba Equipment Setup from Divers Supply

The best equipment for scuba is the gear that fits you properly and matches your diving needs and expectations.

Don't be swayed by the latest technological advances unless they genuinely improve your diving experience. Take your time, do your research, and talk with experienced divers and instructors before “diving” into your diving gear list. If in doubt, contact our staff at Divers Supply, and they will be happy to answer questions and help you make your choice!