Buy Your First Dive Gear
SCUBAPRO MK21/S560 The second stage is easy on your jaw, and the Venturi switch and breathing adjustment block free-flows and fine-tune breathing resistance. While it’s midpriced, this is a reg that can deliver exceptional performance even well beyond recreational depths and breathing demands.
CONTACT: scubapro.com
MSRP: $519
Jon Whittle
IST SPORTS R860 A 60-degree swiveling turret on the first stage provides options for hose routing; the second has an oversize Venturi switch and a breathing adjustment. An environmental kit for use in cold water is also available. In breathing-machine tests, the R860 showed excellent performance to maximum recreational depth limits.
CONTACT: istsports.com
MSRP: $430
Jon Whittle
SHERWOOD SCUBA SR2 With a well-deserved reputation as an easy breather, the first stage has five intermediate-pressure ports and a swiveling turret so you can select the best hose routing. The single adjustment knob controls both the Venturi and breathing resistance to keep things simple and compact.
CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $736
Jon Whittle
OCEANIC PRO PLUS 3 Any diver would appreciate the readability of the 2.5-inch screen on the Pro Plus 3 — and not just for the size but also for the logical way information is presented. The two-button navigation is simple, making it easy to choose selections. Advanced features include three-gas mixes and two algorithm options.
CONTACT: oceanicworldwide.com
MSRP: $679.95 ($829.95 with compass and quick-disconnect hose)
Jon Whittle
CRESSI GIOTTO With a screen nearly 2 inches in diameter, the Giotto has room for large characters that make it simple to read. The three-button navigation is straightforward, with other features that include two-gas switching, and a selection of audio and visual alarms.
CONTACT: cressiusa.com
MSRP: $399.95
Jon Whittle
SCUBAPRO CHROMIS With its stainless bezel and razor-sharp characters (inspired by Japanese swords), this compact style epitomizes what has popularized wristwatch computers. Despite its size, the four-button control is easy to navigate (accessible even with thick gloves). Nitrox-capable, it comes in several colors, including a gold-tone bezel.
CONTACT: scubapro.com
MSRP: $549 ($539 in gold/black)
Jon Whittle
CRESSI AQUARIDE BLUE PRO The classic jacket style was refined with three dump valves, cargo pockets, more D-rings, and a carry handle. The front is streamlined with an integrated-weight system (capacity 20 pounds); trim pockets (capacity 8 pounds) are on the back.
CONTACT: cressiusa.com
MSRP: $479
Jon Whittle
ZEAGLE RESORT Zeagle’s new weight-integrated jacket BC holds a total of 20 pounds and has an adjustable harness. There’s also room to store accessories with expandable utility pockets and six D-rings.
CONTACT: zeagle.com
MSRP: $324.95
Jon Whittle
SHERWOOD SCUBA VENTURA Weighing less than 5 pounds, the updated Ventura is a natural for travel use. The integrated weights load into removable pockets. Other features include an adjustable sternum strap, three exhaust valves, and attachment loops on the harness.
CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $470
Jon Whittle
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Alex Bean
You’ve just gotten your shiny new C-card, and you’re ready to fill up that gear bag. But with all the regs, computers and BCs out there to choose from, which are right for you? Here are some suggestions for gear selections we’re confident you won’t regret.
Choosing Your Reg:
The right reg for you provides the comfort and performance you want, as well as features like hose-routing options, a rotating turret or cold-water applicability.
Choosing Your Computer:
Console computers are the largest and easiest to read, wristwatches the most compact, and wrist mounts strike a balance of readability and wearable size.
Choosing Your BC:
Conventional wisdom says jackets offer surface stability, while back-buoyancy models provide an easy swim profile — but the real difference now is more personal preference than performance.
Interested in more gear guides?
Dive Gear Guide 2015: Best Fins
Dive Gear Guide 2015: Best Dive Computers
Dive Gear Guide 2015: Best Bags
Dive Gear Guide 2015: Best Dive BCs