Scuba Diving Gear Picks for Beginners
Now that you're certified, it's time to get set up with some fresh gear. Here are our editor's picks for the top scuba gear for beginners. Want more? Check out our picks for shore diving and wreck diving.
Choosing your first set of gear can be daunting; here are some of our favorites to consider.
Staff photos; Courtesy Cressi; Courtesy DAN
1. Grab & Go Travel Pack | DAN
Accidents happen, even when you’re on vacation. DAN’s compact first-aid pack has everything you need to clean and dress minor injuries. The zippered nylon bag has internal waterproof pockets and is stuffed with supplies, including antiseptic wipes, a variety of adhesive bandages, butterflies, sterile dressings, nitrile gloves, sting-relief wipes, splinter forceps and scissors.
$20; dan.org
1. Grab & Go Travel Pack | DAN
Be prepared for any accidents you may encounter with DAN's travel ready first aid kit.
Courtesy DAN
2. Ocean-Pro QLR4 | Oceanic
The rugged OceanPro delivers what divers want most in a BC: a stable, comfortable harness with lots of adjustment, enough pocket space and D-rings for all their must-have gear, plenty of buoyant lift (34 pounds in size medium), and minimal inherent buoyancy (minimizing the weight they’ll need to carry).
$389.95 ($49.95 for optional weight pockets); oceanicworldwide.com
2. Ocean-Pro QLR4 | Oceanic
The OceanPro is an great all-around BC with plenty of options for adjustment and attachments.
Jon Whittle
3. Sea Drops | McNett
Fogged-up masks are the bane of new divers’ existence. (Be sure to scrub all the silicone residue from the lens of a new mask before using.) Sea Drops anti-fog is long-lasting and nonabrasive; it won’t scratch your lenses or damage the silicone in your mask. It’s also biodegradable and nontoxic, and the 1 ¼-ounce plastic dispenser is small enough to take along in your BC pocket or live full time in your mask case.
$4.99; mcnett.com
3. Sea Drops | McNett
Sea Drops defog keeps your mask crystal clear.
Chelsea Pomales
4. Seaflex | Seac
As handy as it is at the surface, a snorkel hanging on your mask strap can be a pain when you’re submerged. The Seaflex solves the dilemma by rolling up out of the way until you need it. Made of flexible silicone, it stows in its small, round plastic case that can be stuck in a BC pocket or clipped to a D-ring, and it springs right back into shape as soon as it’s released.
$35; seacusa.com
4. Seaflex | Seac
The Seaflex can roll up and be stowed in a BC pocket, ensuring you always have your snorkel handy.
Jon Whittle
5. Triton Fins | Sherwood Scuba
Not too stiff and not too flexy, these fins have a just-right balance that would satisfy even Goldilocks. The vented blades give a nod to classic fin design but are made of a lightweight thermoplastic that delivers a noticeable snap with each kick; they’re powerful whether you use a flutter or alternate kicking style, and can float too.
$145; sherwoodscuba.com
5. Triton Fins | Sherwood Scuba
Sherwood's Triton fins have a just-right balance that provide plenty of power with any kicking style.
Bill Doster
6. MK2 EVO/R195 | Scubapro
Based on a first-stage design that was launched in the 1960s and continually refined with updates ever since, this reg offers top performance and rock-solid reliability at an attractive price. Known for its smooth-as-silk air delivery, it has a lightweight second stage that won’t tire your jaw and a Venturi switch to block free-flows at the surface.
$363; scubapro.com
6. MK2 EVO/R195 | Scubapro
The MK2 EVO regulator offers top performance and rock-solid reliability at an attractive price.
Bill Doster
7. Cyclone Jacket | Fourth Element
You’ll need protection out of the water too, whether it’s on a boat or when inclement weather strikes. Available in men’s and women’s sizes, the Cyclone Jacket is breathable and waterproof, with three-layer laminated fabric, welded zippers and taped seams. It has a chest pocket and adjustable cuff and hood closures — and it packs down very small for easy travel and stowage.
$220; fourthelement.com
7. Cyclone Jacket | Fourth Element Stay dry when you're out of the water with Fourth Element's Cyclone Jacket.
Zach Stovall
8. Giotto | Cressi
A full-featured wrist-mount computer, the Giotto can be programmed for up to two air or nitrox mixtures. The screen, nearly 2 inches in diameter, displays data in sections that are logical, easy to read and simple to understand, and the three-button navigation is intuitive and a breeze to program. It has audible and visual alarms, optional additional safety factors, a deep-stop option, and a user-replaceable battery.
$349.95; cressiusa.com
8. Giotto | Cressi
Easy to read and use the Cressi Giotto is a dive computer that is friendly to new scuba divers.
Courtesy Cressi
9. Steel Backpack | Stahlsac
Dive travel is a big part of the fun of diving, and it’s easier with the right bags. The versatile Stahlsac Steel Backpack has a padded laptop sleeve and optional battery power pack compartment, and its removable Bonaire-style dry bag keeps your dry and wet gear separate.
$109.95; stahlsac.com
9. Steel Backpack | Stahlsac
Stahlsac's Steel Backpack keeps your dry and wet gear separate.
Zach Stovall
10. Evoke 3 mm | Bare Sports
Some new divers find that wearing a wetsuit can take a little getting used to. Not so with the Evoke, which features a stylish, easy-fitting design inspired by yoga wear and activewear. Made of three- dimensional, high-stretch neoprene with seamless underarms, the Evoke provides easy comfort and maximum ease of motion. The lining of the suit uses Celliant Infrared Technology, which reflects heat back onto the diver’s core for maximum comfort and warmth.
$349.95; baresports.com
10. Evoke 3 mm | Bare Sports
The Evoke wetsuit keeps you warm while providing comfort and maximum ease of motion.
Zach Stovall
Take a Test Dive
It can be tough — and even a bit intimidating — for new divers to pick the right gear. If possible, rent a piece of gear you’re thinking about purchasing so you can try it out before you make the investment. And don’t be afraid to ask the folks at your dive shop: They’ll have plenty of opinions about gear and are the experts.
David Fleetham