Scuba Gear for Wreck Diving

The world of wreck diving is rewarding, but also full of challenges not normally faced by open-water divers. The right training and the right kit are essential for dealing with confined, overhead environments. The following selection of scuba diving gear is up to the task.

CRESSI COMMANDER

This Commander’s full back plate helps make it stable and supportive without adding too much weight. The large air cell has good attitude control and provides up to 46 pounds of buoyant lift but is kept nicely streamlined by a wraparound bungee system. The well- padded harness is comfortable and offers a nice range of adjustability. Three dump valves operate smoothly and offer good ascent control. The Commander is weight integrated and has trim pockets mounted on the tank band. Between the eight metal D-rings and two spacious cargo pockets, divers will find plenty of stowage for accessories.

MSRP $549.95 CONTACT cressi.com

SEAC KATAN

Discarded fishing nets, lines and other items often catch on wrecks, creating dangerous entanglement hazards. A good knife can make all the difference if you get snagged. The Katan’s design gives the maxi- mum length to the real working edge of the blade, helping it cut through most line with ease. Made of 420 stainless steel, the knife is razor sharp and holds its edge very well (but does require some post-dive TLC to prevent rusting). The bare-bones handle is surprisingly comfortable and provides a secure grip whether you need to slice with the straight edge or saw with the serrated side.

MSRP $49
CONTACT seacusa.com

MARES 75XR-DR REGULATOR SET

This heavy-duty tec rig includes a pair of 75XR first and DR second stages (one with a 7-foot hose). The hefty DIN-only first stages are designed for reliable cold-water work, and the reg performs solidly even at extreme depths. During the 2018 ScubaLab reg test, we pushed it all the way to 288 feet on the ANSTI machine with no problem. Even without a Venturi control or breathing adjustment, this reg delivers gas smoothly and quietly. The mesh cover on the all- metal second stages disperses water and prevents free-flow, a feature that is very useful when diving wrecks with strong currents or when using a DPV.

MSRP $1,500 for the set CONTACT mares.com

DIVERITE HP50

This modular light provides a brilliant 10-degree beam and allows you the flexibility to use it with a cord-free battery pack with four 18650 lithium batteries or a full-fledged canister battery — giving you anywhere between 30 and 100 hours of burn time. The light’s comfortable hand mount frees up your fingers and features a convenient quick release. The magnetic rotary switch mounted on the head makes it easy to switch between operating modes: three power settings (up to 3,500 lumens) and an emergency strobe function. The light is rated to 500 feet and includes a travel position to prevent accidental activation of the beefy batteries while traveling.

MSRP $1,175 for canister/handheld battery combo pack
CONTACT diverite.com

SHEARWATER TERIC

The Teric combines all of the traits divers love about Shearwater’s tec-capable dive computers into a compact, stylish watch-style computer. Even with four buttons, its operation is simple and intuitive thanks to clear on-screen prompts and a logical menu organization. The full-color display is crisp and clear underwater, and it allows for a host of customizable display options, including different layouts and colors. The Teric is depth rated to 660 feet, features air integration for up to two transmitters and can handle up to five nitrox mixes and trimix gases. Dive modes include freediving, recreational and tec open- circuit, closed-circuit rebreather diving and gauge mode.

MSRP $1,095, $350 for transmitter CONTACT shearwater.com

APEKS RK3 The RK3 is perfectly at home navigating the claustrophobic, winding passageways of sunken ships. The short, sturdy blade ( just over 21 inches long in size large) is adept at performing tight turns and backing out of confined spaces — plus, its abbreviated length helps keep your fin tips away from visibility- reducing silt. While the fin is especially good at frog kicking, we found during the ScubaLab 2018 fin test that its flutter- kick performance was no joke either. The oversize fin pockets can accommodate drysuit boots as well as neoprene booties, and the fin features a spring strap for easy donning and doffing.

MSRP $160 CONTACT apeksdiving.com