Share The LOVE Choosing Scuba Gear Obviously, scuba diving is an activity that involves the use of breathing equipment. Scuba divers wear buoyancy compensator devices (BCD) and a scuba tank to allow them to breathe underwater. You should learn this in your Open Water Course. This gear has to work at any depth and be able to be used for long periods of time without fault. So if you are just starting out or planning your next dive trip you want to have your gear ready. The most important thing about choosing scuba gear is finding something that fits you well so that it doesn’t hinder your movement or restrict your breathing too much during your dive! You want to be comfortable but also safe as well. Types of Scuba Diving Gear There are several types of scuba diving gear. One of the most important pieces and the first one you should buy is your mask, which allows you to see underwater and breathe through a regulator attached to your tank. Fins help you move around easily in the water, while snorkels allow you to breathe without having to remove your face mask. A wetsuit keeps you warm in cold water, while BCDS help keep divers afloat by distributing their weight evenly throughout their bodies so they don’t sink too deep into the ocean floor (or surface). Regulators deliver air from tanks directly into divers’ mouths and the trusty dive computer tracks depth and time spent underwater among other things. The tanks hold compressed air used for breathing underwater and your weights attach onto belts around waistlines so divers can stay submerged longer without needing extra tanks filled up with more gas. Factors to Consider When Choosing Scuba Diving Gear When choosing scuba diving gear, there are a few factors to consider. The first is size. You’ll want to make sure that your gear fits you properly and comfortably. This means that it shouldn’t be too tight or too loose, if it’s too tight, it could cause chafing and discomfort. On the other hand, if it’s too loose, then air bubbles could get trapped inside the suit and cause problems with buoyancy control. Next up is fit, how well does this piece of equipment fit over your body? Does it feel like it moves with you as opposed to against you? Can you move freely without feeling restricted by any part of the suit or other piece of equipment? Materials are also important when considering whether something will work well for your needs. Some materials are better suited than others depending on what kind of environment (and conditions) they’ll be used in during normal use scenarios such as diving. Selecting a Mask As you search for the perfect mask (it can be a long search), there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure it fits your face well. A good fit will ensure that you don’t experience any leaks or discomfort while diving. Next, consider what field of vision you need, areas like the nose bridge and skirt (the part around your eyes) can be adjusted to provide more space if needed. Finally, take comfort into account, some materials are more comfortable than others on hot days when humidity is high while others may be more breathable than others depending on how warm or cold it is outside. Choosing Fins When selecting fins, the first thing to consider is size. The length of your foot should be measured in centimeters and converted into inches or centimeters. You can use this information to find out which fin size will fit you best. Fins come in various materials like plastic or rubber, composite or carbon fiber and each has its own pros and cons. For example, composite fins are lighter than rubber ones but cost more. While rubber fins are cheaper but heavier than composites (although some people prefer them for their durability). Some divers prefer hard-shell boots over soft-shell ones because they offer better protection from rocks when walking on land between dives and others prefer soft-shell boots because they’re easier to put on/take off underwater without assistance from another person (or yourself!). Some styles have adjustable straps so that you don’t have to worry about whether or not your fin fits properly and other styles require you to do some DIY alterations before diving with them so make sure whatever style you choose comes with all necessary parts before making any purchases. Selecting a Snorkel There are several factors to consider when selecting a snorkel. The first is length, which is determined by how tall you are and how much water you want to be able to see through your mask. If you’re short and have a large amount of water around you, it makes sense for the snorkel to be shorter so that it doesn’t get in the way of other gear or get tangled up with other divers’ equipment. The second factor is the shape, the tube should be wide enough so that it doesn’t restrict breathing, but narrow enough so that air won’t escape from either end when underwater (which can lead to an uncomfortable experience). Thirdly comes the material silicone is generally considered best because it’s flexible enough not to break while also being strong enough not to bend out of shape easily when used over time (it is my favorite). However plastic can also work well if treated properly (avoiding sharp bends will help). Finally, comfort should always be considered when buying any piece of diving equipment you’ll want something lightweight and easy-to-use so as not to distract yourself while exploring undersea life. Choosing a Wetsuit Fit– Fit is the most important factor in selecting a wetsuit. You want to make sure that your wetsuit fits well and is not too loose or too tight. Thickness– The thickness of a wetsuit can vary depending on what type of diving you are doing, but most recreational divers will be fine with something between 3mm for cooler waters and 5mm and 7mm thickness for cooler waters. Material– Material matters as well. Look for neoprene made from natural rubber or synthetic materials like polyester (which tends to be more durable). Style– Style matters too, the first rule of scuba is to look good. There are many different styles available: full sleeves, short sleeves, long johns, and the list goes on and on. Selecting a BCD (Buoyancy Compensation Device) BCDs are the most important piece of scuba diving gear. They’re what allow you to dive safely, so it’s important to choose one that fits your body type and meets all of your needs. There are many different types of buoyancy compensators available on the market today, so it’s important to consider which features matter most for your particular needs. For example: Fit – BCDs come in a variety of sizes and styles, so make sure you get one that fits properly before making a purchase decision. If possible, try them on before buying them (or at least look at pictures). Type – There are two main types of BCDs: jacket style and backplate and wing. Jacket-style BCDs are the most common and are designed to wrap around your torso like a jacket, with the air bladder located on your back. Backplate and wing BCDs have a separate backplate and air bladder, which allows for more customization and flexibility in terms of weight distribution and buoyancy control. Weight capacity – Make sure to choose a BCD that can handle the weight of your gear, including your tank, weights, and any accessories you may have. Lift capacity – The lift capacity of a BCD refers to how much weight it can lift to the surface. Make sure to choose a BCD with enough lift capacity to support your body weight and gear. Number of pockets – Consider how many pockets you need to carry your accessories, such as dive lights, extra masks, or dive computers. I always say the more the merrier with pockets. Inflation system – BCDs can have different types of inflation systems, such as manual inflation or automatic inflation. Manual inflation requires you to manually inflate the air bladder using a hose and mouthpiece, while automatic inflation uses a CO2 cartridge to inflate the air bladder in case of an emergency. Integrated weights – Some BCDs have integrated weight pockets that allow you to carry your weights directly on the BCD. This can be more comfortable than wearing a weight belt, but make sure to choose a BCD with enough weight capacity for your needs. Comfort – Look for a BCD with padded shoulder straps and a comfortable back panel to avoid discomfort during your dive. Choosing the right BCD is essential for a safe and comfortable diving experience. Consider all of these factors when making your purchase to ensure that you find a BCD that fits properly, meets your needs, and is comfortable to wear. Picking a Regulator Material– The regulator is part of your scuba gear that supplies air from your tank to you, so it’s important to choose one made out of durable material. Performance– The performance of your regulator depends on its capacity and how much air it can deliver at once. Comfort– You should feel comfortable using your regulator, which means finding one with features like adjustable diaphragms or flexible hoses that allow for easy breathing while swimming in different positions underwater (such as upside down). Features/options– Some regulators come with additional options like alternate second stages (the part where you breathe) or integrated dive computers so you don’t have to carry around another device while diving! Selecting a Dive Computer When selecting a dive computer, you’ll want to consider the following: Display– This is the most important feature of any dive computer. You should be able to read your current depth and time underwater easily, without having to squint or strain your eyes. Look for large displays with plenty of contrast and brightness so that they’re easy on the eyes even in low light conditions like those found underwater. Battery life– It’s also important that your dive computer has good battery life, you don’t want it dying on you halfway through an expedition. Look for models with long-lasting lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion) or nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries instead of traditional alkaline ones. These will last longer between charges than conventional alkalines do. Features & functions – Some other things worth considering when purchasing a new Dive computer include whether or not it has any special features. Being able to calculate decompression stops automatically based on depth data from previous dives, having multiple alarms, and allowing users access to their own personal logbook history are among other good features to have. Remember, choosing the right scuba gear is not just about picking the most expensive or the most popular models. It’s about finding the pieces that fit you properly, are comfortable, and suit your needs and preferences. Always prioritize safety, comfort, and fit over anything else. Before making any purchases, do your research, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from experienced divers. You may even want to try out the different gear before committing to a purchase. Also, keep in mind that scuba gear requires regular maintenance and care to ensure it works properly. Make sure to rinse your gear thoroughly after each dive and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Choosing the right scuba diving gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable diving experience. Consider factors such as size, fit, materials, and purpose when selecting each piece of gear. With the right gear, you’ll be able to explore the underwater world with confidence and ease. Happy diving! Written By: Teagan Kane (Teagan the Vegan) PADI Master scuba diving instructor and Molchanov’s Wave 3 instructor. Ultra runner, and vegan lifestyle advocate. See author's posts
