r/scubaGear

Hi everyone!

I’m a scuba diver and a product designer. I’ve started an R&D project to rethink technical scuba apparel (rash guards, base layers, and wetsuits) because, honestly, I feel like we’re missing out on the design innovation we see in other outdoor sports.

Beyond the gear itself, what unites us all is our love for the ocean and the natural world. I believe our equipment should reflect that—it should be functional, respectful of our anatomy, and designed to match the beauty and complexity of the environment we explore.

Too often, current gear feels either dated or relies on outdated industry tropes (like simply "shrinking" men's gear for women). I want to move past that and create something that is truly "next level" for everyone—regardless of gender.

I’m looking to gather insights from the whole community to help shape this from the ground up:

1. The Shared Experience: What is the one piece of gear that you feel is "stuck in the past"? What’s missing in terms of functionality, comfort, or design that could make our time underwater even better?
2. Technical Needs: Whether you’re diving recreationally or technically, what are your specific pain points? (e.g., thermal regulation, layering comfort under drysuits, range of motion, smart storage).
3. The Design Gap: We see incredible innovation in climbing, cycling, and surfing gear—why do you think the diving industry is lagging behind? What would a "modern" approach to scuba design look like to you?
4. Gender-Specific Insights: To help me get this right, I’d love to hear both from women and men about where current designs specifically fall short for your respective needs. What do you wish existed that doesn't?

I’m aiming to bridge the gap between pro-level technical functionality and forward-thinking design. Your experience and perspectives are the most valuable tools I could have for this project.

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts! :D

I tought about the Smaco S700 pro with a tuxing pump on alibaba. The link to the deal is here: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/SMACO-S700-Pro-2L-High-Pressure\_1600479302549.html

Do you think it'd safe for 5 to 10meter diving?

New diver here, looking for a pair of googles which will last me long time and are great value at their price point. I mostly freedive, if the price is justified i dont mind paying upwards of 100$, but i would obviously prefer something cheeper

Hi everyone,

I’m curious about what matters most to you when buying a wetsuit.

What are your top priorities?
Fit and comfort?
Quality and durability?
Price?
Brand reputation?
Flexibility and warmth?

With so many brands on the market, do you tend to choose based on price, or does word of mouth and real-world experience carry more weight?

Also, does it matter to you where the wetsuit is made (for example, made in the EU), or is that not really a factor?

I’d love to hear what influences your decision and any advice you have.

Thanks!

There are tons of fishing lures where I dive. What do you use to collect lures while diving?

I do 4-hour dives, several times a week, year-round, and im finding that my developing aging wrinkles on my forehead are exactly where my mask leaves lines, after diving. i wear the mask as loose as possible, just before the point of flooding. i adjust/re-situate it a few times during the dive. Using Retin-A, moisturizer, sunscreen, and ive started using a lymphatic drainage brush after the dive....but anyone have any other recommendations, or know of a mask that is more gentle on the forehead?

Which regulator do you use and how often serviced?

Im looking to make a makeshift scuba tank to go underwater in low depths, has anyone ever done this and wants to give me instructions on what i need and how to build it, and any thing i should look out for if it's dangerous

Hello, I would like to know from short people doing Sidemount how they manage with 12L aluminium cylinders.
I’m 1.60m (5’3) and have found that 12L cylinders are way too long and I have to do the lower attachment in the upper half of the cylinder that leaves more than half “loose” and it also means I cannot really attach the cylinders while sitting and makes the cylinder bottoms less streamlined.
Any tips would be really welcomed!

Hello everyone!

I'm still pretty new to all of this, but over the past few months I've been diving pretty much full time. I'm currently working towards my Divemaster certification, and the plan is to start working as a Divemaster. After a few months I'd like to continue travelling, take my Instructor course, and ideally start working as an instructor.

Because of that, I've reached the stage where I need to start investing in my own gear, which is obviously a pretty expensive journey.

At the moment, besides a BCD, the only major piece of equipment I still need is a regulator. I'm deliberately not buying a BCD yet, and I'll explain why.

I'm still backpacking. Right now I'm in Far North Queensland for a few months, but eventually I'll be back on traveling, so everything I own has to fit into my backpack. That's why I'm holding off on buying a BCD for now. I'd rather wait until I'm settled somewhere for a longer period before investing in something that's both expensive and bulky.

After looking at a lot of different regulators, the 62X seems like a good middle ground. It's compact enough for travelling, but from what I've read it also seems capable of handling everyday professional use.

Does anyone here have experience with it? Would you recommend it for someone who plans to dive almost daily?

For now I mostly dive in warm water and I'm not really interested in cold water diving, since I'll probably spend most of my time around Southeast Asia and northern Australia.

I'd really appreciate any feedback or suggestions. Thanks!

Hey everyone,
I’m an instructor working in tropical saltwater and need to replace my Scubapro Seawing Novas.
My main problem: They are way too float during stationary skill demos, my feet constantly want to float to the surface. It's exhausting to fight the fins just to stay flat and hold still.
I need fins that keep my feet down but won't feel like anchors, since I'm pretty light. I’m currently thinking about the Apeks RK3 (Standard) and the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus.
My setup
Me: Female, 59 kg (130 lbs), 170 cm
Suit: 3mm full suit + 5mm vest
Boots: 5mm Scubapro Delta Boots (thick soles, size EU 39/40 / US W 8.5/9)

Does somebody had similar experience and have some recommendations to fix my floaty feet without dragging my legs straight down to the reef?

With my thick 5mm boots and EU 39/40 size, what size should I get when considering either Apeks RK3 oder the Avanti Quattro plus?

Thanks for your help!

I currently own a Mares XR BP+W, sadly the seams of the outer shell of the wing have started failing already after only around 100-150dives, so I wanna replace the wing with something a bit more high-quality. I will continue to use the Backplate and the Harness as they are still in a fine condition so I only need a recommendation for a new wing. The wing should have atleast 16 litres, and should fit in a nice balance of longevity/high quality and price. I only use it for traveling so it would be nice if it worked without a STA.
I have taken a look at XDeep and TecLine. Anyone with experience on them? Anyone with something else they could recommend?

I got my OWD cert last month and only have 8 lifetime dive log. I used rental dive computer during my OW training and fun dives. I'm thinking about buying my own dive computer and would like some recommendations on it.

I'm a student with limited budget, im looking at Amazfit T Rex 3 pro which is a smart watch so it can be multi-purposed, does anyone have experience with them?

Or should I stick with traditional beginner dive computer like crest cr4 or Suunto zoop novo.

English is not my first language, sorry if it's hard to read.

Looking for recommendations for a good mouth piece. I wear both full upper and lower dentures. I’m switching to a swivel hose but looking for something to go along with it. I dive a aqualung legend 3 that I really like.

Hello, I am a AOW diver.

Now I am looking for dive computer. As I enjoy other sports and want to use it as daily watch.

So I decided Garmin descent g1 solar. The price is also considered.

I wonder descent g1 is fit in the course. Not right now, but I have a plan to try the tech courses maybe in a year.

I know that it gives gauge mode, but there is navigator, I think, maybe against GUE guideline.

I know that it is too small and dim to be used as main computer. But I would buy some new computer if I really get to enjoy tech diving.

Thank you for your comment in advance.

Hi - I have a 43mm Fenix 8, I need to get a good watch strap, preferably nylon with Velcro. Any recommendations?

It will be my first time diving with it and want it to be secure. I would hate for me to lose this $1,000 watch!