Let’s face it, scuba gear is typically known for being designed for safety and comfort, so it’s hard to get excited about that new model regulator or BCD.
But did you know, there is scuba gear out there which primarily exists to enhance your underwater experience? So, if you are the type of diver that loves cool gadgets or gear that solves some of your pet peeves, then this article is for you!
*Note: no affiliate links are included in this article.
1. Deepblu COSMIQ+ dive watch
We can’t talk about cool new tech without mentioning Deepblu’s COSMIQ+ dive watch. This is no ordinary dive watch, the best feature about this watch is upon surfacing you can transmit the dive data from the watch via Bluetooth to the Deepblu app, which then automatically populates your dive log! Deepblu has made the cumbersome process of filling in your dive log easy, so now there is no excuse not to keep a dive log! The dive watch has a nice big face, has settings for recreational divers, technical divers and free divers, has a rechargeable battery and enough space to store 200 dives!
Deepblu COSMIQ+ GEN5. Available: https://shop.deepblu.com/products/cosmiq-plus-new
2. Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV)
Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPV) can make your underwater experience seriously fun. Think of a DPV as an electronic underwater scooter that you hold on to. Not only can you move a lot faster than if you were to swim yourself, you don’t expend as much energy which means you can cover a lot more ground when you are diving. There are plenty of DPV’s on the market, but before buying one consider:
- Speed
- Cost
- The maximum depth it can travel to
- How noisy it is (you don’t want to agitate the sea life)
- Battery life
- What sort of buoyancy it has (positive, negative or neutral)
- And any additional features like built-in cameras
Also remember there is a PADI course which we recommend you do before buying one of these, so you know how to safely use one.
An example of a DPV is Yamaha 220Li Seascooter. Available: https://yamahaseascooters.com/products/yamaha-220li-seascooter
3. Dive Skins
Do you love scuba diving, but hate the thought of struggling to pull on a damp, cold wetsuit?Dive skins are the perfect solution to this diver problem. Wear one of these under your wetsuit to make the task of getting into your wetsuit super easy – it just slips on! It is a full body suit made of lycra, meaning it is skin tight, stretchy and also quick dry. The suit can also be worn by itself in warmer water, can be used as a stinger suit, or for protection against the elements for snorkelling or other water sports. It has UV sun protection and it is definitely a statement piece. No boring colours here, just bright colourful patterns that will sure to get you noticed underwater!
Slip In Dive Skins. Available: https://slipins.com/collections/diveskins
4. Fluorodiving Mask
Night dives are the best time to see sea creatures come out to feed, and if you want to see something extra special, then buy a fluorodiving mask and UV light. The fluoromask is a lens which fits over your mask and combined with the UV light, will make the coral glow in the dark! This is best seen in warm tropical waters, and should only be used under supervision of a dive guide.
An example of a fluorodiving mask is BigBlue fluro mask. Available: https://bigbluedivelights.com/products/fluorodiving-mask-strap/
5. Interchangeable Fins
When you travel, do you struggle to decide what fins to take? Should you take the long ones for free diving, or the shorter ones for scuba diving? Sure, you could take both, but you don’t want to pay for excess baggage. Interchangeable fins help solve this problem, by allowing you to change the fin to suit the type of diving you will be doing. Different brands have slightly different technology, but the basic premise is that you can change the type of fin by clipping or screwing in different fin attachments into the foot area, making this really handy for travel!
An example of an interchangeable fin is Cressi Modular Fin. Available: https://waikikidive.com/product/cressi-modular-fin/
6. Tankless Diving
When you like diving, but hate wearing all of the gear underwater, then tankless air diving using the Airbuddy may be for you! Using a flotation system the device is battery operated and remains at the surface while the divers are connected via a harness and regulator. Airbuddy allows one diver to reach a max depth of 12m and two divers to reach a max depth of 6m for approx 45 mins. This is a good option if you like shallow diving without wearing bulky equipment.
Airbuddy Tankless Diving. Available: https://www.airbuddy.net/#/
7. Underwater Camera Casing
Divers new to underwater photography and videography typically start with a device like a GoPro, as it is small and easy to manage. If you are looking to advance your skills, but don’t want to invest in big bulky gear, then the Triad Grip for GoPro by GoPole, may be for you. The camera sits in the middle of the frame, with grips on the left and right side to stablise the camera. There is also room to add your own lights and microphone.
Triad Grip for GoPro by GoPole. Available: https://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/triad-grip-gopro-gopole/
8. Underwater Drone
Most of us divers have underwater cameras to capture our magical dives, but we can’t easily capture ourselves diving with sea creatures or clearly film sea life that is not within arms reach. Underwater drones help solve these problems. There is a good range of drones on the market, but you will want to do your research before you buy one, as they are quite expensive. Some things to consider:
- Shooting mode eg. 4K
- Cost
- Size
- Battery life
- Maximum depth
- Whether it is wireless or tethered to the surface via a cable
- Noise
- Is the controller waterproof (i.e. can you dive beside your drone and control it, or do you need someone else to control it from the surface)?
An example of an underwater drone is iBubble Evo. Available: https://ibubble.camera/
9. Underwater Metal Detector
Scuba divers often dream of being treasure hunters, and what better way to explore the depths of the sea, than with your very own underwater metal detector? You can help discover lost treasures, from jewellery, to coins and long lost artifacts! When selecting an underwater metal detector some things to consider:
- The detection range
- If it alerts you when the battery is dying
- The size
- Needs to be suited for saltwater
- Check depth limitations. I.e. some metal detectors claim they are waterproof, but can only be operated in shallow water i.e. not for scuba divers.
An example of an underwater metal detector is Quest XPointer Scuba tector underwater pi li-poly metal detector. Available: https://www.bigboyshobbies.net/quest-xpointer-scuba-tector-underwater-pi-li-poly-metal-detector
Buying scuba gear can actually be fun and can really improve your underwater experience! All that’s left is to get out into the water and show off your new gear!
About the Author
Amanda and her husband Dean have been certified divers since 2009. Amanda has her advanced open water and Dean is a divemaster. They have travelled the world and dived many sites in Australia, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean.
Amanda and Dean have a travel blog called Scatabout which details the fun and unique experiences they have had on their world travels. You can find them doing something adventurous like scuba diving, hiking or something strange like running down the side of a building.
You can follow Scatabout:
Website: https://scatabout.com
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2DM9Noj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scatabout/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scatabout/
