7 Best Scuba Gears of 2020
Scuba diving requires appropriate gear for best results, so buying your gear cements your commitment to this great sport. The good news, however, is that nearly all brands offer good-quality and reliable equipment.
Still, the vastness of the offers out there can get overwhelming for some, and this includes the differences in the buoyancy compensating devices, dive computers, and their different regulator technologies.
So, assuming you already own the basics, such as a pair of fins and a mask, this scuba gear review will focus on packages that offer basic life-support equipment as a set.
10 Best Scuba Gears – Review
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PRODUCT |
FEATURES |
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1. Aqua Lung Pro (Best Overall) |
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2. Cressi Start (Best Budget) |
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3. Cressi Travelight (Best Quality With Bag) |
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4. Mares Abyss (Best With Wrist Dive Computer) |
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5. Cressi Aquaride (Best Compact) |
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6. ScubaPro Knighthawk (Streamlined Buoyancy Control) |
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7. Cressi R1 (For Beginner With Dive Computer) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Aqua Lung Pro (Best Overall) |
2. Cressi Start (Best Budget) |
3. Cressi Travelight (Best Quality With Bag) |
4. Mares Abyss (Best With Wrist Dive Computer) |
5. Cressi Aquaride (Best Compact) |
6. ScubaPro Knighthawk (Streamlined Buoyancy Control) |
7. Cressi R1 (For Beginner With Dive Computer) |
1. Aqua Lung Pro – Best Overall Scuba Gear
- Sizes: 5 (X-small to Large)
- Number of Devices: 5
- Weight: 15 pounds
This Aqua Lung Pro package combines a large dive computer console with the company's impressive buoyancy compensator, plus a low and attractive price, to become the best overall scuba gear package on this list.
The Aqua Lung i300C dive computer features two gauges and four operating systems, which include air, nitrox, and a gauge with run timer. For the BCD, you also get weight integration, the SureLock system for better weight management, and a unique material construction for durability.
Other items include the balanced diaphragm regulator that offers consistent and reliable breathing ease for your convenience and safety. There's also an octopus in this package.
One small consideration, however, is that a wrist computer would have been better. Asides from that, this is still a great offer and the overall best scuba gear on this list.
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2. Cressi Start – Best Budget Scuba Gear
- Sizes: 5 (X-small to Large)
- Number of Devices: 5
- Weight: 12 pounds
Cressi offers the Cressi Start scuba package here, and it's a combination of high-quality Cressi gear at a very attractive price. This makes it the best budget offer on this list and a perfect option for those on the hunt for the cheapest scuba gear.
The five-piece package includes the Cressi Start buoyancy device, a tough and durable jacket made from 1,000-denier Cordura, and featuring three over-pressure relief valves. It also features two accessory pockets and is available in five sizes from XS to XL.
You also get the compact Cressi AC2 regulator with its yoke and an octopus with a hose. Then there's an extra dive torch, which is a big plus at this price. It's made from aircraft-grade aluminum and produces an impressive 600-Lumen brightness.
When it comes to the console, however, then you'll have to manage. Because it's an analog console and very far away from modern dive computers. Still, it offers you pressure and depth readings, and it does it with different colored zones.
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3. Cressi Travelight – Best Quality Scuba Gear With Bag
- Sizes: 8 (X-small to X-Large)
- Number of Devices: 7
- Weight: 15 pounds
Here's another great scuba gear package from Cressi, the legendary diving brand. This package features all the essentials, plus a diving computer and a carry-on suitcase to stuff everything inside, including other gear, such as a snorkel, mask, or your diving fins .
Another exciting feature is the included Cressi dive computer, which is elegant, simple in looks, but very functional. It uses a single-button interface design to make it very intuitive and user friendly.
Other items include the two regulators and the included diving light to complete the package.
But it's one of the costliest offers on this list. It's however, a Cressi package with a dive computer and an elegant suitcase, which makes it all seem to worth it as one of the best scuba equipment packages out there.
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4. Mares Abyss – Best Scuba Gear With Wrist Dive Computer
- Sizes: X-small, X-large
- Number of Devices: 7
This Mares Abyss package includes seven high-quality items, from its Abyss 22 Navy regulator to the included Mares Puck Pro wrist dive computer, with its simple and user-friendly interface.
The package also includes the Pro-Tec buoyancy compensator, which offers many innovative features, like a modular integrated weight system and 10 metal d-rings, of which you can customize three.
You also get two regulators, a diving torch with 600 Lumens brightness, and a carrying bag for the regulators.
One issue here is that this is the costliest package on this list. But if you want quality, then it looks like a fair price to pay for such top-rated scuba gear.
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5. Cressi Aquaride – Best Compact Scuba Gear
- Sizes: 5 (X-small to X-large)
- Number of Devices: 6
If you like your things compact, then this package might interest you. It combines the best of Cressi's compact devices, including this Aquaride buoyancy compensator device.
Cressi's Aquaride BCD features adjustable shoulder straps, integrated weights, and an ergonomic design that makes it easier to put on and smoother to inflate.
Cressi also includes its Leonardo dive computer, featuring an elegant but functional design, with a simple single-button interface, a colored mini pressure gauge, and a high-definition digital display.
The package also includes Cressi's MC9 compact regulator with a balanced diaphragm design, an octopus, and a carrying bag for the regulator to round things up.
One thing they could have made better is to include a wrist computer. But then, one really can't complain about such modern scuba gear at such a fair and attractive price.
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6. ScubaPro Knighthawk – Streamlined Buoyancy Control
- Sizes: 6 (X-small to XX-large)
- Number of Devices: 1
- Weight: 12 pounds
While other packages have included necessary gear for scuba diving, this offer features just the buoyancy compensating device from ScubaPro. It's called the Knighthawk and it comes with lots of impressive features.
You get a robust but comfortable buoyancy control that's available in six sizes, ranging from XS to XXL and including helpful features like a retractable air bladder and weight integration pockets with a quick-release feature.
You also get zippered pockets that you can easily keep out of the way when not in use. Plus, there are four stainless steel D-rings for attachment and a neoprene neck roll for your comfort. ScubaPro also positions the air bladder in the back to make it 'back floating'.
Its only downside is that you don't get other items here. But, if you are considering building the best scuba gear package on your own, then you may want to consider including this BCD.
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7. Cressi R1 – Beginner Scuba Gear With Dive Computer
- Sizes: 5 (X-small to X-large)
- Number of Devices: 6
- Weight: 13 pounds
This is a great starter pack from Cressi and it features the Cressi R1 buoyancy compensator. This BCD offers integrated weights that you can move around, as well as an ergonomic design, a durable 500-denier cordura material, and an attractive price to make it our best scuba gear for beginners.
Other items include the Leonardo diving computer and Cressi's popular AC2 regulator, with its proven performance and reliability. Then, there's the additional Cressi compact octopus to improve this pack's reliability.
One drawback, however, is its price, because it's one of the costliest on this list. But you should keep in mind that it comes with the Leonardo computer console.
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How to Buy the Best Scuba Gear
1. Skill Level
Your diving skill level is important because it can help you to choose the best scuba gear. If you are a beginner, for instance, then you're better served with simpler equipment that is more beginner-friendly.
This can include a simpler dive computer with a simple display and basic functions, as opposed to those with complex and hard to understand functions.
2. Size & Fit
The buoyancy compensator comes in different sizes and styles, so it's important that you also consider this first and go for an offer with the right size and fit for you.
You'll find different offers ranging in size from extra-small to extra-extra-large, so it's left for you to choose the best scuba diving gear package that fits. Another consideration is gender because some brands offer specially designed buoyancy compensators for women, and these take physiological differences into account to make them more comfortable.
3. Buoyancy Control
This is the heart of the entire setup, as nearly every other scuba gear attaches to it. Known as a buoyancy compensating device, BCD, or buoyancy compensator, BC, these jackets help the diver in weight distribution and buoyancy control in the water.
You want it made from as high-denier material as possible. Then there are those with integrated weights, which often means you won't have to additionally wear a weight belt. Also consider its lifting capacity, if you intend to dive or surface with some load.
4. Regulator
The regulator is another very important life-support device. Its job is to provide breathing air from the cylinder to the diver, but at a much-reduced pressure than is available in the cylinder. Most regulators achieve this using a 2-stage design.
The good news with regulators, however, is that most from good brands are high-quality and reliable. But to be sure of what you're getting, go for a regulator with certification, such as the CE EN250 standard certification.
5. Octopus
The unexpected can happen any time, so it's always wise to be prepared. Your diving colleague could run out of air supply for instance, or your primary second-stage regulator could develop a fault, which is rare, but still possible.
In any of these situations, you'll be glad to have a second regulator, often referred to as an octopus. They are often colored yellow and should offer the same characteristics as the primary second-stage regulator.
6. Dive Computer
Dive computers help to make your scuba diving safer and to maximize your diving time. They are very recommended for all diver levels, because of the many features they offer.
Their basic features include recording your dive depth and time, plus other safety features such as counting down when you reach a preset depth or warning you when you are ascending too quickly. This Cressi R1 package comes with a good dive computer.
7. Accessories
Different packages offer different accessories, but their value to you will depend on what you need, so this is a personal decision.
Some offers include a carrying bag for the entire package, while others offer a bag for only the regulator. Other packages, such as the Cressi Travelight package , includes a diving light as a bonus, while some other packages include a wrist diving computer.
Conclusion
We've reached the end of this scuba gear review and you've seen the best scuba package offers out there, including those for beginners and those with premium features.
For a simple and satisfying selection, we recommend the Aqua Lung Pro package , with its impressive BCD, 2-gauge computer, attractive price, and lifetime warranty.
If you're on a budget, we recommend the Cressi Start package , with its attractive price, included dive light, and availability in five sizes.
Else, if the price isn't an issue, then we recommend the Mares Abyss , with its comprehensive 7-piece package, including a wrist computer and 2-year warranty.
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10 Best Scuba Gears – Review
- 1. Aqua Lung Pro – Best Overall Scuba Gear
- 2. Cressi Start – Best Budget Scuba Gear
- 3. Cressi Travelight – Best Quality Scuba Gear With Bag
- 4. Mares Abyss – Best Scuba Gear With Wrist Dive Computer
- 5. Cressi Aquaride – Best Compact Scuba Gear
- 6. ScubaPro Knighthawk – Streamlined Buoyancy Control
- 7. Cressi R1 – Beginner Scuba Gear With Dive Computer
- How to Buy the Best Scuba Gear
- Conclusion