Diver Tests
DIVER TEST: Exposure Lights Action 1-100
The Exposure Action 1-100s do what they’re supposed to do. Their size and weight make them particularly appealing as the lights for an action-camera set-up, but they wouldn’t be out of place in the kit of any travelling diver. Read more...
DIVER TEST: Sherwood SR2
This is a nice regulator. It’s workmanlike and comfortable, and you can’t fault the ease of breathing. Recommended. Read more...
DIVER TEST: Suunto D5 & Tank POD
The D5 is a very capable and user-friendly dive-computer for beginner recreational diving through to entry-level tech and deco-diving on nitrox. Adding the POD increases the D5’s abilities considerably. Read more...
DIVER TEST: Exposure Lights Capture
These Capture lights look and feel well-made, are incredibly tiny and, if you want an action-camera outfit that you can literally carry in your pocket but still get decent footage, they’re a no-brainer. Read more...
DIVER TEST: Divepro S11
The DivePro S11 is a very versatile and practical dive-light that works well as a general day and back-up torch, but also excels as a valuable addition to the underwater photographer’s equipment. Read more...
DIVER TEST: Apeks VX1
This is a very nice mask – it was comfortable and leak-free on long dives and provides excellent vision. Read more...
DIVER TEST: Oceanic Zeo
An exemplary performer. It’s easy to travel with, so comfortable it’s nearly unnoticeable and breathes beautifully. Highly recommended. Read more...
DIVER TEST: Mares Dual / Gold Skin Vest
In the right conditions, this is a wetsuit I’m very happy to recommend. Read more...
DIVER TEST: Oceanic OceanPro
If you’re properly weighted, it is as suitable for coldwater diving in thick dive-suits as it is for diving in the tropics in a skin. It will more than satisfy the wants of many recreational divers. Read more...
DIVER TEST: Mares Ultra 72
It’s easy to be effusive about this modestly priced, highly specified and easy-breathing regulator. Read more...
Big Blue AL-450NM & AL-450WM Tail
Both lights impressed me, and I highly recommend them. Read more...
Akaso EK7000 Pro
I hadn’t heard of Akaso before the 7000 landed on my doormat, but on the strength of this £77 offering I’m impressed. Read more...
Scubapro Galileo HUD
Overall, judged purely as a dive-computer, the Galileo HUD is the business. Add the Head Up Display, and it’s genuinely the best dive-computer I’ve ever used. Read more...
Zeagle Scope
A really nice mask – extremely comfortable and a great field of view. Read more...
Oceanic Geo4
The Oceanic Geo4 is a fine computer. It does everything it needs to and nothing it doesn’t. Read more...
Scubapro Go Sock
Scubapro’s slip-on Go Sock is aimed at divers and snorkellers using open-back fins. Read more...
Waterproof W80 & W-Series Overvest
Easy to don and doff, very comfortable and seemingly rugged with its stand-out feature being the microcell construction. Highly recommended. Read more...
Hollis LX100 & LX200
I’d be tempted by the lower price of the LX100, but I really like the idea of the tougher coating on the LX200. Regardless of which you plump for, these are good regs. Read more...
Mares 72X / Loop
The Loop offers a good breathe, though the difference in ease of cracking effort between it and the pneumatically balanced Ultra Adj is apparent and to be expected, given the price difference. But if you want a budget recreational or stage regulator, the 72X and Loop combo is a winner. Recommended. Read more...
Tovatec Mera
The Tovatec Mera just might appeal to a certain sector of the diving fraternity, those of us who like a bit of wreck penetration. Combining primary light and video unit is a compact solution while swimming through dark passages. Read more...
Aqua Lung i770R
It seems to be built and to work well enough to deliver sufficient pride of ownership for that diver never to want anything else. It really is a cracking little unit. Read more...
Mares Coral Dive Skin
Getting sunburnt or stung by underwater no-see-ums takes the edge off that pleasure. The Mares Coral offers a practical solution to these annoyances in a comfortable, travel-friendly and well-made dive skin. Read more...
Deepblu COSMIQ+
I really think Deepblu is onto something with the COSMIQ+, and hope it will add to its range and encompass deco and tech diving. Read more...
Scubapro Mk11/C370
Head up, head down, inverted or in good trim the Mk11 and C370 worked very well, and passed my forget-about-the-kit-and-go-diving test within seconds. Read more...
Tusa BC0103B Liberator
The Liberator is a very nice BC for single-tank diving. It meets the needs of lift, comfort, stability, safety and ease of use like a trooper. Read more...
Apeks XL4+ Regulator
The XL4+ works really well as a reg, breathing smoothly and staying dry regardless of orientation or depth. Read more...
Finclip
I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Finclip offered as an option by fin manufacturers worldwide in the near future, assuming that the necessary deals can be arranged. Read more...
Mares XR Training DSMB
The XR training DSMB is an excellent idea. I’d have liked one when I learned to launch a DSMB, and the hose-inflation method makes the bigger buoys very tempting indeed. Read more...
