From cutting-edge sonar communication in smartwatches to the rugged simplicity of Kevlar-reinforced gloves, the dive industry continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible and practical, underwater. This month’s gear roundup features a 150m-rated flagship from Huawei, a clever ergonomic fix for the beloved Shearwater Peregrine, and essential safety and thermal gear designed to handle the extremes. Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly rashguards or a strobe that can survive a 500m plunge, the latest scuba diving gear offers something for every level of explorer.
Huawei Watch Ultimate 2: Sonar Messaging & 150m Depth Rating
SRP: £799-£899
Huawei’s most-powerful flagship smartwatch to date has been released, and it boasts a host of innovative features. It is depth-rated to 150m, and has a Zirconium-based Liquid Metal Case, with sapphire crystal glass and a nano-tech ceramic bezel, for durability. It has a 1.5-inch 3500-nit LTPO 2.0 display with an ultra-high screen-to-body ratio.Â
It is the world’s first smartwatch with sonar-based underwater communication – you can send pre-set messages and SOS without a cellular signal between Ultimate 2 watches. You can even send emojis! It is apparently effective up to 30 metres, although the maximum transmission range of the SOS function is 60 metres. Unlike other products with sonar, the Huawei doesn’t require a separate sensor unit – it all is done via the watch itself. T
he Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 has multiple dive modes for recreational diving, freediving, and technical diving, as well as a multitude of other activities and sports modes. It comes into two colourways – all black (£799), and blue/ white (£899). https://consumer.huawei.com/uk/
Modifying the Shearwater Peregrine: The Narked at 90 Dual-Strap Plate
SRP: £55.91
When the Shearwater Peregrine was reviewed in this magazine, the only thing our testers picked up on was the rubber strap, stating they preferred the elasticated dual-strap fitted to the Perdix 2.0 and the Petrel 3. Well now Narked at 90 has come up with a solution – a plate that bolts on to the bottom of the Peregrine and allows you to fit the dual elasticated straps.Â
This bracket bolts on to the Peregrine using the lug screws that attach the standard rubber strap. You can then attach the elasticated Shearwater straps (available from Narked at 90 for £22) through the bracket. Not only do these fit better over drysuited arms, but they add a degree of redundancy, as you now have two points of attachment rather than one.Â
You do not have to remove the bracket to be able to charge the Peregrine up on its charging plate. www.narkedat90.com
Versatile Protection: The Fourth Element Hydro-T Rashguard
SRP: SHORT-SLEEVE £50 /LONG-SLEEVE £52
Fourth Element’s new Hydro-T designs of rashguard are for those people who want something to provide protection both in and out of the water. Made from 27 percent recycled polyester, the Hydro-Ts are ultra-quick drying, moisture wicking, and lightweight, while still providing UPF sun protection – ideal for diving, snorkelling, surfing, SUP, kayaking, yoga, running, mountain biking, and more. www.fourthelement.com
Suunto Glow Green: Supporting Project Hiu Shark Conservation
SRP: £55
The Glow Green quick-release silicone strap has a black-speckled turquoise finish and it glows in the dark. It has been designed for the Suunto Ocean but will fit all Suunto devices with 22mm strap width.Â
For every Glow Green strap sold until December 2025, Suunto will donate €10 to the innovative Project Hiu, an organization working to phase out shark fishing in Indonesia by transforming former shark fishermen into marine tourism guides. Preventing a single boat from fishing for one month can save up to 100 sharks. The Glow Green strap set is available in Small and Medium. www.suunto.com
Maximum Warmth: DynamicNord GL-70 7mm Three-Finger Gloves
SRP: £86
As the winter months draw in, perfect timing from DynamicNord to launch these 7mm three-finger gloves with kevlar reinforcement.Â
Designed and engineered in Germany, these gloves combine state-of-the-art materials with ergonomic design, setting new standards for thermal insulation, protection and comfort underwater. Constructed from premium neoprene in 7mm thickness, they provide exceptional thermal insulation even during extended dives in cold waters. Particularly noteworthy is the strategic Kevlar reinforcement on palms and fingertips, which ensures unparalleled grip and durability.Â
The innovative design of the three-finger gloves not only offers excellent protection against hypothermia, but also reliable protection against abrasions and cuts, stings from marine creatures, and mechanical damage during underwater work. The smooth-skin finish at the wrists ensures a perfect seal and prevents water ingress, further optimising thermal insulation.Â
The practical tab at the wrists considerably facilitates donning and doffing – an important comfort factor that is especially appreciated during multiple dives per day. The GL-70 three-finger gloves are available in sizes from S-2XL. www.dynamicnord.com
Safety Essentials: The Daniamant AQ-4 MKII High-Visibility Strobe
SRP: £86
Daniamant, a global leader in maritime safety technology, proudly introduces its latest innovation – the AQ-4 MKII strobe light.Â
The AQ-4 MKII represents a significant advancement in safety lighting, engineered with a powerful flashing LED strobe for the ultimate visibility underwater, particularly during nighttime or low-light operations. Unlike steady light sources, flashing strobes are significantly more effective for human detection at long distances, especially in poor visibility.Â
It is designed to be easily mounted on lifejackets, diving gear and survival suits, and is essential for use in extreme weather, darkness, or turbulent seas, helping rescue crews and teammates locate individuals quickly and accurately.Â
The AQ-4 MKII can operate for up to eight hours, and features automatic activation – no switches or user-input needed.Â
It is waterproof to 500m, is SOLAS, MED and USCG approved, and has a robust design with reduced maintenance requirements, compact size and resistance to saltwater corrosion, freezing temperatures and physical impacts. www.daniamant.com
Latest Scuba Diving Gear: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sonar communication feature on the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2?
The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 is the first smartwatch to offer sonar-based underwater communication, allowing divers to send SOS signals, pre-set messages, and even emojis to other Ultimate 2 users within a range of up to 60 metres without a cellular signal.
Can I use elastic straps on the Shearwater Peregrine?
Yes. While the standard Peregrine comes with a rubber strap, Narked at 90 offers a bolt-on dual-strap plate that allows you to fit the elasticated straps used on the Perdix and Petrel models for better fit and redundancy.
Are three-finger gloves warmer for cold water diving?
Generally, yes. Three-finger (lobster-style) gloves like the DynamicNord GL-70 provide better thermal insulation than five-finger gloves because your fingers are grouped together, sharing body heat, similar to a mitten but with a separate index finger for dexterity.
What is the purpose of the Fourth Element Hydro-T?
The Hydro-T is a multi-use rashguard designed for both in-water protection (snorkelling, surfing) and out-of-water activities (running, yoga). It is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and provides UPF sun protection.
How does the Daniamant AQ-4 MKII strobe activate?
The AQ-4 MKII features automatic activation, meaning it turns on without the need for manual switches, making it an essential safety tool in emergency or low-light situations. It is rated to a depth of 500m.
This article was originally published in Scuba Diver Magazine
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I ordered the new Peregrine straps from Narked at 90, installed it today, and it will NOT work with the charging system plate. The plastic plate is too thick for the charger to make a connection with the dive computer.