Equipment
Below you will find some useful advice on all things diving, predominately equipment. This is not an exhaustive list, nor is it aimed at the professional or technical diver. It is, however, definitely relevant to the holiday maker who wants to dive and is a result of a great deal of ‘hands on’ experience. For an efficient and pain free internet based service, we can really recommend Simply Scuba for most of your equipment needs.
Masks
If there is one piece of gear we would always
recommend you take with you, especially given the conveniently small
size, it is your own mask. These are incredibly personal items, and
though the dive gear is excellent at all the recommended resorts, a
common theme is just adequate masks, especially as progress is made
every year in bettering this vital piece of equipment. It’s simple,
the entire point of diving is to see things as best you can-that means
you want the best possible mask. We particularly liked Cressi
Matrix and Penta and of course Atomic Aquatics ’s recent
entry into the marketplace. If any of their other gear is a guide then
this should be the one to go for again, and we will be trying it shortly
to confirm its potential - see updates. When buying, always order (and travel with)
a spare strap, as all masks tend to be different and inevitably the
straps seem to choose the most inappropriate moment to let go.
Defoggers
Nothing ruins a dive like a mask that fogs. Not
only can it ruin your visibility, but
as a novice diver can prove deeply disturbing as your vision drops
to zero. Consequently this crucial piece of equipment deserves your
attention. All new masks need a one time preparation to remove a chemical
that leaks onto the glass when the silicon is released from the mould.
Toothpaste works provided you rinse it very well, but a more effective
solution is to use a preparation specifically prepared for this purpose.
500 psi Mask Scrub or Aquaseal
Sea Buff
are two proprietary products. Once thus prepared, then you will need
to ensure to get your mask ready before each dive. Most divers use
their own saliva, but if you want a more guaranteed, hygienic and longer
lasting solution, then products such as Aquaseal Sea Gold,
Absolutely Clear,
and 500 psi came top in recent Scuba
Diving magazine review. Although not so highly rated but more widely
available, we have always found Aquaseal Sea drops more than adequate,
albeit only good for one or possibly two dives, whilst the aforementioned
preparations can last longer.
Full foot fins versus booties
This can be a contentious issue, but having done
considerable research we have concluded that a good pair of lightweight
full foot fins such as the Caribe X
are not only as efficient as those that require booties, but much lighter
for travel and less likely to give you cramp. We have tried both, and
yet again our favourites just happen to be made by Atomic Aquatics ,
an excellent full foot split fin. We used the inexpensive Caribes
during the making of this book, accompanying us around the world and
they were never to be found lacking even in the strong currents of
Komodo and the Galapagos. In short, unless you are either a cold water
or beach diver, don’t bother with all the additional hassle and
weight of booties and open heel fins; you may look less ‘hardcore’ but
full foots are easier to put on and off, lighter, as efficient and
more practical for snorkelling.