10 Best Scuba Gear Packages in 2018

Anyone who has ever gone scuba diving knows that the first time will not be their last. Once you get a glimpse of the impressive underwater world you will want to keep going back for more. There is a lot of equipment that you will need to be able to dive. Buying gear individually may seem like a daunting task so why not opt for the best scuba gear package? This will give you everything you need to jump in the water.

Buying a complete package will give you peace of mind that you have the best scuba equipment for your next trip underwater. These packages are popular so we made a list of our 10 favorite packages.

Scuba Gear Package Reviews

How To Choose A Scuba Gear Package – Buying Guide

Most scuba gear packages come equipped with the same equipment to ensure you get the most from your dive.

Buoyancy Control Device

This is where the bulk of the expense is. Having a good BCD will ensure you can move effortlessly in the water whether you are standing on the ocean floor, floating at the surface, or swimming mid ocean. This is called maintaining neutral buoyancy and is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable dive.

This is also the area which you attach your tank to. The most important feature to look for is to ensure that the fit is proper. You will want a snug fit that doesn’t squeeze you too tight when fully inflated.

Octopus

The octopus is the part of your gear that will connect you to the air in your tank. This is done by a mouthpiece that sits along your teeth. It is an important part of your gear that should not be overlooked.

Regulator

A regulator converts the highly pressurized gasses in your tank to breathable oxygen. Even inexpensive options will provide an excellent flow of air. More expensive ones will give more features and advantages. They can increase the depth you are able to achieve and can be compatible with different mixes of gases.

Computer

This can be either a wrist watch or an external device. Not all scuba gear packages come with this but it should be seen as an important key incentive when looking into scuba packages. It is important to find one that is easily legible and easy to use.

What Is Scuba Gear?

Whether you are new to scuba diving or an expert, having your own dive gear is important. But what is scuba gear? Well, it’s everything you wear that allows you to dive below the water’s surface in order to see all the beautiful life swarming in the underwater world. This dive gear is important as it will be your lifeline when you’re in the water.

The most important thing is the air a scuba tank provides so you can breathe while exploring the ocean floor. You will also need a regulator which will move the air between your tank and your mouth. A quality scuba mask is also used to help you clearly see all the beauty you will be surrounded with.

You will also need fins made for scuba diving to help you propel through the water easily and efficiently. Most divers wear a wetsuit, or in very cold conditions a drysuit, when scuba diving. The water temperature you are diving in will determine the thickness of the suit you choose.

It is important to remember that the dive gear you choose means nothing if it does not fit properly and is properly maintained. Be sure to always read reviews and check the fitting of the scuba dive gear you buy. It is also important to maintain your scuba diving gear with proper cleanings, storage and inspections.

Where Do I Use Scuba Gear?

This answer is simple: anywhere and everywhere! Well, we don’t recommend you wear it for sport when above water. Whether you are exploring underwater shipwrecks, taking a scuba vacation to see the best underwater cities in the world, or simply heading out to a local dive you will want to bring your own scuba dive gear along. The type of scuba diving gear you choose to use for each dive will depend mostly on the location. Warmer climates generally require less dive gear that colder climates.

Your core dive gear will be largely the same as your personal scuba dive gear being what changes. Commonly we refer to diving conditions into separate categories that each require a different set of gear:

1. Tropical Scuba Gear: In climates with water 75ºF (24ºC) or warmer you can enjoy less bulk by streamlining your gear. This includes a thin wetsuit or no suit at all.
2. Temperate Scuba Gear: When diving in water closer between 60 – 75ºF (15 – 24ºC) you will want some more protection. You will likely not need a thick wetsuit but one that varies depending on temperature. Having a suit around 3-5mm is ideal for these temperate environments.
3. Cold Water Scuba Gear: In water cooler than 60ºF (15ºC) you will want the most protection while in the water. Keeping warm isn’t just for safety but will also make it so that you go through your air much slower. Depending on how cold your climate is, a wetsuit may not do it. You may need to opt for a drysuit, gloves and even a scuba diving hood.

What Type Of Technical Scuba Equipment Should I Use?

For those who take their dives past recreational levels, you will be looking at technical diving (tec diving). You require more advanced training for this type of diving as well as a greater amount of experience so it only makes sense that you would require some additional equipment. For starters, tec divers use more tanks than recreational divers do. Instead, typically they wear twin tanks plus one or more additional tanks containing a different gas blend. Some divers also use closed-circuit rebreathers (CCRs) for their air. In addition to this, tec divers have multiple regulators. Two or more regulators are typically used as well as other additional back up dive gear. Two or more dive computers are always worn as well to help track and record the dive.

All of this scuab diving gear is in addition to your regular scuba gear. Some other gear tec divers may use include the following:

1. Drysuit: While not always the case, most tec divers choose to dive with a drysuit over a wetsuit. This provides greater water protection and additional warmth. Wearing a drysuit requires a separate PADI certification as the air in the suit affects your buoyancy in the water.
2. Back up mask: This is carried in addition to the primary mask and is used in case of loss or damage to your primary mask. Some divers prefer a different primary mask to that used for recreational dives. While any mask will work, oftentimes tec divers prefer smaller masks that provide minimum resistance when in the water.
3. Fins: Due to the much bulkier dry suit that most tec divers turn to you will likely require bigger fins. Wearing water socks is needed when choosing a drysuit and will require an open-heel designed fin.
4. Wing type BCD and harness: Many people do not know that this type of BCD exists as it is only used for tec diving. More expensive in price this type of BCD has a lot of additional features. Equipped for a higher capacity this BCD has a backup gas bladder which helps provide additional buoyancy to a tec diver that has heavy gear. This is especially helpful in a case where the main BCD fails and is an important safety feature. This does not add bulk as it sits between the harness and cylinder.
5. Additional regulators: All primary regulators feature a hose that is used for sharing gas with a buddy in the event of an emergency. Tec divers bring a secondary regulator along with cases of emergency. These are crucial for any scuba diving trip. If you don’t have a set with two regulators do not get in the water.
6. Other equipment: Many divers bring along a string of extra equipment that works to make their dives much better. This includes a compass for underwater navigation, a backup dive table for ease of tracking, a slate and emergency signaling devices. It is also a good idea to bring along a Z-knife, sheers and a safety reel. A delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) is also wise to bring along as well as a lift bag.

Globo Surf Overview

Scuba diving gear packages are a great way to get everything you need for your dive in one convenient place. It can be daunting to buy all the different components you will need for your dive. Opting for a full scuba gear package will ensure all your dive gear works well together and will allow you to get the most from your buy.

Sources

1. Octopus, Live Science
2. Compressed Gases, OSHA

Did you invest in a scuba gear package? Let us know what features you enjoyed in your package in the comment section below.