Professional dive gear on a workbench

THE VAULT

Tested in the Deep.
Trusted by the Crew.

Every piece of gear here has been taken into caves, wrecks, and open ocean. We don't recommend what we don't use.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2

INSTA360

Insta360 Ace Pro 2

"Still the best underwater action camera. Period."

WHY WE USE IT

Flip screen, incredible low-light performance, and a housing that actually works at depth. We've tested it against the GoPro and DJI — this wins every time for underwater clarity and color accuracy.

WHO IT'S FOR

The serious diver who needs reliable action footage without babysitting the camera.

Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens

BACKSCATTER

Backscatter Sharp Wide Lens

"The wide-angle lens that changed our underwater footage forever."

WHY WE USE IT

Crystal-clear edge-to-edge sharpness with zero distortion. It turns any action camera into a professional underwater imaging tool. We use it on every single dive for wide shots of wrecks, caves, and marine life.

WHO IT'S FOR

Any diver shooting with a GoPro or action camera who wants dramatically better wide-angle footage.

Backscatter Octo 3500 Bundle

BACKSCATTER

Backscatter Octo 3500 Bundle

"The video light that makes caves and wrecks look like a film set."

WHY WE USE IT

3500 lumens of perfectly even, color-accurate light. The wide beam angle fills entire cavern passages. Battery life is outstanding and the build quality is bomb-proof. It's the light we trust in zero-visibility conditions.

WHO IT'S FOR

Underwater videographers and cave divers who need reliable, high-output lighting.

Insta360 X5

INSTA360

Insta360 X5

"The best 360 camera we've ever taken underwater."

WHY WE USE IT

The invisible dive case and 8K 360 capture means we get shots that were impossible two years ago. It's our primary content camera for every hunt and exploration dive. The AI editing tools cut our post-production time in half.

WHO IT'S FOR

The underwater filmmaker who wants immersive, cinematic footage without a camera crew.

DJI Osmo Action 6

DJI

DJI Osmo Action 6

"DJI's best action camera yet — and it's waterproof out of the box."

WHY WE USE IT

Excellent stabilization, great color science, and a magnetic quick-mount system that makes swapping between setups effortless. We use it as our reliable backup camera and for topside content between dives.

WHO IT'S FOR

Divers who want a versatile action camera that performs above and below the waterline.

DiveVolk SeaTouch 4 Max+

DIVEVOLK

DiveVolk SeaTouch 4 Max+

"Turn your iPhone into a legitimate underwater camera."

WHY WE USE IT

Sometimes you don't want to rig up the full camera setup. The SeaTouch lets us use our phones for quick shots, social content, and backup footage. The touch screen actually works underwater.

WHO IT'S FOR

The recreational diver who wants great photos without investing in a dedicated camera system.

Insta360 Dive Buddy

INSTA360

Insta360 Dive Buddy

"Hands-free 360 filming that follows you through the dive."

WHY WE USE IT

Mount it and forget it. The Dive Buddy gives us a third-person perspective that makes our content feel like a documentary, not a GoPro vlog. It changed how we film entirely.

WHO IT'S FOR

Content creators who dive solo or want cinematic angles without a camera operator.

Ocean Reef Neptune 3 FFM

OCEAN REEF

Ocean Reef Neptune 3 FFM

"Full-face communication that actually works at depth."

WHY WE USE IT

Integrated comms, full-face protection, and the ability to talk to Gunner underwater. On cave dives and hunts, communication isn't optional — it's survival. This mask made us safer divers.

WHO IT'S FOR

Dive teams, instructors, and anyone who needs reliable underwater communication.

Garmin Descent X50i

GARMIN

Garmin Descent X50i

"The dive computer that does everything — and looks good doing it."

WHY WE USE IT

Full-color map display, air integration, and surface GPS in one wrist unit. We use it on every dive for real-time data and post-dive analysis. The build quality is tank-grade.

WHO IT'S FOR

The technical diver who wants maximum data without carrying multiple devices.

Garmin Descent MK3i

GARMIN

Garmin Descent MK3i

"A dive computer that doubles as a daily smartwatch — and does both well."

WHY WE USE IT

SubWave sonar air integration, multi-gas support, and it looks clean enough to wear every day. The AMOLED display is readable even in low-vis conditions. We run this as our backup computer on every technical dive.

WHO IT'S FOR

The diver who wants a premium wrist computer that transitions seamlessly from the ocean to everyday life.

Shearwater Peregrine TX

SHEARWATER

Shearwater Peregrine TX

"The Shearwater that finally made air integration affordable."

WHY WE USE IT

Bright, full-color display with wireless air integration at a price point that doesn't require a second mortgage. The interface is intuitive and the algorithms are trusted by tech divers worldwide. Shearwater reliability in a rec-friendly package.

WHO IT'S FOR

Recreational and advanced divers who want Shearwater quality with air integration without breaking the bank.

LEFEET P1 Scooter

LEFEET

LEFEET P1 Scooter

"The DPV that fits in your dive bag and still pulls like a beast."

WHY WE USE IT

Modular design, swappable batteries, and enough thrust to cover serious distance on a single charge. We use it for long wreck penetrations and covering ground on exploration dives. Compact enough to travel with.

WHO IT'S FOR

Divers who want DPV capability without the bulk and weight of traditional scooters.

XDEEP NX Zen BPW

XDEEP

XDEEP NX Zen BPW

"The backplate and wing that made us ditch jacket BCDs forever."

WHY WE USE IT

Perfect trim, minimal drag, and a harness system that feels like it was custom-fitted. The stainless steel backplate gives us the weight we need without extra lead. It's the foundation of our entire dive rig.

WHO IT'S FOR

Any diver ready to upgrade from a jacket BCD to a streamlined backplate and wing system.

Sherwood Luna

SHERWOOD

Sherwood Luna

"A regulator package that punches way above its price point."

WHY WE USE IT

Smooth breathing at depth, reliable cold-water performance, and a complete package that includes everything you need. We've tested it in caves, wrecks, and open ocean — it delivers every time without fuss.

WHO IT'S FOR

Divers looking for a dependable, full-featured regulator set without the premium price tag.

Sherwood Forge Fins

SHERWOOD

Sherwood Forge Fins

"Old-school rubber fins that outperform most modern designs."

WHY WE USE IT

Pure rubber construction means incredible thrust and durability. They handle frog kicks, flutter kicks, and helicopter turns with equal precision. No fancy materials — just proven performance that cave and wreck divers have trusted for decades.

WHO IT'S FOR

Technical divers and anyone who values propulsion efficiency and precise maneuvering over flashy designs.

Akona Quantum 3mm

AKONA

Akona Quantum 3mm

"The 3mm that stretches like a second skin and keeps you warm."

WHY WE USE IT

Quantum stretch neoprene gives you full range of motion without fighting the suit. Perfect for Florida springs and warm-water dives. Easy on, easy off, and it holds up dive after dive without losing its shape.

WHO IT'S FOR

Warm-water divers who want comfort and flexibility without sacrificing thermal protection.

SMACO HEAP 1 Compressor

SMACO

SMACO HEAP 1 Compressor

"Fill your own tanks anywhere — boat, beach, or backyard."

WHY WE USE IT

Portable, electric, and powerful enough to fill mini tanks in minutes. We use it to top off SMACO tanks between dives without hauling them to a shop. It's the freedom to dive on your own schedule.

WHO IT'S FOR

Divers running mini tank setups who want complete independence from dive shops for fills.

SMACO .5L Mini Tank

SMACO

SMACO .5L Mini Tank

"The pocket-sized emergency backup that fits anywhere."

WHY WE USE IT

Ultra-compact and lightweight — we clip it to our rig as a last-resort bailout. It gives you enough air to make a controlled ascent if something goes wrong. Peace of mind that weighs almost nothing.

WHO IT'S FOR

Any diver who wants a compact emergency air source or a quick-dip tank for shallow water exploration.

SMACO 1L Mini Tank

SMACO

SMACO 1L Mini Tank

"The sweet spot between portability and actual dive time."

WHY WE USE IT

Enough air for 15-20 minutes of shallow diving. We use it for quick underwater inspections, boat hull checks, and as a reliable pony bottle. Pairs perfectly with the HEAP 1 compressor for unlimited refills.

WHO IT'S FOR

Snorkelers stepping into scuba, boat owners, and divers who want a grab-and-go underwater breathing setup.

SMACO 2L Mini Tank

SMACO

SMACO 2L Mini Tank

"The biggest mini tank — real dive time in a portable package."

WHY WE USE IT

Up to 25-30 minutes of air at shallow depths. This is the one we grab when we actually want to explore, not just dip in and out. Double tank configuration gives you serious bottom time for a mini setup.

WHO IT'S FOR

Divers who want meaningful dive time from a portable system without committing to a full scuba rig.

XS Scuba Hoses

XS SCUBA

XS Scuba Hoses

"Flexible, lightweight hoses that make your rig feel streamlined."

WHY WE USE IT

Miflex braided hoses are lighter and more flexible than standard rubber. They route cleaner on a backplate and wing setup and reduce drag. We replaced every hose on our rigs with XS Scuba and never looked back.

WHO IT'S FOR

Any diver upgrading their hose routing for better streamlining, comfort, and reduced weight.

Dive Rite XT2 Regulator

DIVE RITE

Dive Rite XT2 Regulator

"A tech-grade regulator that breathes like butter at any depth."

WHY WE USE IT

Environmentally sealed, DIN/yoke convertible, and built for cold water and overhead environments. The XT2 second stage delivers effortless breathing even at depth. It's the regulator we trust when the dive gets serious.

WHO IT'S FOR

Technical and advanced recreational divers who need a bombproof regulator for demanding conditions.

OrcaTorch ZD 710 Mk2

ORCATORCH

OrcaTorch ZD 710 Mk2

"The zoomable dive light that goes from flood to spot in a twist."

WHY WE USE IT

2-in-1 adjustable beam — wide flood for scanning caves and tight spotlight for signaling and detail work. 3000 lumens, rechargeable, and built like a tank. It's the primary handheld light on every dive we do.

WHO IT'S FOR

Any diver who wants one light that handles every situation — from wide-area illumination to pinpoint focus.

MiniFocus Dive Tray

MINIFOCUS

MiniFocus Dive Tray

"The underwater camera tray that keeps your rig stable and your lights positioned."

WHY WE USE IT

Dual-handle grip with ball mount arms for lights and accessories. It turns a handheld camera into a proper underwater rig. Aluminum construction means it won't corrode, and the ergonomic handles reduce fatigue on long dives.

WHO IT'S FOR

Underwater photographers and videographers who want stable, professional-looking footage with proper light positioning.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

DJI

DJI Osmo Pocket 3

"The pocket-sized gimbal camera that shoots like a full rig."

WHY WE USE IT

1-inch sensor, 4K/120fps, and a rotating touchscreen in something that fits in your pocket. We use it for topside content, vlogs, and B-roll between dives. The 3-axis gimbal stabilization is buttery smooth.

WHO IT'S FOR

Content creators who want cinematic handheld footage without carrying a full camera setup.

DJI Osmo Nano

DJI

DJI Osmo Nano

"The smallest wearable camera that still delivers serious quality."

WHY WE USE IT

Clip it to your mask strap, BCD, or hat and forget about it. 4K capture in a body smaller than your thumb. We use it for POV angles and behind-the-scenes content that our bigger cameras can't capture.

WHO IT'S FOR

Divers and adventurers who want hands-free POV footage without the bulk of a traditional action camera.

Sony ZV-E1

SONY

Sony ZV-E1

"The full-frame vlogging camera that changed our studio game."

WHY WE USE IT

Full-frame sensor, incredible autofocus, and built-in cinematic looks. It's our A-camera for studio content, interviews, and product reviews. The low-light performance means we can shoot anywhere without a massive lighting rig.

WHO IT'S FOR

Content creators who want full-frame quality in a compact, vlog-friendly body.

Sony ECM-M1

SONY

Sony ECM-M1

"The shotgun mic that captures clean audio in any environment."

WHY WE USE IT

Eight recording modes from super-directional to omni. It mounts directly on the ZV-E1 hot shoe and delivers studio-quality audio without external recorders. Digital signal processing keeps noise floor incredibly low.

WHO IT'S FOR

YouTubers and filmmakers who need versatile, high-quality on-camera audio.

Elgato Key Light

ELGATO

Elgato Key Light

"Professional studio lighting controlled from your phone."

WHY WE USE IT

2800 lumens of edge-to-edge, flicker-free light with adjustable color temperature. Wi-Fi control means we dial in the perfect look from our desk. Two of these replaced a whole lighting kit.

WHO IT'S FOR

Streamers, YouTubers, and anyone who wants professional key lighting without the complexity.

Elgato Wave 3

ELGATO

Elgato Wave 3

"The USB mic that sounds like it costs three times the price."

WHY WE USE IT

Clipguard technology means we never clip audio, even when we get excited about a find. The condenser capsule captures rich, detailed voice. Plug and play with zero setup — just sounds great out of the box.

WHO IT'S FOR

Podcasters, streamers, and content creators who want broadcast-quality audio from a USB mic.

DJI Mic Mini

DJI

DJI Mic Mini

"Wireless audio that clips on and just works."

WHY WE USE IT

Dual-channel wireless with a charging case smaller than a credit card holder. We use it for on-location interviews, boat content, and any time we need clean audio away from the studio. 300m range and 5.5 hours of battery.

WHO IT'S FOR

Mobile content creators who need reliable wireless audio in a tiny, travel-friendly package.

Haworth Fern Chair

HAWORTH

Haworth Fern Chair

"The chair that makes 12-hour edit sessions survivable."

WHY WE USE IT

Ergonomic lumbar support that actually adapts to how you sit. After long dive days, the last thing you want is a chair that makes your back worse. The Fern keeps us comfortable through marathon editing sessions.

WHO IT'S FOR

Anyone who spends serious hours at a desk editing, streaming, or working.

XREAL One Glasses

XREAL

XREAL One Glasses

"A 120-inch screen that fits in your sunglasses case."

WHY WE USE IT

We use these to review dive footage on the boat, watch edits on flights, and as a second monitor when traveling. The AR display is sharp and the 3DoF tracking keeps the screen locked in space.

WHO IT'S FOR

Travelers, mobile editors, and anyone who wants a massive display experience without carrying a monitor.

DJI Air 3S

DJI

DJI Air 3S

"The drone that captures our dive sites from above."

WHY WE USE IT

Dual-camera system with a 1-inch wide and medium tele lens. We fly it over every dive site for aerial establishing shots. Obstacle sensing in all directions means we can fly confidently even in tight spots near cliffs and boats.

WHO IT'S FOR

Content creators and adventurers who want cinematic aerial footage with intelligent flight modes.

AKONA Globetrotter Backpack

AKONA

AKONA Globetrotter Backpack

"The carry-on that fits your entire dive kit."

WHY WE USE IT

Carry-on compliant with enough room for a full set of dive gear minus the tank. Padded compartments protect cameras and computers. We've taken it on 50+ flights and it still looks brand new.

WHO IT'S FOR

Traveling divers who want to keep their gear close and avoid checked bag fees.

AKONA Roller

AKONA

AKONA Roller

"Roll your dive gear through any airport without breaking a sweat."

WHY WE USE IT

Heavy-duty wheels, reinforced bottom, and enough space for wetsuits, BCDs, and regulators. The retractable handle and multiple grab points make it easy to maneuver. It's our go-to checked bag for dive trips.

WHO IT'S FOR

Divers who travel frequently and need a durable roller bag purpose-built for dive equipment.

Samsonite Centric 24"

SAMSONITE

Samsonite Centric 24"

"The hardside suitcase that protects your gear like a vault."

WHY WE USE IT

Polycarbonate shell absorbs impacts without cracking. Spinner wheels glide through airports. We pack our studio gear and overflow dive equipment in this — it takes a beating and keeps everything safe.

WHO IT'S FOR

Travelers who want reliable, hard-shell luggage that can handle the rough treatment of airline baggage handlers.

Milwaukee Packout

MILWAUKEE

Milwaukee Packout

"The modular toolbox system we use for dive gear organization."

WHY WE USE IT

IP65 rated, impact resistant, and the modular stacking system keeps everything organized. We use it for regulator storage, camera gear, and small parts. It locks together for transport and separates on site.

WHO IT'S FOR

Gear-heavy divers and content creators who need rugged, organized storage that can handle any environment.

XCMAN EVA Goggle Case

XCMAN

XCMAN EVA Goggle Case

"The rigid case that keeps your dive mask safe in transit."

WHY WE USE IT

We repurpose this ski goggle case for dive masks — the rigid EVA shell prevents crushing and the soft interior protects lenses. Clips to the outside of any bag. Cheap insurance for an expensive mask.

WHO IT'S FOR

Any diver who's tired of finding their mask scratched or crushed after traveling.

GEAR IN ACTION

See It Before You Buy It

We don't just list specs. We take every piece of gear into the water and show you exactly how it performs — the good, the bad, and the things the manufacturer won't tell you.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We only recommend gear we personally use and trust. Purchases through these links help support Generations Below and the NextGen Divers Foundation.