The Ultimate Diver Gift Guide - For the New Diver
Katie Murphy Dec 18, 2020
Somehow, Christmas is only a week away. If anyone can explain to me how that’s possible, I’m all ears.
All those aggressive emails you’ve been getting the last week or so re: last-minute gifts weren’t kidding – shipping times are majorly delayed this year, so "last-minute" is not an overstatement. There are things I wanted to order over a full week ago that had "ARRIVES AFTER CHRISTMAS" warnings all over the checkout page. Realistically we all should have been aware of this, seeing how it's been that way most of the year, but procrastination is a heck of a drug, Christmas somehow always seems to sneak up on us, and, well, here we are.
Lucky for you and the divers in your life, it's not too late to get the sweet, sweet picks in this, The Ultimate Diver Gift Guide. As of writing, we have every one of these items available to purchase and pick up before Christmas. If you're not big on going into stores at the moment, just give us a call or order online and we can arrange a pickup system that works for you. Easy peasy. You’re welcome.
Without any further ado, these are a few of our favorite things…
Dive Computers
Dive Computers are how we control our dive time underwater, allowing a diver to extend their bottom time and maintain a safe dive profile without having to rely on dive tables and their own personal math skills – or lackthereof. Today they're more accessible than ever, with many priced less than a compact camera. Because it's one of the first gear purchases a new diver should make, it makes an ideal gift for those new to the sport.
Instructor's Pick:
Capable, easy to use and affordable, the Genesis Centauri is ScubaLab's 2020 Best Buy for dive computers. It features user-friendly menu navigation, a rechargeable battery, a clearly marked display with glowing illumination, and both audible and vibration ascent rate alarms.
The Genesis Centauri provides an outstanding value with all the features a new diver needs, including five different modes: Scuba (air), Scuba (nitrox), Gauge, Freedive, and Watch. It's also nitrox compatible, highly customizable, and can transfer data to your smart phone via Bluetooth. For the price, it's hard to beat the Centauri.
Genesis Centauri Wrist Computer - $299.95
Abby's Pick:
The Scubapro Aladin A1 Wrist Computer is a versatile and intuitive entry-level dive computer, perfect for new divers. It has full time-keeping functions, three Dive modes (Scuba, Gauge, Apnea) and a Sport mode with a swim stroke counter and stopwatch – essentially a wristwatch/dive computer/Fitbit that's lightweight, comfortable and stylish enough to be worn in or out of the water. And, like the Centauri, it'll download your dives to your smartphone or laptop hassle-free via Bluetooth.
Standout feature: Microbubble levels to let you fine-tune the algorithm’s calculations by adjusting the level of conservatism to match your experience level, age and physical conditioning.
Scubapro Aladin A1 Wrist Computer - $499.95
Marshall's Pick:
The Sherwood Wisdom 4 Air Integrated Console is a piece of cake to operate with its simple, logical menu and large characters, but it's still jam-packed with features. Bluetooth enabled to easily manage dive information? Check. Audible and visual alarms in case you get distracted by the amazing view? Got 'em. Air, Nitrox, and Gauge modes? You bet.
Other features include a deep stop reminder (safety stop at half the depth in dives exceeding 80 feet), decompression warnings and calculations, repetitive dive planning, simulated dives, and automatic altitude adjustment up to 14,000 feet. For the discerning new diver who wants a reliable, accessible console computer, the Wisdom 4 is the obvious choice.
Sherwood Wisdom 4 Air Integrated Console - $750
Alan's Pick:
The Shearwater Teric Wrist Computer is the standard against all other dive computers on the market, featuring intuitive controls and menu navigation along with a bright, vivid colour display. For added convenience, it supports wireless charging and can download your dive logs to the free Shearwater Cloud app via Bluetooth.
The Teric is packed with features, easy to use, and will take you from open water certification all the way through serious technical diving. If you know a new diver who's in love with the sport and can't wait to get tech certified, this computer will get you the most bang for your buck. Bonus: it's small and sleek enough to wear as a mega-classy wristwatch between dive trips.
Shearwater Teric Wrist Computer - $1,095
- $350 to add air integrated module
Regulators
Regulators are the high performance engines of our dive equipment, the primary life support that enables us to explore the deep. Every breath you take underwater comes through your regulator, so even new divers will want to invest in a quality, reliable model that will breathe easily and last as long as possible.
Instructor’s Pick:
The Sherwood SR2 was ScubaLab’s 2019 Best Buy for its remarkably consistent breathing effort and smooth performance. Its super compact and lightweight design makes it comfortable to use, and it breathes easily in any diving position. A solid, affordable choice for any new diver.
Sherwood SR2 Regulator - $549
Add SR2 Octo - $199.95
Marshall’s Pick:
Compact, reliable and cost-effective, the Seac DX200 is a high-performance regulator at a mid-range price. Marshall has personally been diving this regulator for two years now and can’t recommend it enough for its effortless breathing. For new divers who want a regulator that’s a step above its competition, you can’t go wrong with the DX200.
Seac DX200 Regulator - $609
Add Seac x100 Octo - $90*
*In store or over phone only. Not available for online purchases.
Abby’s Pick:
The Scubapro MK17 EVO/G260 is legendary among Scubapro enthusiasts for its top breathing performance and toughness. If you’re looking for a regulator that will last you twenty years of diving, the MK17 EVO is the way to go. It’s also excellent for cold water or harsh conditions, making it an especially great longterm option for new divers with an eye towards technical diving.
Scubapro MK17 EVO/G260 Regulator - $699.95
Alan’s Pick:
The MK19 EVO/D420 is the top new breathing machine from Scubapro, created with the latest advances in breathing performance technology. The MK19 EVO was designed for the best breathing performance with a natural smoothness, comparable to what you might experience breathing on the surface. Like the MK17 EVO, the MK19 is well-suited to cold water or harsh conditions, so future tech divers take note: this regulator is one of the best in the business.
Scubapro MK19 EVO/D420 Regulator - $979
BCDs
BCD – or Buoyancy Control Devices – allow divers to maintain neutral buoyancy throughout their dives and provide flotation on the surface. When a diver’s buoyancy is properly adjusted, it’s just like floating in space! It’s important to find a reliable BCD that fits you well and is comfortable to wear, especially for new divers who are still mastering their buoyancy control.
Instructor’s Pick:
The Scubapro Litehawk is the ultimate back-flotation travel BCD. Its lightweight, ultra-slimmed-down design and flexible backpack lays flat and compact for easy packing. The belt-style waist strap with nylon buckle can be cinched up snug, and quick-release rotating shoulder buckles let you route the straps under your arms for a custom fit that’s also stable at depth. The Litehawk also carries no inherent buoyancy, so only minimal ballast weight is required. For simplicity, versatility, and travel capability, the Litehawk is a great, affordable choice for any new diver.
Scubapro Litehawk BCD - $475
Abby’s Pick:
Built for women, the Sherwood Luna BCD’s air cell, shoulders and depth-compensating cummerbund are cut to conform to female curves, and the power inflator is compact to fit perfectly into a female hand. The wrap-around air cell also creates a snug and secure feel, both underwater and while floating at the surface. Sherwood’s unique Halfpac tank backpack – which combines the versatility of a softpack with the stability of a hardpack – holds the tank solidly, contributing to its excellent stability at depth. Bonus: the Luna comes in Tiffany and Magenta trim, so your new diver can look extra stylish as she aces her buoyancy control.
Sherwood Luna BCD - $499.95
Alan’s Pick:
The Dive Rite TransPlate is a hybrid harness and backplate system designed for divers who want the support of a backpack-style harness for better weight-load distribution, yet wish to dive a hard metal backplate. Useable for both recreational and technical diving, the TransPlate is designed like a mountaineer's backpack to disperse weight across the hips and back, minimizing shoulder strain. The modular design allows for customization with a wide variety of pockets and accessories to build your perfect tec-rec BCD.
Dive Rite TransPlate Package - $699
Marshall’s Pick:
The incomparable Scubapro Hydros Pro BCD is perfect for all recreational divers. Built along the same lines as a backplate and wing system, this BC is modular in design to allow accessory additions to suit your diving needs. Best yet, it is the MOST stable recreational dive BCD that we have ever found – which is why we all dive the Hydros Pro. We can’t recommend this BC enough for anyone and everyone who loves to dive. It’s just that good.
Scubapro Hydros Pro BCD - $999
Accessories
We can’t forget accessories! There’s more to diving than just your basic gear, after all. Whether it’s keeping you safe, keeping you comfortable, keeping you stylish, or all of the above, dive accessories make excellent gifts.
Instructor’s Pick:
Everyone needs an SMB (Surface Marker Buoy), but not just anyone is cool enough to rock our Shark SMB. Any new diver will be the envy of their dive buddies with our new shark safety sausage, standing six feet tall with three ways to inflate and a dump valve for easy stowing. A shop favorite!
Shark SMB - $59.95
Abby’s Pick:
The OMS Mesh Bag in Pink is roomy, durable, and – perhaps most importantly – super cute. With plenty of space for gear and quick-draining mesh panels, this is the perfect bag for your pretty-in-pink new diver.
OMS Mesh Bag in Pink - $65
Marshall’s Pick:
The multifunctional XS Scuba Fog Cutter Recon Steel Blunt Tip Dive Knife is used by Special Ops teams and First Responders around the world. It functions as both a knife and scissors so you can carry less gear, and you can’t beat the quality for the price. Check it out on our roundtable next time you’re in the shop!
XS Scuba Fog Cutter Recon Steel Blunt Tip Dive Knife - $94.95
Alan’s Pick:
The Terrapin Spinner Hardshell Travel Bag is the best of both worlds – a hard case that will protect your gear, yet still light enough to travel with at just over ten pounds. It’s got four 360-degree rotating wheels to make navigating airports a breeze, and it’s big enough to hold an entire set of warm- or even cold-water equipment. A little peace of mind and a lot less hassle can go a long way on any vacation.
Terrapin Spinner Hardshell Travel Bag - $210
Best New Accessory for 2020:
The SeaLife SportDiver underwater housing is the perfect gift for any diver and works with all iPhone models 7 up through the latest iPhone 12 Pro Max, running iOS 13 or higher. The free SportDiver app captures photos and video directly to your iPhone’s camera roll and allows you to control advanced camera settings, as if you were using a sophisticated underwater camera. The SportDiver offers fast and easy playback, and the clear back of the housing has a full unobstructed view of your screen and underwater environment. Check out our full review here!
SeaLife SportDiver iPhone Housing - $299.95
