Best Dive Gear 2025 - A Marine Biologist's Guide
Introduction
This comprehensive guide to the best dive gear is authored by Dr. Simon J Pierce, a world-renowned marine biologist and co-founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, where he leads the Global Whale Shark Program. As an award-winning underwater photographer with thousands of dives worldwide, Simon provides expert recommendations on diving equipment.
“As a marine biologist who dives for a living, I’m often asked what the best gear on the market is.”
Top 7 Best Dive Gear in 2025
- Shearwater Perdix 2 - Best Dive Computer
- Cressi Big Eyes Evolution - Best Dive Mask
- Mares Avanti Quattro Plus - Best Dive Fins
- Cressi Travelight - Best Dive BCD
- APEKS XTX50 Dive Regulator - Best Dive Regs
- Ocean Reef Neptune Space G - Best Full-Face Dive Mask
- Waterlust - Best Dive Base Layer
Featured Equipment Reviews
Best Dive Computer: Shearwater Perdix 2
The Shearwater Perdix 2 is selected as the top dive computer for 2025. This upgraded version of the legendary Perdix AI combines features valued by both recreational and technical divers.
“The Perdix 2 is available in either Black or Silver (i.e. natural titanium), with the optional Shearwater Swift air integration transmitter, sold separately.”
Additional Reviews Available: Full Perdix Review and Top Picks
Best Dive Mask: Cressi Big Eyes Evolution
The Big Eyes Evolution offers premium features at a mid-range price point, extensively tested across diverse diving locations.
“The Big Eyes Evolution is a top-end choice at a mid-range price, and we’ve tested it extensively across the world.”
Features:
- Comfortable fit for most face shapes
- Excellent field of vision
- Wide availability and proven reliability
Cressi Big Eyes Evolution on Amazon
Additional Reviews Available: Full Big Eyes Review
Best Dive Fins: Mares Avanti Quattro Plus
A high-performance channel fin designed for all fin-kick styles, favored by marine professionals.
“The Mares Avanti Quattro Plus is a high-performance and powerful channel fin that works for all fin-kick styles.”
Why Professionals Choose It: Simple, durable design that withstands years of professional diving abuse
Mares Avanti Quattro Plus on Amazon
Additional Reviews Available: Full Avanti Quattro Plus Review
Best BCD: Cressi Travelight
Simon personally owns and has logged approximately 1000 dives in this BCD.
“I bought the Cressi Travelight myself, and have subsequently racked up about 1000 dives in this BCD.”
Key Advantages:
- Lightweight for travel purposes
- Comfortable with integrated weights without a wetsuit
- Durable in cold water conditions
- Feature-rich for the price point
Additional Reviews Available: Full Travelight Review
Best Regulators: APEKS XTX50
The recommended choice for serious divers prioritizing performance and durability.
“The Apeks XTX50 is the go-to choice for serious divers who focus on performance and durability.”
Professional Endorsement: Used professionally by Simon for years; noted for aesthetic appeal and reliability
Additional Reviews Available: Full APEKS Review
Best Full-Face Dive Mask: Ocean Reef Neptune Space G
The base model offers excellent adaptability with customization options.
Features:
- Available in two sizes and four colors
- Modular add-on system for customization
Popular Add-ons:
Additional Reviews Available: Full Ocean Reef Review
Best Dive Base Layer: Waterlust Whale Shark Collection
An eco-conscious ocean apparel brand creating sustainable gear from recycled plastic bottles.
Product Range:
- Rashguards
- Boardshorts
- Leggings
- Sunsuits
- Additional accessories
Charitable Component: 10% of profits from the whale shark collection support the Marine Megafauna Foundation’s global whale shark conservation initiatives.
Waterlust Whale Shark Collection
Credibility and Expertise
About Dr. Simon J Pierce
Simon’s credentials include:
- Co-founder and Principal Scientist at Marine Megafauna Foundation
- Leader of the global whale shark research and conservation program
- World-renowned underwater photographer
- Extensive media coverage in BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, New York Times
- One photograph selected as a personal favorite of Sir David Attenborough (BBC’s Blue Planet II)
- Image featured on global PADI scuba diving certification cards
About Madeleine
Madeleine is an experienced recreational scuba diver and freediver with decade-long testing experience across global diving locations, including Misool, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Australia. She specializes in minimalist travel gear selection.
Research Methodology
The guide’s recommendations result from:
- Personal professional diving experience
- YouTube reviews and product explainers (100+)
- Consultation with dive gear retailers in Australia and Indonesia
- Interviews with marine biologists, dive guides, instructors, and operators
- Feedback from underwater filmmakers
- Discussions with numerous recreational and professional divers
- Thousands of online reviews across experience levels
- Community input from Simon’s 30,000+ Facebook followers
Additional Resources
Related Guides
- Best Dive BCDs for 2025
- Best Dive Computers for 2025
- Best Dive Regulators for 2025
- Shearwater Dive Computers Compared
- Best Dive Masks for 2025
- Best Dive Fins for 2025
- Best Full-Face Dive Masks for 2025
Snorkel Gear Guides
- Best Snorkel Gear 2025
- Best Snorkel Masks
- Best Snorkel Fins
- Best Kids Snorkel Sets
- Best Full-Face Snorkel Masks
- Best Prescription Snorkel Masks
Explore More
Footer Links
Website Design: Madeleine Pierce
Social Media:
Original article: https://www.naturetripper.com/best-dive-gear