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When selecting scuba diving gear, nothing beats feedback from people who spend hundreds of hours underwater. At Divers Direct, our crew members are not just retail staff - they are active divers, dive masters, instructors, and gear service technicians who spend their free time exploring the reefs, shipwrecks, and ledges of Florida and beyond.
Rather than compiling a generic catalog of best-selling products, this guide highlights the actual scuba equipment our team owns, dives with, and maintains. Because diving styles range from marine observation to technical exploration and spearfishing, our staff members rely on different equipment configurations to match their specific underwater needs. Here is a look at what four of our experienced divers use in the field and why these gear choices work.
Holding a degree in Marine Biology, Derek is an Advanced-certified diver with training across SDI, NAUI, and PADI. His background in marine ecosystems informs how he dives: he prioritizes gear stability, trim control, and equipment that keeps him balanced without fighting his position in the water.
For buoyancy control, Derek dives with the Aqualung Axiom BCD. The Axiom uses Aqualung’s proprietary Wrapture Harness System, which distributes cylinder weight directly to the hips and keeps the tank close to the body's natural center of gravity. This design eliminates cylinder slippage and allows a natural, horizontal swimming position. Derek benefits from the SureLock II integrated weight system for simple, single-pull weight release, as well as low-profile flat valves that reduce drag during long observation dives.
For his breathing system, Derek relies on the Zeagle F8 Regulator paired with the Zeagle F8 Scuba Octopus. The F8 features a balanced diaphragm first stage equipped with an environmentally dry-sealed ambient chamber. This design isolates delicate internal springs and seats from salt, sand, and particulate matter, significantly extending the life of internal components. Weighing just 2.6 pounds dry, the regulator stays low to the tank valve with direct side-port hose routing. The second stage and octopus utilize a seat-saving orifice that retracts when the system is unpressurized, preserving the silicone low-pressure seat during storage. The octopus also incorporates a zirconium-plated inlet tube and an enlarged heat sink, ensuring exceptional corrosion resistance and reliable airflow.
Based in Key Largo, Andy is an Advanced-certified diver who logs regular bottom time across local reefs and wreck sites.
Andy uses the Scubapro Hydros Pro BCD. The Hydros Pro features a harness constructed from injection-molded Monprene gel. Because it is completely fabric-free, it absorbs zero water, dries instantly on the boat ride back, and resists UV radiation and chemical breakdown.
Andy pairs his BCD with a Scubapro MK25 first stage and G250 second stage. The air-balanced flow-through piston of the MK25 provides immediate gas delivery regardless of tank pressure or depth, while the balanced second stage ensures effortless inhalation effort during strenuous swims.
On his feet, Andy uses the Cressi Gara Modular Sprint Full Foot Fins. Featuring a 29-degree angled thermoplastic elastomer blade, these fins provide efficient propulsion through full kick cycles without straining the ankles. The modular foot pocket can be completely disassembled from the blade for compact travel.
Andy finishes off his kit with the HammerHead MV3 Mask. This dual-lens mask features optical-grade amber lenses that filter blue light to increase depth perception and sharpen structure contrast on the reef. The low-volume frame and glare-reducing black silicone skirt block distracting side light while making mask clearing nearly effortless.
Emmanuel joined Divers Direct in 2018 with a background in ocean science and technical diving. He is an Equipment Service Technician, and SSI Dive Instructor and Instructor Trainer.
Emmanuel runs a Scubapro MK25 first stage with a G260 second stage. The MK25's swivel turret features five high-flow low-pressure ports, allowing for clean, custom hose routing on single or double cylinder configurations.
For extended bottom times and deep technical dives, Emmanuel uses a Hollis drysuit. The durable outer material and rugged construction provide reliable thermal protection and abrasion resistance during extended exposures.
Emmanuel relies on a fully integrated Shearwater computer setup:
Emmanuel completes his setup with the Scubapro Gorilla Frameless Mask. Designed for divers needing a wider skirt profile, the Gorilla delivers a broad single-lens field of view and a double-sealed silicone skirt. For propulsion, he uses Mares Avanti fins, which rely on flexible thrust channels to move heavy gear packages through high water resistance.
Ivan progressed from shallow freediving off the South Florida coast to earning his professional rating as a PADI Divemaster.
Ivan depends on the Zeagle Ranger Scuba BCD. Constructed from reinforced nylon, the Ranger features a 44-pound lift capacity bladder and modular sizing panels. The patented Ripcord weight system provides instant single-pull ditching capability, while rear trim pockets keep buoyancy centered over the hips.
Ivan runs the Aqualung Titan Regulator. The Titan’s balanced diaphragm first stage utilizes a polyurethane outer skin to shield the forged brass body from cosmetic and physical damage. He pairs his titan regulator with an Aqualung Airsource 2 Integrated Octo/Inflator (now on the Airsource 3 model), which is a great way to streamline your dive gear, since when you switch to an Airsource you're reducing the need for another Octopus and hose dangling from your tank.
Ivan tracks his dive profiles with the Aqualung i330R Dive Computer. Its sunlight-readable IPS color display clearly presents depth, remaining gas pressure, and decompression status using the Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm. A rechargeable lithium battery, Bluetooth 5.0 logging, and console-mounted submersible pressure gauge provide reliable data at a quick glance.
Ivan kicks with Mares Avanti Quattro Plus Open Heel Dive Fins. Built with a four-channel blade design, they flex during the kick stroke to funnel water backward for immediate thrust. The durable bungee heel straps make donning and doffing easy on rolling boat decks, even while wearing thick boots.
When you select your own scuba equipment, consider your primary dive environment, how often you travel, and the physical fit of masks, harnesses, and fins. To compare equipment in person or get personalized recommendations, visit one of our 5 stores to talk to our staff, or contact us at 1-800-DIVE-USA or experts@diversdirect.com to get help dialing in your gear before your next trip.
What scuba gear do Divers Direct employees use?
Divers Direct staff use a wide variety of equipment from major dive manufacturers. Specific setups depend on each employee's certifications and diving environment - ranging from lightweight, quick-drying gear for tropical reefs to redundant multi-gas systems for technical instruction.
Do Divers Direct employees actually use the gear they sell?
Yes. Divers Direct team members are active divers, dive masters, instructors, and equipment service technicians who log bottom time outside of work. The products highlighted in this article represent gear that our staff personally own, dive, and maintain in local waters.
How do I choose scuba gear that's right for me?
Selecting the right scuba equipment depends on several key factors: your current certification level, your typical dive environments (water temperature, currents, and depths), travel requirements, and how often you dive. Fit and comfort should always come first - especially with masks, BCDs, and fins - followed by ease of maintenance and local service support.
Can I get scuba gear recommendations from the Divers Direct team?
Yes. You can visit any Florida Divers Direct retail location to speak directly with our team, get fitted for gear, or seek regulator and computer advice. You can also reach our staff by email or phone at 1-800-DIVE-USA or experts@diversdirect.com for guidance tailored to your specific diving goals.
