Equipment

We are often asked by trainees, and others, to recommend equipment that should be purchased that will be suitable for their Club diving trips. The following list contains links to the manufactures of our suggestions. We do not endorse any of the claims made by the manufacturers here. We also point to the equipment that the Branch provides for their training and to the equipment that our instructors use for their own diving and while training. By all means buy what you want and don't be afraid to ask:

BCD

BCD

Buddy commando BCD's have been widely popular throughout the branch, these units are now branded as AP Commando and are equally as popular. There are a number or alternatives too by aqualung and scubapro, ask a member of the branch for their recommendation.

AP Commando

Drysuit
Drysuit

Drysuits are worn by almost all of our members nowadays. However it wasnt too long ago that you would find people diving in semi-dry wetsuits. The Typhoon Seamaster is a great entry level drysuit, combining the best of durability/warmth and cost.

Seamaster

Regulator

Regulator

Nowadays, buying a regulator shouldn't pose too many issues as they all have to meet the same basic design requirements. However most club members will recommend either Aqualung or Scubapro Models

Scubapro

 

Fins
Fins

You'll need your fins to get around! There are so many variations of fins, however it is easiest to keep things simple in the beginning. Mares Avanti Quattro fins are a staple for many club members.

Mares

Computer

Dive Computer

Dive computers are handy pieces of kit however should NOT be used to replace dive tables. Some models use more conservative models for decompression than others. You shouldnt really need a computer until you complete your Sport or Branch diver training. Any of the ranges from Scubapro (formerly Uwatec) and Suunto will service you well.
Try and keep away from the small watch size computers.

Suunto   Scubapro (Uwatec)

 

Torches

Torches

Underwater Kinetics (UK) used to produce highly durable and popular torches and continue to do so. However as the evolution of LED torches has come into force, there are a number of other options being favored by some of our members. The Beaver Plasma LED torch is particularly popular at the moment

UK   Beaver

Weight Belt
Weights

Weights are usually worn on a webbed belt with solid lead weights. Many people find these uncomfortable and opt for a trim harness system. DUI systems are very popular in the branch.

Standard Belts   Harness