ScubaLab tested and reviewed 55 products in 2024. The Testers Choice and Best Buy in each category were named Gear of the Year.

5 MM Wetsuits

Comfort, warmth, high-quality materials and effective seals impressed test divers

Sherwood Scuba Marine Conservation 5 MM

Constructed using earth-friendly materials and processes, this sustainably minded wetsuit protects diver and ocean alike. The suit is exceptionally warm and comfortable, featuring a super stretchy neoprene that hugs the body tightly to prevent water flushing and provides an unrestricted range of motion.

Test divers also loved the stylish topographical and wave-like graphics accenting each cuff. Proceeds from each suit are used to support science-based conservation groups. It was our Testers Choice for wetsuits under $500.

MSRP $460

CONTACT SHERWOODSCUBA.COM

Fourth Element Proteus II

This suit impressed with excellent overall performance and heavy-duty construction. Stretchy limestone-based neoprene offers a snug fit and natural flexibility. An internal pullover bib, highly effective seals and a thermal lining at the core add to the suit’s impressive warmth.

The soft, plushy interior is super comfortable against bare skin. The Proteus II was our Testers Choice for 5 mm wetsuits over $500.

MSRP $695

CONTACT FOURTHELEMENT.COM

Cressi Fast 5 MM

The wrist and ankles of this wetsuit are outfitted with a band of stretchy liquid seal that forms a ring inside each cuff. The resulting seal is simple but highly effective against water entry and easy to don and doff quickly.

The suit’s effective seals and glove-like fit minimize water entry and flushing for excellent warmth, while its flexible construction allows for a natural, unobstructed movement. The Fast 5 mm was our Best Buy for wetsuits under $500.

MSRP $249

CONTACT CRESSIUSA.COM

Fins

Efficient kicking power and versatility led the way for this crop of ScubaLab review standouts

Tusa Solla

Testers loved this lightweight fin’s snappy acceleration and impressive kicking performance. Its design is very hydrodynamic and efficient, especially in flutter kick, making it easy to maintain a consistent speed without much effort. The generously sized foot pocket is very comfortable and includes a convenient adjustable bungee strap. Combining easy, powerful kicking and lightweight comfort, the Solla was our Best Buy for paddle fins.

MSRP $149

CONTACT TUSA.COM

Tusa Hyflex Zoom

This fin has a pre-angled blade made of a springy, flexible material to further enhance the low-effort kicking offered by its split-blade design. It makes for a responsive, speedy fin that gives plenty of thrust with little effort. Perfect for laid-back tropical getaways, the fin’s blade and comfy foot pocket can be separated using a hex key for easy packing. Effortless and efficient, the HyFlex Zoom was our Testers Choice for split fins.

MSRP $199

CONTACT TUSA.COM

ScubaPro Go Sport Gorilla

This heavier, stiffer version of the Go Sport fin isn’t monkeying around. The increase in power and kick effort is noticeable but isn’t too much for the average diver. We were impressed with its exceptional all-around kicking performance and maneuverability. Versatile, powerful and compact, the Go Sport Gorilla was our Testers Choice for paddle fins.

MSRP $216

CONTACT SCUBAPRO.COM

Related Reading: Saving Indonesia's Endangered Sharks

Smartphone Housings

Innovative tech that ensures your smartphone camera’s features are within reach underwater

Sealife SportDiver Ultra

This Bluetooth-enabled, vacuum-sealed housing for Android and iPhone turns smartphones into underwater cameras depth-rated to 130 feet. It features large ergonomic controls and a simple, userfriendly menu that enables anyone to capture underwater memories with ease. Manual color options and high-resolution settings—along with optional lenses and other accessories—provide additional tools for advanced users. The SportDiver Ultra is our Testers Choice for underwater phone housings.

MSRP $349.95

CONTACT SEALIFE-CAMERAS.COM

Divevolk Seatouch 4 Max

It doesn’t get simpler than this smartphone housing, which provides users with full touchscreen control of their device. This means divers can use their phone’s native camera app and can use it just like they would on the surface. Depth-rated to 196 feet, the slim housing fits comfortably in the hand but can also be outfitted with optional trays, lenses and other accessories. Effortlessly simple and surprisingly versatile, the SeaTouch 4 Max is our Best Buy for underwater phone housings.

MSRP STARTS AT $229

CONTACT KRAKENSPORTS.CA

Computers

Easy to use and jampacked with features, these two dive computers stood out to our test team

Shearwater Tern and Tern TX

This computer has watchlike ergos and a streamlined, user-friendly operation. Its data-rich dive display is well-organized and easy to read. It is packed with premium features like vibrating alerts, wireless charging, Bluetooth and quick-change straps. The TX version includes air-integration with up to three transmitters (with support for sidemount) and a digital compass, providing everything the average diver could want. The Tern and Tern TX were our Testers Choice for recreational computers.

MSRP $650 (TERN), $775 (TERN TX)

CONTACT SHEARWATER.COM

Garmin Descent MK3 and MK3I

Testers liked the Mk3’s touchscreen display. They also liked having the option between a 43 mm and 51 mm case size. Both sizes can be had with air integration and are compatible with the new T2 transceiver, which can be used to send preset messages underwater. The bright, colorful display is easy to read. Even with a host of features, including tec dive modes, GPS mapping, fitness tracking and more, the Descent Mk3 series is simple enough for any diver to use. It was our Testers Choice for tec computers.

MSRP STARTS AT $1,199.99 (43 MM MK3), $1,399.99 (43 MM MK3I), $1,599.99 (51 MM MK3I)

CONTACT GARMIN.COM

BCs

Rich with features, comfort and functionality, these BCs rose to the top in ScubaLab testing

Cressi Aquawing Max

Composed of a compact, donut-shaped bladder and lightweight aluminum plate, this weight-integrated BC boasts a hydrodynamic profile that is easy to travel with. It is well balanced, with great stability and buoyancy control.

Test divers loved how easy it was to adjust the single-piece continuous-webbing harness and the convenience of the quick disconnect crotch strap for fast donning and doffing. Minimalist, but packed with features, comfort and control, the AquaWing Max is our Testers Choice for back plate/wing BCs.

MSRP $749.95

CONTACT CRESSIUSA.COM

Aqualung Pro HD Compact

Available in four highly adjustable sizes covering XXS to 2XL, this BC was designed with the traveling diver in mind. It features a soft, foldable back plate for easy packing, and its streamlined design reduces bulk. In the water, the stripped-down harness provides hardly there comfort yet retains the essentials, including multiple D-rings, integrated weight pockets and cargo pockets.

The low-profile air cell provides very good stability and control. Travel dimensions and outsize performance made the Pro HD Compact our Testers Choice for back-inflation BCs.

MSRP $549

CONTACT AQUALUNG.COM

Aqualung Axiom I3+

A plushy, form-fitting harness and a supportive, well-balanced air cell made this BC very popular with test divers. Add the convenience of the BC’s ergonomic I3+ lever inflator, which provides streamlined one-touch buoyancy control, and it’s no wonder it scored so highly.

It includes a full suite of stowage options, integrated weights and a handy two piece tank buckle. Full of refined features and boasting impressive overall performance, the Axiom I3+ was our Testers Choice for jacketstyle BCs.

MSRP $849

CONTACT AQUALUNG.COM

Regulators

Easy breathing and consistent performance took these regs to the next level

XS Scuba Xplore

This competitively priced regulator held its own, earning excellent scores on the breathing simulator and during our in water test dives. It provides solid breathing performance even at extreme breathing rates and depths. The second stage reg is very comfortable for its size. It clears readily thanks to its supple, responsive purge. The Venturi and hex key–adjustable inhalation effort allow for precise fine tuning of gas flow. Overall, it offers a great mix of features and performance. The Xplore is our Best Buy for regulators.

MSRP $329.95

CONTACT XSSCUBA.COM

SEAC IT500

Both on the breathing simulator and in the water, this reg impressed with its consistent low-effort air delivery. A dry, smooth and quiet operation provides a great in-water experience. Second stage controls for adjusting inhalation effort and free-flow sensitivity are ergonomic and effective. The powerful purge clears water quickly and effortlessly. A T-shaped port configuration on the first stage offers simplified hose routing. The IT500 was our Testers Choice for regs.

MSRP $559

CONTACT SEACSUB.COM

Related Reading: Best Scuba Regulators of 2024 Reviewed

Semidry Wetsuits

These exposure suits turned up the heat in our head-to-head test

Bare 8/7 Velocity Ultra Semidry

The Velocity Ultra is equipped with highly effective double glideskin seals and dry zipper. Combined with advanced thermal features like an integrated hood, internal pullover bib and an infrared lining, this suit is sure to keep divers warm throughout their dives. It uses three full stretch fabrics for flexibility, and easy donning and selfdoffing through the frontfacing zipper. Comfortable, durable and very warm, the Velocity Ultra was our Best Buy for semidry suits.

MSRP $579.95

CONTACT BARESPORTS.COM

Waterproof SD Neoflex 7 MM Semidry

Extended glideskin seals at the wrist and ankles along with a watertight zip across the shoulder provide highly effective seals, and a plush thermal lining adds to its overall warmth and comfort. The suit is very flexible, with a great range of motion and a fit comparable to a traditional wetsuit. Test divers loved the addition of a pressure- relieving collar zip and an integrated zippered thigh pocket. The SD Neoflex 7 mm was our Testers Choice for semidry suits.

MSRP $1,395

CONTACT WATERPROOFDIVING.COM