ScubaLab’s test divers reviewed 100-plus pieces of gear in dozens of test dives — not to mention trips to a hyperbaric chamber, ANSTI breathing machine and integrating sphere to bring you objective data. And all for what? The most comprehensive objective scuba gear reviews in the industry. Below, we present the best scuba gear of 2018 — all of the Best Buy and Testers Choice winners from a year of testing. Scroll down to see links to our complete tests for each category, including fins, masks, knives, regulators, BCs, computers, wetsuits and lights.

Scuba Fins

1. Aqua Lung Phazer

MSRP $189; Aqua Lung

The Phazer’s colorful side rails produce a noticeable spring-loaded snap with each stroke. The blade has a soft interior that scoops lots of water for power and efficiency in all kicking styles. The bungee strap was rated excellent for ease of donning and doffing. In tough competition, the Phazer was selected among the favorites of more test divers than any other fin in its category. The Phazer was our Testers Choice for rec fins.

2. Zeagle Recon

MSRP $159.95; Zeagle

The Recon proved to be an effective kicker in every style, taking top scores for frog kick and surface swimming. The beefy side rails and integrated supports built into the bottom of the foot pocket helped it earn the highest score for power in its category. It was rated excellent for donning and doffing thanks to its spring strap and large vertical finger loop. For outstanding performance and versatility, the Recon was our Testers Choice for technical fins.

3. Seac Propulsion S

MSRP $89; Seac USA

The rigid rails on the Propulsion S allow for good power and acceleration, while the channels running up the length of the blade keep it nice and flexy, creating a good balance between performance and ease of kicking. The long blade performed well in all styles of kicking — including surface swimming — and for overall comfort. Providing a nice mix of all-around power and stability and a modest price, the Propulsion S was our Best Buy.

Masks

COMPLETE MASK REVIEW

1. Zeagle Scope Dual

MSRP $99.95; Zeagle

The jumbo lenses might give the Scope Dual a startled-alien look, but they earned the top score for field of view. The view was further ­improved by a tight-fitting skirt overmolded onto the frame. The silicone strap has single-button buckles that operate flawlessly, and the Scope is also available with an elastic strap. Thanks to its top scores for comfort, adjustability and ease of clearing, and being selected as a ­favorite by more divers than any other mask, the Scope Dual was our ­Testers Choice.

2. Beuchat Maxlux S

MSRP $58.41; Beuchat Diving

The hypoallergenic, baby-soft skirt on this frameless mask tied the top score for comfort and was very effective at keeping water out. It earned the highest score for dryness in its category, and a number of test divers chose it as a favorite. For outstanding performance and an unbeatable price, the Maxlux S was our Best Buy for single-lens masks.

3. Akona Breeze

MSRP $35; Akona

Holding its own against some much-pricier competition, this mask delivered solid performance and comfort at a bargain price. The boxy frame takes prescription lenses and the frame-mounted buckles scored very well for ease and security of adjustments. The effective, streamlined skirt keeps the internal volume small, making it easy to clear and equalize. The Breeze was our Best Buy.

4. Tusa M3001 Freedom Tri-Quest

MSRP $89; Tusa

The Freedom Tri-Quest’s supple skirt earned high marks for comfort and dryness. Where the mask really excels is its panoramic field of view, made possible by the domed windows on the sides. The comfy skirt and unobtrusive frame can make you forget you’re even wearing a mask. For remarkable comfort, solid all-around performance and an eye-opening field of view, it was our Testers Choice.

Dive Knives

1. Aqua Lung Big Squeeze Titanium

MSRP $100; Aqua Lung

This 4¼-inch spear-tip blade took the highest overall cutting score of any titanium knife in our test, and tied the best score for any knife in cutting heavy ­monofilament. The squeeze-lock sheath was rated very secure and easy to operate. Eager to cut and impervious to corrosion, the Big Squeeze Titanium was our Testers Choice for full-size knives.

2. Seac Katan

MSRP $49; Seac USA

The Katan sliced through our test line with ease thanks to a design that gives the maximum length to the blade’s working edge. The sturdy 420 stainless blade cut as well at the end of the test as at the beginning, but it is quick to rust ­without care. For ­impressive performance at a ­bargain price, it was our Best Buy.

3. Mares XR Ceramic Line Cutter

MSRP $60; Mares

It isn’t often we award a Testers Choice in a category with no competition, but this little cutter was in a class of its own. The ­ceramic blades are rust-proof and razor-sharp, ­cutting with ease the weed-cutter line that stymied many knives. It even cut through eight lines at once. Low-maintenance and ­capable, the ­Ceramic Line Cutter was our Testers Choice.

4. Seac Rip Fish

MSRP $99; Seac USA

While the Rip Fish’s spearfishing orientation is clearly evident, it proved more than capable as an all-around dive knife. The hollow-­ground stainless edge is razor-sharp and took the top combined cutting score in its ­category. The grip is good barehanded or gloved, and comes apart for cleaning. This nicely made knife was our Testers Choice for medium-size knives.

5. Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Hawkbill

MSRP $97.95; Spyderco

Earning top scores for both cutting and ergonomics, the folding Dragonfly has a serrated, hawkbill blade that locks onto hard line for a clean cut where other knives would bounce. It tied the top score for security of the sheath, and despite its diminutive handle, the grip offers very good power. After 24 hours in salt water, the H1 steel was corrosion-free. The Dragonfly 2 is our ­Testers Choice for compact knives.

Scuba Regulators

1. Apeks XL4

MSRP $520; Apeks Diving

When the little XL4 took excellent scores across the board in our breathing-simulator tests, we kept pushing it deeper — all the way to 278 feet, where it still took an excellent score. Test divers gave it top marks for dry, easy breathing, and liked the comfort of its lightweight second stage. The XL4 was our Testers Choice for regs.

2. Scubapro MK11/C370

MSRP $495; Scubapro

Pair the proven MK11 first stage with the C370 ­second stage sporting a balanced valve and new exhaust tee, and here’s what you get: smooth, easy breathing. It earned excellent scores on the simulator, and raves from test divers who enjoyed its silky, quiet performance and dry operation in all breathing positions. The MK11/C370 was our Best Buy for regs.

Scuba BCs

1. Tusa BC0103 Liberator

MSRP $369; Tusa

The budget-friendly Liberator jacket delivered performance beyond what you might expect from a BC with its price tag. Lightweight and equipped with a nicely padded harness, the Liberator was almost dead-neutral in the water. Test divers found it stable and comfortable, and gave it the top score for ease of setup. The Liberator was our Best Buy for BCs.

2. Zeagle Covert XT

MSRP $453.95; Zeagle

This updated version of the lightweight ­back-inflation Covert fits like a tactical vest, with contoured hip and shoulder straps that hug the body. It looks a bit like one too, with an array of web loops sewn onto the harness to attach accessories. With more lift, more-rugged materials and top-loading weight pockets, the Covert XT was our Testers Choice for back-inflation BCs.

3. Cressi Carbon

MSRP $499.95; Cressi

Test divers found the Carbon comfortable and supportive, without the bulkiness of some jacket BCs, and gave it the top score in stability. With almost no inherent buoyancy, it has a harness that testers found easy to fine-tune, and includes ample storage features such as large zippered cargo pockets and eight metal D-rings. The Carbon was our Testers Choice for jacket BCs.

4. Scubapro Bella

MSRP $679; Scubapro

Features on the redesigned Bella jacket for women include a handy quick-connect tank buckle and triangular shoulder-strap connectors that won praise from test divers for providing a close, form-hugging fit. Testers found the pinch-to-release integrated weights easy to load and ditch, and gave the Bella the top score for effortless surface floating position. The Bella was our Testers Choice for women’s BCs.

Dive Computers

1. Shearwater Teric

MSRP $1,095; Shearwater

Shearwater's first swing at a watch-style computer was an ­out-of-the-park grand slam. It has a beautiful (and highly customizable) color LED screen that's packed with data and perfectly readable and understandable. And the four-button operation is so intuitive, you'll figure it out before you crack the excellent manual. The Teric was our Testers Choice for watch computers.

2. Aqua Lung i770R

MSRP $899; Aqua Lung

The color display stands out crisply on the air-integrated i770R, which packs a lot of data on the nearly 2-inch-wide screen without being cluttered. Easy-to-follow menus make this computer’s operation simple and intuitive, and the data ­presentation is crystal clear. Bluetooth makes it a snap to connect with the Diverlog+ app on your phone. The i770R tied for Testers Choice for wrist-mount computers.

3. Cressi Cartesio

MSRP $449.95; Cressi

With true watch-size dimensions and a straightforward display with bold characters, the Cartesio manages the trick of being both easy to wear and easy to read. The dive display is basic but clear and simple to understand, and the consistent two-button control (short presses to toggle and long to select or exit) makes for intuitive operation. The Cartesio was our Best Buy for computers.

4. Suunto Eon Core

MSRP $999.95; Suunto

Logical menu prompts that appear next to the three control buttons make the air-integrated Eon Core as easy to set and navigate as it is to see the vibrant color display. Dive data is clear and straight­forward, and the onboard log features a graphic display you can toggle through minute by minute to review info, including depth and gas consumption. The Eon Core tied for Testers Choice for ­wrist-mount computers.

Wetsuits

1. IST Sports WS80

MSRP $170; IST Sports

The thick, firm neoprene in the WS80 proved comfortable and not at all restrictive. It tied top scores for fit and comfort, and was rated excellent for range of motion — helped by a high-stretch panel on the lower pack. Wrist and ankle zippers made donning and doffing very easy. Well-made, warm and comfortable, the WS80 was our Best Buy for 3 mm suits.

2. Beuchat Alize

MSRP $140.42; Beuchat

Despite its modest price, the Alize has nice touches like pre-curved elbows that avoid uncomfortable wrinkles, and an adjustable neck closure with the “hook” side of the fastener on the suit where it’s less likely to snag or chafe. Test divers also rated the Alize’s seals among the most effective at blocking water entry. The Alize was our Testers Choice for suits under $200.

3. Bare 3 MM Velocity Ultra

MSRP $269.95; Bare Sports

Heat-reflecting Celliant fiber lining in the torso and effective, rolled smooth-skin seals helped keep things nice and toasty in the Velocity Ultra. And with high-stretch material and details such as seams placed to avoid underarms, this wetsuit was a standout for comfort and fit. The ­Velocity Ultra was our Testers Choice for suits over $200.

Dive Lights

1. Big Blue TL4800P

MSRP $479.99; Big Blue

This quadruple-LED light ­delivers a tight, 10-degree beam with more illumination in our lab test than any other light. Fortunately you can step it down to 50 percent, 25 percent and even 10 percent (there’s also an emergency strobe) with the push-button switch. It’s a bit chunky, but it took very good ergonomic scores thanks to the secure lantern handle. With oodles of well-controlled power and a terrific beam, the TL4800P was our Testers Choice for large lights.

2. Seac R30

MSRP $239; Seac USA

Despite the clublike profile reminiscent of an old-­fashioned watchman’s light, the R30 earned little but praise from divers. It scored very good for beam penetration, color and light output. Divers appreciated the beam that can be adjusted from 12 to 75 degrees by twisting the light head. The sliding magnetic switch took the top score for ease of operation in its category. Handy, versatile and affordable, the R30 was our Best Buy.

3. SeaLife Sea Dragon Mini 900

MSRP $79.95 (not including battery); SeaLife

The Mini 900 led the pack in nearly every test category and was overwhelmingly chosen by divers as their favorite compact light. The powerful beam, which can be stepped down to half or quarter power, was rated very good for color, brightness and penetration, as well as emergency strobe and SOS flash mode. The anodized-aluminum body is compact and features a nicely textured grip. The Sea Dragon Mini 900 was our Testers Choice for compact lights.