Scuba Diving Equipment Guide 2025
What you actually need, what you can skip, and how to build a smart kit without overspending — written by active dive pros at Dragon Dive Komodo.
Buy Smart, Dive Better
Underwater breathing is our superpower — and your scuba diving equipment is the life-support system that makes it safe, comfortable, and fun. The goal isn’t to own everything. The goal is to own the right things (in the right order) so you dive more relaxed, with better buoyancy, better gas consumption, and fewer “small problems” that can ruin a dive.
🎯 The #1 Rule
Comfort = safety. If your mask leaks, fins hurt, or you’re cold, you’ll be stressed — and stress makes you burn gas faster and lose buoyancy control.
- Start with personal-fit gear
- Add a computer + exposure protection
- Upgrade BCD/reg when you dive often
🌊 Komodo Reality
Komodo is famous for currents, drift-style diving, and multi-dive days. A few items become “non-negotiable”.
- SMB + spool (surface safety)
- Dive computer (your personal limits)
- Warmth (layering saves your trip)
🐉 Try Before You Buy
The smartest “gear strategy” is testing in real conditions.
On our daily dives and on the Shenron liveaboard, you’ll experience different set-ups and learn what truly suits your diving style.
Quick Answer (for busy divers)
If you want a simple plan: Mask → Fins → Dive Computer → Wetsuit → SMB → Regulator/BCD. That sequence gives the highest comfort/safety improvement per dollar.
What do I need to scuba dive?
Think of scuba gear in layers: life support (regulator/BCD), planning (computer), comfort (mask/fins/wetsuit), and safety extras (SMB, cutting tool, light). You don’t need everything on day one — but you do want a kit that fits your body and your diving goals.
The basic scuba kit
- Mask + anti-fog solution
- Fins (+ booties or socks if needed)
- Exposure protection (wetsuit / layers)
- Dive computer (personal)
- SMB (surface marker buoy)
- BCD + regulator set (if you’re ready to own)
Dragon Dive mindset
Don’t buy “because someone said it’s the best”. Buy because it fits your diving frequency, your travel style, and your future goals (more fun dives, GoPro track, tech interest, etc.).
What most new divers regret
- Buying a random mask online without testing fit
- Ignoring warmth (then shivering on day 3)
- Overpaying for features they never use
- Choosing gear that’s hard to service at home
Your best “hack” is buying fewer items, but buying the right ones.
The 6 essential pieces of scuba gear
These are the items that create the biggest difference in comfort and confidence — especially for traveling divers. We’ll keep this practical (real-world Komodo style), not “catalog marketing”.
1) Mask: if it leaks, nothing else matters
A good mask is not about price — it’s about fit. The same model can be perfect on one face and terrible on another.
- Fit test: place mask (no strap), inhale gently — it should “stick” comfortably
- Comfort test: no painful pressure on brow/cheekbones
- Practical: you must be able to pinch your nose easily for equalization
- Reality check: a tiny bit of water can be normal — clearing is a core skill
Anti-fog (safe method)
Before your first dives: wash with mild soap, gently scrub the inside lens with non-abrasive toothpaste, rinse well, then use anti-fog drops (or diluted baby shampoo) before the dive.
2) Exposure protection: warmth = longer, happier dives
Even in warm destinations, repeated dives can make divers feel colder over the week. For many travelers, layering beats buying a super-thick suit.
- Best “one-suit” choice: a quality 5 mm full wetsuit
- Add-on: a hooded vest or thermal layer for windy days / thermoclines
- Pro move: prioritize fit (no big water flushing)
Komodo tip
If you’re doing 3 dives a day, bring an extra layer. Staying warm helps buoyancy and reduces air consumption.
3) Fins: your engine underwater
Fins impact your gas consumption and control — especially in current. Choose comfort first, then performance.
- Full-foot: light & travel-friendly (add socks to avoid blisters)
- Open-heel + booties: more versatile for shore entries / cooler water
- Current control: medium-to-stiffer fins give better precision in Komodo
If you want to improve fast: learn efficient kicks (flutter + frog) and keep fins streamlined.
4) Dive computer: your personal underwater co-pilot
A dive computer tracks depth/time, guides ascent rate and safety stops, and helps you manage no-decompression limits across multiple dives.
- Must-have feature: Nitrox mode (even if you don’t use it yet)
- Readability: big digits & good contrast matter more than “cool design”
- Consistency: using your own computer avoids mismatched profiles between rentals
Komodo travel note
If you plan a liveaboard or multi-day diving, a personal computer is one of the best investments you can make. It supports safer habits — and removes guesswork.
5) BCD: buoyancy comfort + trim control
Your BCD is your “platform” underwater. A great BCD helps you stay stable, horizontal, and relaxed — which is priceless in current.
- Jacket: common in rentals, supportive, easy for beginners
- Back-inflate: often better horizontal trim and a cleaner front
- Travel factor: weight + packability matter if you fly often
If you’re buying, choose comfort, fit, and reliability over gimmicks. You’ll keep it for years.
6) Regulator: your life-support system
If there’s one item not to compromise on, it’s your regulator set. Prioritize reliability and servicing access.
- Balanced first stage for smooth breathing (especially at depth)
- Travel vs cold-water: check temperature suitability for your home diving
- DIN vs Yoke: pick what matches your travel and local servicing ecosystem
Servicing matters more than branding
The “best regulator” is the one you can service easily where you live (parts + technician availability). Choose with your local service network in mind.
Komodo-Specific Add-Ons (Currents & Drift Diving)
Komodo can be calm and magical — and it can also be a masterclass in currents. These add-ons are small, affordable, and make a big difference in real-world diving.
🟠 SMB + Spool/Reel
A surface marker buoy helps the boat crew track you during drift-style ascents and surface conditions.
- Choose: bright color + easy inflation
- Add: spool/reel + clip
- Learn: deploy calmly, keep neutral buoyancy
🔦 Dive Light
Not just for night dives: it boosts color, helps in overhangs, and improves communication in lower visibility.
- Day use: reefs, cracks, macro
- Night dives: bring a primary + small backup
- Travel tip: check airline rules for batteries
✂️ Cutting Tool
A compact line cutter (or small knife) can be useful in areas with fishing line or debris — practical and easy to pack.
- Prefer: compact, easy-access mounting
- Practice: one-hand deployment
- Respect: never touch or damage the reef
Related (to plan your dives)
Planning Komodo? Start with Komodo dive sites, then pick your format: daily fun dives or the Shenron liveaboard.
Bags, Packing & Travel Tips
You can travel with any luggage — but dive-specific organization saves time and protects expensive gear. Here’s the simple system we recommend for traveling divers.
Carry-on (protect the expensive + fragile stuff)
- Dive computer + charger cable
- Mask in a hard case
- Regulator (if you own one)
- Certification cards / insurance / logbook essentials
Pro travel tip
If luggage gets delayed, having mask + computer (and ideally your reg) means you can still dive comfortably.
Checked bag (bulk items)
- Wetsuit + layers
- Fins + booties/socks
- SMB + spool
- Accessories (clips, spare straps, small spares)
A mesh bag is perfect for dive centers / liveaboards (fast drying), while a roller duffle is great for airports.
How to Choose the Right Gear (Without Going Crazy)
Our Dragon Dive approach is simple: buy gear you like and will actually use — and make sure it’s serviceable, comfortable, and appropriate for your diving.
✅ Buy order that works
- Mask (fit)
- Fins (comfort)
- Computer (safety)
- Exposure (warmth)
- SMB (Komodo-ready)
- BCD/Reg (when you dive often)
🧠 Avoid common traps
- Buying “top end” before you know what you like
- Choosing items that are hard to service at home
- Overfocusing on brand instead of fit/function
- Ignoring travel weight and bulk
🐉 The best test lab: Komodo
If you’re unsure between 2 options, don’t guess. Test them on real dives.
Join our daily dives, explore the dive sites, or do it properly on the Shenron liveaboard.
How Much Does Scuba Gear Cost?
Prices vary by country and sales seasons, but this table helps you build a realistic budget. Smart divers build their kit in phases — not in one shopping spree.
| Equipment | Typical price range (approx.) | Buy first? |
|---|---|---|
| Mask | €25 – €155 | Yes (fit) |
| Fins | €30 – €150 | Yes (comfort) |
| Wetsuit (5 mm) | €199 – €550 | Very soon (warmth) |
| Dive computer | €99 – €750+ | Yes (safety) |
| SMB + spool | €40 – €140 | Komodo-ready |
| BCD | €300 – €700+ | When you dive often |
| Regulator set | €400 – €1,700+ | When you dive often |
Worth remembering
Owning essentials often becomes cheaper than renting when you dive regularly — and it makes every dive more comfortable and consistent.
Brands & Servicing: What Matters Most
There’s no single “best brand”. The real winning strategy is choosing gear that fits you, performs in your conditions, and can be serviced easily where you live.
How to choose brands (simple cheat sheet)
- Mask: fit beats brand — try multiple models
- Computer: readability + nitrox + reliability
- Reg/BCD: prioritize service network & parts availability
- Wetsuit: fit + comfort + seams, not just thickness
The servicing question
Before buying a regulator (especially), ask: Who can service this in my home country? A “perfect” regulator is useless if nobody can maintain it properly.
Try it in Komodo
If you’re planning to upgrade, we can help you compare set-ups on real dives. Many divers make better choices after 2–3 days of diving in varied conditions (currents, reef, macro sites).
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the gear questions we hear every week at the dive center.
What should I buy first if I only dive 1–2 trips per year?
Start with mask + fins (comfort), then add a dive computer (safety + consistency). If you get cold easily, add a wetsuit next. You can rent BCD/reg until you dive more frequently.
Is an SMB really necessary for Komodo?
We strongly recommend it. In current-prone destinations, an SMB adds a clear surface signal and supports safe drift-style ascents. If you don’t own one yet, ask your dive center what they provide and what training they expect.
Should I buy a watch-style computer or a classic console computer?
Watch-style is great for travel and daily wear. Classic units often offer bigger screens for readability. Choose what you’ll use consistently — and make sure it has Nitrox mode.
Do I need my own regulator for a liveaboard?
Not mandatory, but owning your own regulator can increase comfort and familiarity. If you bring one, pack it in your carry-on when possible.
What’s the best way to avoid overspending?
Buy in phases, prioritize fit and servicing, and test gear in real conditions. The best “deal” is gear you love and actually use.
Want to test your next scuba gear in Komodo?
Build your kit while enjoying world-class diving. Join Dragon Dive Komodo for daily fun dives, explore the iconic Komodo dive sites, or go all-in on the Shenron liveaboard.