My current dive kit:
- XDEEP Ghost Deluxe with both back cargo pockets (one for backup mask, other for SMB+line)
- Apeks XTX50 with DIN DST and yoke converter for travel (at the moment, I’m diving with pretty standard length hoses, but may move to long hose in the future) I use a bungee necklace for my octo, so take a bit of a hybrid approach.
- Shearwater Perdix with AI sensor
- I have an old Oceanic watch dove computer as a backup
- Cressi Digi 2 as an in-line backup to my dive computer as well. I’m not afraid to have my pressure be digital. If that ever breaks, then I may change my mind. It’s nice to have the digital depth as well in case my dive computer ever malfunctions.
- Backup ScubaPro compass
- Fins are not pictured, but currently using Folding Fins. I really like them except the way that the boot holder clips into the base feel like a bit of a point of failure. Have been exploring travel fins, but they all appear to be positively buoyant, which I’m not sure about.
- My masks are both Hollis M-1. Highly recommended for comfort and visibility.
- Sola Wrist Light
- DiveRite CX2 as my backup light
- I carry standard line scissors and a Zeagle Line Cutter
- Camera is not pictured, but is a DJI Action 2 in a waterproof case with a handle. If I use the double case, it will last two hour-long dives. If I use the single case, it’s about 1.5 dives. It really varies though based upon resolution and whether I keep it on the whole time.
- I have an XDeep bolt snap on my primary second stage reg and the one with the larger hoop on my Digi 2 pressure gauge. The octo uses the bungee bolt snap system in case I want to clip it off instead of using the necklace. I’m doing PADI Rescue Diver soon and they don’t teach using a necklace, so I’m forced to do it their way for that course, then will go back to necklace.
- Wetsuit is 3 mil Henderson
- ScubaPro booties, hood, and gloves
- I found that a roll-up tool bag works nice for a save-a-dive kit.
- Additionally, I alway pack some o-ring lube because I hate having a hissing connection with the yoke.
Thoughts?
I'm curious how you like the folding fins. I've never tried them before.
I like them a lot actually. They are great for frog kicking because the transparent part flexes like a frog’s webbed feet. Used them through Dos Ojos and other cenotes without issue. I feel that the clips that hold the boot slips in place might be a potential point-of-failure. Additionally, the instructions warn that the flapped area can tear if you encounter a sharp object, which is possible in a wreck or in some of my inlet dives in NJ. They feel pretty neutral in terms of buoyancy and do not feel cheap, except for the clips on the boot slips which hold them in using compression. I also wish that the strap points were more universal, but it only works with the straps that it came with. I’ll likely try out ScubaPro Go Sport fins next, but am a little deterred by the reviews for those indicating that they have positive buoyancy. The folding fins did give me pretty good propulsion. Had to kick against current recently with them to get to the other side of a wreck and I was able to get the job done where others couldn’t, so it was a testament to their power.
Thanks for sharing! Appreciate your perspective.
Quick update. The strap on one of the fins broke during a simulated emergency on my Rescue Diver course. I was struggling to get the fins on in order to swim out to rescue someone and it snapped. Since they are not standard, it almost derailed the whole class for me. Has a backup, but was a major inconvenience. This would have been disastrous in a real life scenario. Going to buy some new fins.