There are some pieces of dive gear you don’t want to skimp on – dive computers, regulators, and BCDs come to mind. But what about small items that tend to wear out quickly? Luckily for those of us hoping to save money on gear and accessories so we’ll have it to spend elsewhere, there are some wonderfully inexpensive options available. Here are seven fun, inexpensive dive accessories you’ll certainly appreciate.
Comfort-Fit Mouthpieces
You don’t have to make do with an old chewed up mouthpiece. Instead, spend between ten and twenty dollars for a comfort fit mouthpiece like those from Atomic Aquatics, Innovative Scuba, or Scuba Choice. These mouthpieces are made with silicone or rubber and have sturdy bite tabs; in addition, they come in a variety of sizes.
Foldable Wetsuit and BC Hanger
Hanging freshly washed scuba gear can present a challenge. With a foldable hanger designed specifically to bear the weight of wetsuits and BCs, the task becomes a whole lot easier. Look for a design with a 360-degree rotating hook – this little bit of added mobility means you’ll be able to hang gear just about anywhere.
Foldable Snorkels
With a foldable snorkel, you’ll find stowing this essential piece of gear is simple; just fold it up when you don’t need it, stuff it in a BCD pocket, and retrieve it when you’re ready to use it again. A great alternative to old-style snorkels with drop away mouthpieces that tend to get in the way, the foldable snorkel costs less than forty dollars and offers solid, dependable performance. Check out the Sub Gear Apnea snorkel or the Oceanic Pocket snorkel. Both are great buys.
Dive Flag and Float Combo
If you love shore diving or if you dive from your own boat or kayak, you’ll appreciate the highly visible float and dive flag combinations that are available at dive shops and online. The least expensive models cost less than ten dollars, yet they are easy to inflate and offer outstanding performance, even when surface conditions are choppy.
Diving Dry Boxes
While some dry boxes cost well over one hundred dollars, some are surprisingly inexpensive, coming in at less than twenty dollars. Designed to hold everything from eyeglasses to keys to smartphones, these cases are available from many different manufacturers. Look for one with O-ring seals and a safety lanyard attached. If you want to save even more money, consider purchasing dry bags; be sure to place electronics and other delicate items in dry boxes that have been rated for the depth to which you plan to dive.
Dive Slates
There are tons of innovative new dive slate designs on the market. Some have multiple pages and others glow in the dark. Whether you need a way to communicate better with dive buddies or record important information while diving, a new dive slate is a great tool to have on hand.
TSA Combination Locks
If you plan to travel, secure your valuables with TSA combination locks. These locks can be opened by TSA inspectors and cost just about ten dollars. There are many different sizes and configurations available; purchase one for each piece of luggage you’ll be traveling with.
These are just a few of the many fantastic yet inexpensive items that can make diving and dive travel go a whole lot more smoothly. You’ll find all these items online, and many of them can be found at local dive shops, too. Enjoy the savings!