Message from Mike
Choosing dive gear can be overwhelming. That's why you'll only find products I personally use, trust, or confidently recommend to my own students.
Every order is personally reviewed and placed by me—no faceless warehouse or automated fulfillment. If you have questions, need a price match, or just want an honest recommendation, don’t hesitate to reach out.
MIKE'S PREMIUM MASK PICK | $$$$
The TUSA Paragon S is my premium mask recommendation for divers who want the very best. Built with TUSA's premium frame technology and crystal-clear UV 420 lens option, it delivers exceptional comfort, durability, and an outstanding field of view. While every mask I recommend is reliable, the Paragon S is designed for divers who appreciate top-tier materials and performance. If you plan to dive frequently and want a mask you'll enjoy for years to come, this is the one I'd choose.
MIKE’S PICK FOR SMALLER FACES | $$
If you have a smaller or narrower face, the TUSA Ino is one of the first masks I recommend. It offers an impressive field of view while maintaining a low-volume design that's comfortable and easy to clear. The soft silicone skirt creates an excellent seal, making it a great choice for divers who have struggled to find a mask that fits properly.
I also like that it uses the same premium fit technology found in TUSA's higher-end masks, so you don't have to compromise on comfort just because you need a smaller fit.
MIKE’S PICK FOR THE HARD-TO-FIT DIVER | $$
Not every dive mask fits every face, and that's exactly where the TUSA Intega shines. Its unique fitting ring and soft Freedom Technology skirt are designed to reduce pressure points while creating an excellent seal on a wide variety of face shapes. If you've had trouble finding a comfortable, leak-free mask in the past, this is one of the first masks I'd recommend trying.
MIKE’S PICK FOR FEMALE DIVERS | $$
The Cressi Honey is the first mask I recommend to many female divers because of its comfortable, low-profile fit and excellent field of view. Its soft silicone skirt creates a reliable seal on smaller face shapes while remaining lightweight and comfortable throughout the dive. If you're looking for a mask that's easy to wear from your first certification dives to years of diving ahead, the Honey is an outstanding choice.
MIKE’S BEST VALUE PICK | $$
The Cressi A1 proves you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great dive mask. It offers a comfortable fit, a wide field of view, and dependable performance at a price that's hard to beat. If you're looking for a high-quality mask that delivers exceptional value without sacrificing comfort or reliability, the A1 is one of my favorite recommendations.
MIKE’S PICK FOR FACIAL HAIR | $$
One promise I make to every student is that I'll always recommend the gear I genuinely believe is best for you—even if it's something I don't sell. The Hollis M1 is a perfect example. While it's not part of my lineup, it's the mask I recommend most often to divers with mustaches or beards because its soft frameless silicone skirt has earned a reputation for sealing exceptionally well on many faces with facial hair. No mask is perfect for everyone, but if you've struggled with leaks because of a beard or mustache, this is the first mask I'd encourage you to try.
MIKE’S PICK FOR LARGER FACES | $$
If you have a larger face or prefer a more spacious feel, the TUSA Zensee is one of my favorite recommendations. Its frameless, single-lens design delivers an expansive field of view while providing a comfortable fit for many medium-to-large face shapes. It's a premium mask that combines exceptional visibility with the comfort and quality TUSA is known for.
MIKE’S MOST VERSATILE PICK | $$
The Freedom Ceos is one of the most comfortable masks TUSA makes, which is why I recommend it to divers who prioritize fit above everything else. Its Freedom Technology silicone skirt molds naturally to a wide variety of face shapes, creating a comfortable seal that stays leak-free dive after dive. If you're looking for a dependable, high-quality mask that you'll enjoy wearing for years, the Freedom Ceos is an excellent choice.
MIKE’S PICK FOR PANORAMIC VIEWS | $
If you enjoy taking in everything around you underwater, the Cressi Liberty Quattro is worth a look. Its four-window design provides an expansive field of view that many divers love for sightseeing, reef diving, and underwater photography. It's a comfortable, dependable mask that lets you focus less on your gear and more on the dive itself.
MIKE’S PICK FOR TRAVEL | $
If you're looking for a mask that's lightweight, comfortable, and easy to pack, the Cressi ZS2 is a great choice. Its frameless design keeps it compact without sacrificing a wide field of view, making it perfect for divers who travel or want a streamlined setup. It's a dependable mask that delivers excellent comfort and performance without adding unnecessary bulk.
MIKE’S TOP PICK FOR SNORKEL | $
The TUSA Lapis FD is the snorkel I recommend to most of my students because it does exactly what a good snorkel should—it's comfortable, dependable, and stays out of the way when you're diving. The flexible lower section and compact folding design make it easy to tuck away once you're underwater, while the dry top helps reduce water entering at the surface. It's a simple, reliable snorkel that works well for everything from your first certification dives to years of recreational diving.
TOP CLASSIC SNORKEL PICK - $$
The Cressi Corsica is my classic snorkel recommendation thanks to its lightweight, streamlined design and exceptional comfort. Its flexible lower section and simple open-top design reduce drag while providing reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for both recreational and freedivers.
DRY SNORKEL PREMIUM PICK - $$$$
Dry snorkels aren't my personal preference, but I understand why many divers like them. The Cressi Ultra Dry does an excellent job of keeping water out of the snorkel, making it a great option for beginners or anyone who prefers the convenience of a dry-top design. Will also be fantastic for traditional snorkeling.
MIKE’S TOP PICK FOR NEW DIVERS | $$
The TUSA Solla is my top recommendation for most new divers. It offers the perfect balance of comfort, power, and efficiency, making it a fin that's easy to learn with but capable enough to grow with you as your diving skills improve. It's powerful without feeling overly stiff, incredibly comfortable on long dives, and built to last. If you're only going to buy one set of fins, this is the pair I'd recommend to most of my students. TUSA's ForcElast technology and angled blade design help deliver strong propulsion while reducing fatigue, so you can spend more time enjoying the dive and less time fighting your gear.
MIKE’S MOST VERSATILE PICK - $$
The Cressi Frog Plus is one of the most versatile fins I've recommended. It delivers an excellent balance of power, comfort, and control, making it a great choice for both new and experienced divers. Its responsive blade provides strong propulsion without feeling overly stiff, so it's equally at home on local dives, tropical vacations, and everything in between. If you're looking for a durable, well-rounded fin that performs in almost any diving situation, the Frog Plus is an easy recommendation.
MIKE’S PERFORMANCE PICK | $$$
The TUSA Tri-Force HyFlex is my performance pick for divers who want more power and efficiency without sacrificing comfort. Its advanced HyFlex blade delivers excellent propulsion with less effort, making it ideal for divers who are ready to move beyond an entry-level fin. I recommend the Tri-Force to students who plan to dive regularly and want a fin they'll enjoy for years to come. It's a fantastic balance of performance, comfort, and value.
MIKE’S TRADITIONAL BLADE PICK- $$$
The Cressi Origin LD is my recommendation for divers who prefer a traditional blade fin with smooth, effortless power. Its longer blade provides excellent propulsion with a natural flutter kick, making it a great choice for recreational divers who enjoy warm-water vacations, drift dives, and long underwater explorations. Compared to the TUSA Tri-Force, the Origin LD offers a more familiar feel and a gentler kick style, while still delivering plenty of performance. If you value comfort, efficiency, and an easy, natural finning motion, this is an outstanding choice.
MIKE’S TOP BUDGET PICK | $
The TUSA Liberator is my budget pick and the fin I personally use in my rental fleet for Finn's Up students. It's comfortable, easy to kick, and delivers some power without tiring out new divers. I've found it to be reliable and durable, making it one of the better values for new divers. If you're looking for a dependable first set of fins that won't break the bank, this is a good place to start.
MIKE’S BOAT DIVE PICK | $$$
The Crosskix Tetra Closed Toe Dri-Fit Water Shoes are a great choice for warm water dive trips and boat diving. They're lightweight, quick-drying, and comfortable enough to wear all day, whether you're walking around the marina, relaxing on the boat, or exploring a beach between dives. The closed-toe design provides extra protection while the breathable construction and drainage system help your feet dry quickly after getting wet.
MIKE’S BOAT DIVE PICK | $$$
The Crosskix Tetra Closed Toe Dri-Fit Water Shoes are a great choice for warm water dive trips and boat diving. They're lightweight, quick-drying, and comfortable enough to wear all day, whether you're walking around the marina, relaxing on the boat, or exploring a beach between dives. The closed-toe design provides extra protection while the breathable construction and drainage system help your feet dry quickly after getting wet.
MIKE’S GO TO DIVE BOOT | $$
The TUSA 5mm SS Boot is the dive boot I recommend to most of my students. It's warm enough for local New England diving while remaining comfortable for travel and warmer destinations. The soft neoprene, reliable YKK zipper, and grippy rubber sole make it easy to put on, comfortable to wear all day, and secure on wet surfaces. If you're looking for one boot that will serve you well from your first certification dives through years of diving afterward, this is an easy recommendation from me.
MIKE’S SHORE DIVING PICK | $$$
If you'll be doing a lot of shore diving, the TUSA 5mm Hard Sole Boot is the one I'd recommend. The thicker, more supportive sole provides extra protection and stability when walking over rocks, gravel, and uneven terrain without sacrificing the warmth and comfort of a 5mm boot. It's a little bulkier than the soft sole version, but for divers who regularly enter from the beach or rocky shorelines, the added durability and support are well worth it.
MIK’ES PREMIUM CRESSI PICK | $$$
The Cressi Da Vinci is a feature-rich dive computer designed for recreational divers who want performance, reliability, and room to grow. Its large, high-contrast display is easy to read underwater, while Bluetooth connectivity makes downloading and reviewing your dive logs simple. With support for multiple Nitrox mixes, a user-replaceable battery, and Cressi's proven RGBM decompression algorithm, the Da Vinci is a dependable computer that's built to accompany you through years of diving adventures.
MIKE’S TOP COMPUTER PICK | $$$
While I don't currently sell the Shearwater Peregrine TX, I believe in recommending the gear I'd choose for myself—and this is it. If your budget allows, it's the dive computer I recommend most often thanks to its exceptional ease of use, bright color display, trusted Bühlmann algorithm, air integration capability, and Shearwater's outstanding reputation for reliability and customer support. I’m happy to provide recommendations on where to purchase this locally.
That said, you don't need a Peregrine TX to become a safe, confident diver. The computers I offer from TUSA and Cressi are excellent choices for recreational diving. I simply want to be transparent about the gear I'd personally buy if someone asked me for my top recommendation, regardless of whether I sell it.
MIKE'S BEST VALUE DIVE COMPUTER | $
The TUSA TC1 offers features typically found on more expensive dive computers at an outstanding value. With a bright color display, rechargeable battery, vibration alerts, and the trusted Bühlmann ZHL-16C decompression algorithm, it delivers everything most recreational divers need in a compact, watch-style design. If you're looking for a dependable computer that balances performance, simplicity, and price, the TC1 is one of the easiest recommendations I can make.
MIKE’S SIMPLE & RELIABLE PICK | $$
The Cressi Donatello is a great choice for divers who value simplicity, reliability, and ease of use. Its large, high-contrast display makes critical dive information easy to read at a glance, while the intuitive menu system is straightforward enough for new divers and familiar for experienced ones. With a user-replaceable battery, durable construction, and Cressi's proven RGBM decompression algorithm, the Donatello is a dependable computer that's built to provide years of reliable recreational diving.
The Kraken 1800 Lumen Dive Light delivers the brightness and reliability most recreational divers are looking for in a primary dive light. Its focused beam cuts through low visibility and brings out the colors that disappear underwater, making it an excellent choice for night dives, wrecks, and even daytime dives where extra light helps reveal marine life. With multiple power settings, a rechargeable battery, and a rugged aluminum body rated to 330 feet, it's a dependable light that's built to perform dive after dive.
The Kraken 1000 Lumen Dive Light is a compact, reliable light that's perfect for recreational divers looking for excellent performance in a smaller package. It provides plenty of brightness for night dives, exploring crevices, and bringing back the vibrant colors that fade underwater. With its rechargeable battery, durable aluminum construction, and easy-to-use controls, it's a dependable light that's easy to pack, easy to carry, and a great addition to any diver's gear bag.
The TUSA FK-11 Mini-Knife is a compact, dependable cutting tool that's easy to carry without adding unnecessary bulk to your gear. Its blunt-tip 304 stainless steel blade features both a serrated edge and an integrated line cutter, making it well suited for cutting fishing line, webbing, or rope when needed. The secure locking sheath keeps the knife safely in place while allowing quick access, making the FK-11 a practical addition to any diver's kit.
I only recommend blunt-tip dive knives because they're designed as safety tools, not weapons. The blunt tip greatly reduces the chance of accidentally puncturing your gear, your exposure suit, or injuring yourself or a buddy while still providing all the cutting capability most recreational divers will ever need. For that reason, the FK-11 is an easy recommendation for divers looking for a practical, reliable cutting tool.
The HOG 72" Surface Marker Buoy with Low Profile Exhaust and Spool includes everything you need to deploy an SMB with confidence. The tall, high-visibility buoy is easy to spot from a distance, while the integrated low-profile overpressure valve allows for controlled venting at the surface. Paired with a durable Delrin spool and stainless steel double-ender, this complete kit is built for reliable performance and is a great choice for divers looking for a quality SMB setup they'll use for years to come.
The HOG Spool with a stainless steel double-ender is a simple, dependable tool that's built to last. Precision-machined from durable Delrin, it provides smooth line deployment and retrieval for a variety of diving applications, while the included stainless steel double-ender keeps it securely clipped to your gear when not in use. Whether you're adding it to your kit for navigation, search patterns, or pairing it with a DSMB, it's a well-built spool you can rely on dive after dive.
The HOG Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) is a dependable piece of safety equipment that every diver should consider carrying. Its high-visibility design helps boats and surface support locate you more easily, while the durable construction is built to withstand years of regular diving. Whether you're making a safety stop in open water or surfacing away from the boat, an SMB is a simple tool that adds confidence and an extra layer of safety to your dives.
The HOG Stainless Steel Double Bolt Snap is one of those simple pieces of hardware that every diver ends up using. Built from marine-grade stainless steel, it's durable, corrosion-resistant, and designed to provide a secure connection for spools, accessories, and other dive gear. The smooth, reliable action makes it easy to use even with gloves, making it a dependable addition to any dive kit.
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