Wreck diving can be a demanding, gear-intensive sport. But recently, the traditional double-tank-and-drysuit-wearing wrecker has been joined by a new breed of explorer. Equipped with compact, powerful lighting, a high-volume single tank, a modern semi-dry suit, a pair of high-performance regulators, high-thrust fins and advanced accessories, these streamlined new-school wreckers move through the water with less effort and more comfort, using the tools and techniques of overhead environment diving to ensure their missions are both safe and satisfying.

1. OMS Phantom 10w Uses HID technology to create high-temperature blue/white light that cuts through murk and silt to reveal true colors. Uses connectors rated to 1,500 feet and a metal switch on the compact light head instead of a soft switch boot. Nickel metal hydride battery provides up to five hours burn time. $650


Photo by Bill Doster
2. OMS Kevlar Reel When you are deep in the engine room of a forgotten freighter, it's good to know you have a direct line to open water. This reel is spooled with high-tensile Kevlar cord that will hold up to the wear and tear of wreck penetration. $175
3. OMS IQ Pack Hard or soft? One or two? The IQ pack has you covered, no matter what. It accommodates both single and double tank configurations, and can be worn with or without a metal back plate. $274.99. The new 60-pound single bladder wings use elastomeric retraction bands to eliminate air shift, provide trim adjustment and reduce drag. $314.95
4. OMS 19L Tank Wreck divers should always plan their dives with a generous air reserve. This high volume, low pressure steel tank provides 120 cubic feet of breathing gas, and is neutrally buoyant when empty. $449. For redundancy, add an H valve with separate shut-downs for two first stage regulators. $120
5. OMS Thrust Fins Cold water and heavy gear place extra demands on dive fins. The Thrust foot pocket was designed specifically for drysuit and extra-thick wetsuit boots. High-thrust fin blades are constructed from thermally stable Monoprene resin to prevent distortion and improve rebound. $178.95
6. Apeks ATX200 Engineered for demanding and variable underwater conditions, with an over-balanced first stage for performance at depth; dry-sealed for cold and turbid conditions. Compact, pneumatically balanced second stage with low-resistance exhaust port and diver adjustments for optimum performance in changing conditions. $695
7. Dacor Mystere A low-volume mask with a light-gathering single lens that was computer-designed for maximum peripheral vision. Black skirt helps eyes to focus on details in low viz conditions. $64
8. Mares Isotherm Millennium The comfort of dry, the conveniences of wet. A tough semi-dry suit with horizontal rear dry zipper, titanium plush lining and toroidal wrist and ankle seals to minimize water entry. $565