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ScubaLab First Look: The Newest Gear for Underwater Photographers

Are you trying to improve your underwater photography? Then check out our ScubaLab Director's picks for the best new camera gear, perfect for your next vacation.

The Best Scuba Diving Computers Reviewed by ScubaLab

Today you can find a computer just as compact and complex — and, fortunately, just as simple — as you’d like. ScubaLab tried out 12 new and redesigned wristwatch, wrist-mount and console models — first with our test divers at Blue Grotto cavern in Williston, Florida, then at the University of Southern California Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. Read on for our reviews of each model and a summary of test procedures.

2014 ScubaLab Testers' Choice: Stahlsac Rangi Roller Dive Bag

Hoist the Rangi Roller, and you’ll notice it’s a little hefty — the heaviest roller carry-on we tested. It’s also packed full of features we like. The rigid sides and back combine with a padded front flap to offer excellent protection for your camera or laptop. Read more on why the Rangi Roller is our Testers’ Choice.

2014 ScubaLab Testers' Choice: Armor API-3R Dive Bag

Overall, this bag delivers the kind of ruggedness and clarity of design we’re looking for in a go-anywhere dive bag. It’s our Testers’ Choice in the full-size roller bag category.

2014 ScubaLab Best Buy: Cressi Cargo 145L Dive Bag

A well-designed, well-made jumbo bag with a budget-friendly price tag, the Cressi Cargo is ScubaLab's Best Buy.

ScubaLab: How We Test Dive Computers

The ScubaLab team of test divers evaluated each computer in seven ergonomic performance areas and four dive simulations in a hyperbaric chamber. Learn how the 12 dive computers were compared in these areas and features.

SCUBAPRO MK21/S560 Regulator: A ScubaLab Best Buy

Everything about the MK21/S560’s performance would lead you to expect bigger numbers after the dollar sign. Test divers liked its smooth, almost-effortless performance. The light-weight second stage is easy on the mouth, and the purge is smooth and sure. For delivering unmatched performance at a midrange price, the MK21/S560 is our Best Buy.

2014 ScubaLab Testers' Choice: Beuchat VR200 Soft Touch HF Regulator

We liked a lot about the solid VR200 Soft Touch, including that it was easy-breathing, dry, comfortable and lightweight. In fact, it made every test diver’s top-three favorites list — the only reg we tested to do so. Because of this, the VR200 Soft Touch is our Testers’ Choice in this category.

2014 ScubaLab Testers' Choice: Hog Zenith Regulator

In real-world ergo tests, divers gave the Zeniths the highest overall scores of any reg we tested — not because they excelled in any one category, but because they did well across the board in all categories. The Zenith was our Testers’ Choice in the sub-$500 category.