by MustBTVWe started with exposure protection. I went with a Henderson Thermaxx 3mm wetsuit and Seac HD 6mm boots, pairing warmth with easy donning. Our plan is to keep the exposure system brand-consistent, so gloves and boots will eventually all be Henderson.
On the buoyancy side, I chose the Mares Bolt SLS BCD. Trim, stable, and modular, it offers great control and comfort — and the slide-lock system makes weight management simple.
For air delivery, we picked a Mares 62X first stage with the Dual ADJ second stage and a Mares Octo. All are compact, lightweight, and Nitrox-compatible up to 40%, which aligns perfectly with our EANx cert.
The finishing touches included:
- 🌊 72″ HOG SMB with Reel — for safety signaling
- 🎯 Mares Puck Pro+ Computer — simple and reliable Nitrox-capable dive computer
- ⚙️ Gauge Console — backup SPG and depth gauge
- 🐾 Seawing Nova Fins — stiff, maneuverable, and powerful for lake conditions
- 🧢 Freedom HD Mask — wide vision and perfect seal
- 🎒 Mares Mesh Backpack — lightweight, rugged, drains fast
We logged our first dives with the new gear on June 28, 2025. Everything worked flawlessly, and we immediately felt the difference in trim, comfort, and confidence. This setup will carry us into wrecks, night dives, and (eventually) Cozumel’s walls.
