Blogs

A dive knife is not a weapon—it's essential safety gear for entanglement. This complete guide breaks down the three types of tools—Knives, Line Cutters, and Shears—explaining the difference between Titanium and Stainless Steel, and why accessibility with either hand is the most crucial factor. Learn how to build a redundant cutting system to ensure you're prepared for any underwater emergency.

Beyond your wetsuit, three key layers can dramatically improve your dive comfort: rash guards, dive skins, and thermal underlayers. This complete guide defines their differences, explains how they provide UV and sting protection, and shows the traveling diver how to combine them to boost warmth without adding bulk. Learn how to stop flushing cold water and start diving warmer!

Unpacking from a dive trip? Don't just rinse and forget. Salt crystals and bacteria can destroy your gear if left unchecked. This guide walks you through the proper "deep clean" protocol for traveling divers. Learn how to flush your BCD bladder, disinfect your wetsuit to kill odors, and safely soak your regulator to ensure your equipment stays fresh and safe for your next adventure.

Not sure what to buy the scuba diver in your life? Our expert 2025 holiday gift guide skips the t-shirts and focuses on 5 perfect gifts they will actually want and use. We cover the best "big-ticket" items like new dive computers and "can't-go-wrong" essentials like safety kits, powerful dive lights, and the ultimate stocking stuffer that can save a dive trip. Find the perfect present for your favorite diver at Paragon Dive Store.

Your regulator is your life-support system. This comprehensive buyer's guide breaks down all the confusing terminology so you can make an informed choice. We explain the critical differences between DIN and Yoke connections, what "balanced" vs. "unbalanced" actually means for your breathing, and why an "environmentally sealed" first stage is a smart investment for any traveling diver.

The ocean is vast, and a diver on the surface is small. A Surface Marker Buoy (SMB or DSMB) is your most critical signaling device, ensuring the boat can see you in choppy water or drift conditions. This guide explains why carrying one is mandatory for safe diving and helps you choose the right size, color, and inflation style for your needs. Don't dive without being seen.

Your dive boots are a critical piece of gear impacting your warmth, protection, and the fit of your fins. This ultimate guide breaks down everything you need to know, from choosing the right thickness for water temperature to deciding between soft and hard soles for boat or shore diving. Most importantly, learn the golden rule of getting the perfect fit to ensure a comfortable and powerful dive, every time.

Shearwater is more than a brand; it's the standard for dive computers. This guide explores the core philosophy that makes Shearwater the most trusted name in diving: powerful processing, simple user interfaces, and robust, reliable design. We'll then show you how this philosophy comes to life in their best models—from the recreational Peregrine to the expedition-grade Perdix 2—to help you find your perfect dive partner.

Think dive lights are just for night diving? Think again. A quality light is essential for restoring vibrant color, signaling your buddy, and exploring on every dive. This ultimate guide breaks down everything you need to know, from understanding the difference between spot and flood beams to choosing the right primary, backup, and photo/video lights. Learn what specs like "lumens" really mean and build the perfect lighting system for your adventures.