Category Archives: Gear Reviews
2018 Holiday Gift Guide
We’ve got the perfect gifts for the diver and snorkeler on your list! Our staff have weighed in with their top picks to fit every budget.
Gift Certificates
Not sure what they might like? We offer gift certificates in any amount good toward classes, gear, servicing or even trips.
Special Deals
Stocking Stuffers
For the Dive Traveler
For the New Diver
For the Underwater Photographer
Special Deals
Save up to $300 on a Suunto D-Series dive computer
Now through December 31, 2018, all Suunto D-Series wrist computers are on sale. That includes the DX, D6i Novo, D4i Novo and D4i. Take advantage of this special offer while supplies last!
On Sale
- 50% off in-stock Sharkskin Chillproof hooded vests, longsleeve shirts, socks and beanies
- Up to 30% off select Big Blue dive lights and sets
- 20% off SP Gadget POV cases for GoPro cameras
- $150 off Rescue Diver + DAN DEMP course combo
- Buy a SeaLife camera and receive a free pool session with an instructor
- Buy an AquaLung drysuit and receive the Drysuit Diver course for free
- Buy an Apeks sidemount kit (BCD + regulators) and receive the Sidemount Diver course for free
- Plus clearance pricing on rental camera kits, drysuits and dive computers
Stocking Stuffers
For the Dive Traveler
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For the New Diver
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For the Underwater Photographer
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Seminar: Regs, BCDs and computers...oh my! - October 23, 2018
Thinking about buying a regulator, BCD or computer but you’re not sure where to start? Octo vs. safe second, back-inflate vs. jacket, wrist vs. console…there are so many options now! Whether you’re picking out your first set-up or you’re ready to replace your old one, this is a great opportunity to learn about key features and the latest advancements for these essential pieces of equipment.
When: Tuesday, October 23; 7:00 PM
Where: Blue Planet shop
Seminar: Regs, BCDs and computers...oh my! - May 22, 2018
Thinking about buying a regulator, BCD or computer but you’re not sure where to start? Octo vs. safe second, back-inflate vs. jacket, wrist vs. console…there are so many options now! Whether you’re picking out your first set-up or you’re ready to replace your old one, this is a great opportunity to learn about key features and the latest advancements for these essential pieces of equipment.
When: Tuesday, May 22; 7:00 PM
Where: Blue Planet shop
"Blue" dive gear for Earth Day
It’s almost Earth Day! Which scuba manufacturers are doing their best to protect our ocean planet?
One of the ways Blue Planet incorporates conservation into our mission is to consciously support companies that are trying their best too. See below for some that we have featured:
4Ocean
It’s not pretty, but somebody’s got to do it! The women and men at 4Ocean are cleaning the coasts and oceans of all sorts of debris every day. The most prevalent trash? All sorts of single-use plastics that we consume at a rapid rate! Since plastic will never naturally degrade in our ecosystems (just break down into smaller and smaller pieces), it is extremely important to remove larger pieces before they get too small to be seen.
What: Some of the material that is collected by 4Ocean gets turned into cool bracelets! Purchasing one supports funding for the removal of 1 pound of trash from the ocean and therefore also the efforts of 4Ocean. Pick up one today at Blue Planet and show everyone that you care about marine debris!
JAWS
Just Add Water Solutions has been providing environmentally-friendly solutions for water sports since 2005. Their formulas are non-toxic and biodegradable, and they work! As divers, we use JAWS products for everything from mask scrub and defog to wetsuit and BCD cleaner.
What: Take your defog and gear cleaning solutions to the next level! They even offer options that create less foam while cleaning, leading to less overall water usage!
Stream2Sea
Finally! We have been waiting years for a sunscreen that does not harm the ocean creatures we are trying to see! Sometimes divers must take matters into their own hands and create solutions. This is the case with Stream2Sea. As a cosmetic chemist and diver, Autumn Blum devised a way around the harmful chemicals that are usually the go-to for sunscreen manufacturers. Instead of using a traditional nano-sized titanium dioxide, she uses a non-nano sized titanium dioxide molecule that does not penetrate the cells on invertebrates.
What: The Steam2Sea line includes sunscreens, shampoo and body wash, leave-in conditioner, lip balm, body lotion and sting-relief gel. A full line of products that can be used without feeling guilty!
Fourth Element
Creating quality products that have a limited impact on the environment is a common goal for many manufacturers. Fourth Element has taken this a step further – having a positive impact rather than just a reduced impact. Their OceanPositive line of products incorporates material created from reclaimed nylon ghost fishing nets pulled from the ocean. This is the first part of their Mission 2020 goal to eliminate all single-use plastic from their product packaging and developing more products made from recycled materials.
What: We are extremely excited to carry Fourth Element products! Their OceanPositive line includes swimwear, rashguards and Thermocline wetsuits and pieces. They also offer a full line of drysuits, undergarments, luggage and clothes.
Seminar: Sidemount Diving - April 18, 2018
*ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 21, 2018; NEW DATE!*
So what’s the deal with divers wearing tanks at their sides instead of on their back? The sidemount configuration offers increased flexibility, streamlining and gas supply, plus is a great option for people who don’t want to walk with heavy cylinders on their back. And it’s a must if you plan to try technical diving! Join us to learn why more and more divers are choosing to dive sidemount.
When: Wednesday, April 18; 7:00 PM
Where: Blue Planet shop
Seminar: Regs, BCDs and computers...oh my! - August 16, 2017
Thinking about buying a regulator, BCD or computer but you’re not sure where to start? Octo vs. safe second, back-inflate vs. jacket, wrist vs. console…there are so many options now! Whether you’re picking out your first set-up or you’re ready to replace your old one, this is a great opportunity to learn about key features and the latest advancements for these essential pieces of equipment.
When: Wednesday, August 16; 7:00 PM
Where: Blue Planet shop
Seminar: Building your Save-a-Dive Kit - July 26, 2017
Are you ready for you next dive adventure?
• C-card and logbook? — Check!
• Mask, fins, snorkel? — Check!
• Save-a-dive kit? — Say what???
Being prepared isn’t just for scouts. At this Blue Planet seminar, hear from our instructors about the tools and training they never leave home without in order to make sure their next dive goes off without a hitch. Whether you’re headed to a far-flung destination or diving at a local scuba park, you’ll learn what you need to make sure you’re not left on dry land due to the unexpected! RSVP below.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 26; 7:00 PM
WHERE: Blue Planet shop
New Nautilus Lifeline GPS
Only $199! And for a limited time, you can save $20 as part of Nautilus’ introductory offer!
Don’t get left behind! The all new Nautilus LifeLine Marine Rescue GPS is less than half the size of the original radio and is incredibly simple to use. Simply undo the latch and open, turn on, remove the red distress cap and press the red button. Your GPS position is accurate to 1.5 metres and a man overboard distress message will be broadcast to all AIS equipped ships up to 34 miles away, as well as a special DSC message to the marine radio on your own vessel. Your Nautilus LifeLine floats and is waterproof in all sea conditions. Just keep the o-ring clean and forget about it for the next 5 years!
Seminar: Choosing (and using) a dive computer - August 10, 2016
A dive computer is generally at the top of every diver’s list! But there are a lot of options out there. Whether you’re picking out your first computer or you’re ready to replace your old one, this is a great opportunity to learn about key features and the latest advancements for this essential piece of life support equipment. We’ll also go over how exactly dive computers work and how to get the most out of yours.
When: Wednesday, August 10; 7:00 PM
Where: Blue Planet shop
APEKS Sidemount BCD & Regulators
Are you curious about sidemount diving? Whether as the next step for technical diving or cave training, or just for recreational diving, sidemount diving is becoming more and more popular! Stop by the shop and check out the latest sidemount gear, just in from APEKS.
If you buy an APEKS sidemount harness and regulator kit from us, our pros will offer a full custom fitting and assembly at no charge. We can also help you become certified as a PADI Sidemount Diver!
Apeks, the company that produces the premiere line of technical dive gear, offers you a top of the line sidemount harness system. The WSX-25 is a feature rich, complete sidemount harness system. The WSX comes with the bladder, harness with crotch strap, D-rings, bungee and accessory butt pack.
The Apeks “SlideLock” sliding D-ring allows the diver to easily change the position of the cylinders as their buoyancy changes during the dive. The 2 piece plate system is adjustable to nearly any torso length, making this truly a one size fits all system.
Features:
- Bladder:
- 25lbs lift
- Armoguard exterior with additional protective layer of Armoguard protects the bladder against abrasions in confined spaces.
- Reversible inflator can be mounted on left or right side.
- Grommets at lower corners allow for mounting bungee to keep the bladder streamlined to your body.
- Harness:
- Solid 2” (5cm) webbing comes pre-assembled.
- Removable crotch strap made of 2” (5cm) soft webbing.
- 4 – two inch stainless steel D-rings (2 angled on shoulders, 1 angled and 1 flat on the crotch strap).
- 2 – “SlideLock” sliding stainless steel D-rings on waist strap allow for easy adjustment of cylinders throughout the dive.
- 2 – Stainless steel drop D-rings along the lower back are for the included butt pack.
- Heavy-duty waist buckle made of stainless steel.
- 2 piece stainless steel plate allows the torso length to be adjusted to fit any diver.
- Zippered Butt Pack with stainless steel snap hooks for storing marker buoys, reels or other accessories.
- Weight pouch is mounted on the spine strap and holds over 18lbs (9kgs) of weight.
- Comes complete with 2 sizes of bungee and 5 stainless steel snap hooks.
- 2 grommet strips allow the diver to adjust the weight pouch and bladder based on their specific requirements.
As sidemount diving continues to grow, Apeks answers the need to deliver a kit that contains all of the necessary hardware and accessories, along with two of their award-winning XTX50 regulators, that will be convenient for the sidemount diver and save him money along the way. Everything a diver needs for a sidemount breathing system is found in this kit.
This product qualifies for Free Parts for Life
Kit contents:
- 2 ea. XTX50 DIN regulators with 5 port swivel turrets
- One XTX50 has a 83” / 210cm hose
- One XTX50 has a 24” / 60cm hose
- 2 ea. custom length MP inflation hoses (one for buoyancy system, one for drysuit)
- 2 ea. brass pressure gauges with 6 inch hoses (units in PSI)
- 1 ea. 90° elbow fitting
- 1 ea. bungee necklace
- 1 ea. stainless steel clip
- 2 sets of short exhaust ports
- Regulator bag to hold all
- Setup illustration, CD manual and quick start guide