Well, here we are — the end of 2025. What a year it’s been. And we’re not just talking about the usual ups and downs of life on land — we mean life under the waves, the gear, the dives, the new arrivals, the colourful chaos of in-store demos, and the endless emails from divers asking “what’s the best setup for me?”
Looking back, it’s been incredible. At Mike's Dive Store, we’ve seen so much enthusiasm, curiosity, and downright excitement for diving that it’s honestly been infectious. Between testing new kit, helping divers online and in-person, hosting brand ambassadors, and just generally geeking out over all things scuba, we’ve had our heads under water more than ever — and we love it.
As the year comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to look back, celebrate the gear you’ve loved, share the highlights of what we’ve brought into the store, and give a little nod to our amazing diving community. There’s been a lot happening this year, and while we could write a small book about every single thing, we thought we’d focus on what really made 2025 special.
So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s dive in…
The BCDs
Let’s start with something near and dear to every diver’s heart: the BCD. This year saw some really exciting moments in buoyancy control, and we have to kick things off by talking about two standout products: the original Scubapro Hydros Pro and the brand-new Hydros Pro 2.
The Hydros Pro has been our best-selling BCD for a reason. It’s reliable, versatile, and just feels right in the water — whether you’re gearing up for a cold UK dive or heading to sunnier waters. Divers love the modular system that allows them to swap pockets, adjust weight placement, and fine-tune fit without fuss. Over the past year, we’ve seen countless divers pick up this BCD and leave our London store grinning ear to ear, already imagining their next dive.
Then came the Hydros Pro 2, our shiny new arrival for 2025. It’s everything we loved about the original, but refined. Updated harness design, improved materials, and a Monorail Weight System that makes adjusting on the fly effortless. Even though it’s fresh on our shelves, it’s already turning heads. Seeing people try it on, check out the new features, and bounce ideas off our team and brand ambassadors has been one of the highlights of the year — and yes, we can confirm the colour options are causing a bit of friendly rivalry in the shop!
For those who like to keep things simple, light, and travel-friendly, the Scubapro Navigator Lite is a quiet hero. Compact, minimal, and easy to pack, it’s perfect for trips where you want a reliable, no-fuss BCD that still performs beautifully underwater.
This year we finally brought XDeep sidemount setups to Mike’s, and wow, it’s been a blast seeing divers try them out. If you’ve ever thought about sidemount diving, now’s your chance — comfy, flexible, and just a really clever way to dive.
Our recreational single-cylinder wings have been flying off the shelves too, and honestly, it made sense to expand the range. But the best part? The custom colours. You can mix and match and make your kit completely yours — subtle, flashy, or somewhere in between. Watching people pick their combos in the shop has been such a joy; it’s like seeing a diver’s personality come to life before they even hit the water.
The Regulators
If there’s one piece of kit you never want to compromise on, it’s your regulator. 2025 gave us some real gems at Mike’s Dive Store, but the one that’s been turning heads is the Scubapro MK25 EVO / S620Ti White Edition. Imagine that first breath on a brand new reg — smooth, instant, a whisper of bubbles — that’s exactly what this combo delivers. The S620Ti White isn’t just cosmetic: under the hood you’ve still got a balanced second stage with titanium inlet tube, a hi‑flow mouthpiece, oversized hose for plenty of airflow, and a compact/excellent diaphragm design for sensitivity.
For divers after something a bit simpler or more versatile, the Mares DUAL ADJ 62X has been a hit. Adjustable, reliable, and well-suited to a wide range of dive conditions, it’s a regulator that gets the job done without fuss. Great for beginners upgrading from entry-level kits or for seasoned divers who want a dependable, easy-to-use setup.
Rounding out the year, a couple of late arrivals made sure 2025 finished strong. The Halcyon H-75P Single Tank Regulator Set quickly caught the attention of divers who appreciate clean design, solid engineering, and no-nonsense performance. It’s a beautifully straightforward setup — smooth breathing, excellent hose routing, and the kind of reliability you expect from Halcyon. Ideal for divers who want a premium-feeling reg without unnecessary complexity, whether you’re diving cold UK waters or travelling further afield.
Then there’s something a little different. The Mares Planet Airmatic 88X TBP Regulator arrived just before the year wrapped up and instantly stood out for its forward-thinking design. Built with sustainability in mind and paired with Mares’ latest 88X first stage, it delivers light, responsive breathing with impressive cold-water performance. It’s a great option for divers who want modern tech, strong performance across conditions, and a regulator that reflects where the industry is heading — not just where it’s been.
The Dive Computers
Your regulator breathes for you, but your dive computer thinks for you — and in 2025, we’ve had some seriously solid options at Mike’s Dive Store.
Starting with the Suunto Nautic, this is for divers who want something simple, dependable, and easy to use. It tracks your dive profile, manages no‑decompression limits, and keeps everything clear and readable underwater. Perfect if you want a reliable computer without bells, whistles, or unnecessary complexity.
For those who love tech, the Garmin Descent X30 has been a hit. It’s a full-featured dive computer with multiple dive modes, helpful on-dive alerts, and surface functionality like GPS and fitness tracking. It’s ideal for divers who travel a lot or want a single device that works both in the water and on land.
We also stocked the Garmin Descent G2, which builds on the watch-style concept with an AMOLED screen and support for various dive modes. While it adds versatility and smartwatch functionality above water, it does not include wireless air integration by default — something to consider if monitoring tank pressure is critical for your dives.
New to the shop, the SEAC Tablet Dive Computer offers a clear, no-nonsense option for divers who prefer a larger screen and straightforward operation. Its tablet-style display makes dive data easy to read at a glance, even in low visibility or while wearing thick gloves. Designed with simplicity in mind, it covers core dive functions without unnecessary complexity, making it a practical choice for recreational divers, schools, and dive centres looking for a reliable, easy-to-use computer that focuses on clarity and usability underwater.
Just before the end of the year, the Halcyon Symbios BLUE Handset Computer added a strong technical-leaning option to the lineup. It features a bright, easy-to-read colour display, simple two-button operation, and support for oxygen, nitrox and trimix, making it suitable for advanced recreational diving as well as technical progression. Running the trusted Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm with fully customisable gradient factors, it offers the level of control experienced divers expect, without becoming overcomplicated. Compact, rugged, and compatible with Halcyon’s wider ecosystem, the Symbios BLUE is a solid choice for divers looking for a capable computer with room to grow.
For Shearwater divers who want to take their logging to the next level, the Swift GPS is a neat upgrade. It’s a surface GPS/logging device that works with Shearwater air-integrated computers, recording your entry and exit points for each dive. That means your dive logs can now include the exact locations of your dives, giving you more detailed records and making it easier to track and plan future adventures. It’s a simple addition, but it adds real value for anyone who wants to keep a precise, well-documented log of their diving.
Masks, Fins, and Snorkels
Let’s face it, if your mask isn’t comfortable, it doesn’t matter how brilliant your other gear is. In 2025, the Mares Force-X Mask impressed divers with comfort and a wide field of view, while the XDeep Radical Mask in new colours added a bit of personality to your underwater look.
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Then there’s something genuinely different. The SEAC Clear Anti-fog Mask brought a fresh approach with its dual plasma anti-fog treatment, designed to keep the lenses clear dive after dive without relying on sprays or constant defogging rituals. Activated simply by wetting and rubbing the lenses, it focuses on real-world usability — clear vision, less faff, and one less thing to think about underwater.
Lighting and Cameras
What’s better than exploring a wreck or reef? Doing it with a torch that actually shows you what’s down there. The Pandora Lab K1 Rescue Dive Torch is a standout for 2025 — bright, reliable, and built for safety, rated to 200 m depth with around 1,400 lumens of output. Its sealed‑head design keeps it working even if it gets flooded, and the “Rescue” version includes a small marker dye for added surface visibility in emergencies, giving divers real peace of mind. On the other hand, the OrcaTorch ZD710 MK2 Zoomable Dive Torch is all about versatility: its adjustable beam lets you switch from a tight spotlight for wreck passages to a wide flood for reefs, making it perfect for both technical dives and more relaxed explorations.
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And while you’re lighting the way, you’ll probably want to capture some memories — enter the Sealife SportDiver S Smartphone Housing. Compact, lightweight, and surprisingly versatile, it allows divers to record photos and videos underwater without lugging a full camera setup, making it perfect for holiday trips or casual dives where simplicity matters. Together, these torches and the housing show how practical, reliable gear can genuinely enhance both your dive and your post‑dive stories.
Staying Warm
The 2025 wetsuit lineup really gave divers some excellent choices. The Xenos ARC stood out for its flexibility, comfort, and durability — a suit that moves with you underwater while keeping you warm, thanks to its high-stretch, sustainable Ocena® material and thermal linings. For those wanting a lighter, highly mobile option, the Waterproof W5 v2 delivered just that, with an anatomical fit, high-stretch neoprene, and smart design features like zippered limbs and reinforced knees for comfort and practicality across different dive conditions. And once the dive was done, nothing beats sliding into a Dryrobe® — whether the Advance or Cotton version — to warm up, change easily, and shake off the chill. Between premium wetsuits and a proper post-dive robe, 2025 gave divers a combination of performance, comfort, and convenience that made every dive feel that little bit more enjoyable.
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Bundles, Kits, and Making Life Easier
This year, we really listened. Diving gear can feel like a jungle, and we know that beginners or even seasoned divers upgrading kit can feel a bit overwhelmed. So we curated bundles and kits to take the guesswork out. From beginner snorkel setups to full travel or tech dive packages, our goal was simple: make sure the gear works together, looks good, and keeps you safe — and yes, we had fun putting these together with input from our customers, online chats, and in-store visits.
Bestsellers — What You Loved Most
Looking back at 2025, it’s fun to see what gear really stole the show this year. Masks? The TUSA CEOS kept popping up in dive bags everywhere — comfy, low-volume, and just plain easy to use. Snorkels? The TUSA Platina Hyperdry was a favourite, with that hyperdry valve making breathing effortless, whether you’re cruising along a reef or just dipping in on a holiday. Fins? The Go Travel Fins got plenty of love for being lightweight, easy to pack, but still powerful enough to actually get you where you want to go without kicking endlessly.
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Lighting up dives, the OrcaTorch D710 kept shining bright — literally — for night dives, wreck trips, or murky water adventures. Dive computers? The Suunto D5 stayed a solid favourite, simple, clear, and reliable for divers of all levels. And for those small but essential touches, Gear Aid Sea Drops kept masks fog-free and frustration-free.
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We can’t forget BCDs, and 2025 was all about the Scubapro Hydros Pro — smooth, comfortable, and easy to adjust, it quickly became a favourite for divers who want a dependable setup without fuss. From big-ticket items to little must-haves, these were the pieces of kit that really made diving easier, safer, and more fun this year.
Eco-Friendly Moves — Diving Responsibly
Sustainability has become more than a buzzword — it’s a movement. This year, we’ve seen brands leaning into eco-friendly practices: recycled materials in wetsuits and rash guards, long-lasting accessories, and packaging designed with the oceans in mind. At Mike's Dive Store, we’re proud to bring these products to you so you can dive responsibly without compromising on performance or style.
Servicing & Support — Safety Matters
We’ve also had a busy year behind the scenes. Our team handled regulator servicing, battery updates and more — keeping your gear safe and reliable. Whether you reached out online or popped into the London store, helping you navigate gear choices, troubleshoot problems, or geek out over new releases has been a highlight for all of us.
Community — You’re the Heart of It All
Every review, comment, and in-store chat made 2025 special. Seeing your dive photos, hearing about trips, celebrating milestones, or even helping with a tricky equipment question reminds us why we do what we do. You’re not just customers — you’re a community. And this community makes Mike's Dive Store so much more than a shop.
Looking Ahead to 2026
If 2025 was any indication, 2026 is going to be incredible. Expect more eco-conscious gear, refreshed colourways, next-gen dive computers, exciting bundles, and perhaps a few surprises that we can’t wait to share. We’ll be here testing, reviewing, and making sure you have the best advice and kit for your next dive — whether you’re a beginner, a tech diver, or somewhere in between.
💙 Thank You for Being Part of Our Year
To everyone who bought gear, read our blogs, asked questions, or visited the London store — thank you. Your support means everything. We can’t wait to dive into 2026 with you, and we’re excited to see the adventures, kit setups, and memories you’ll share in the year ahead.
Here’s to more dives, brighter torches, warmer wetsuits, and unforgettable underwater moments.
