We all get attached to our dive gear. That trusty mask that’s framed countless ocean memories. The fins that powered you through drift dives and coral canyons. The BCD that’s been with you since your very first open water course.
At Mike’s Dive Store, we’re all about helping you get the most life out of your kit — from regular servicing to spare parts and practical advice. We love keeping your gear in top shape for as long as possible.
But sometimes, no matter how much care you put in, the moment comes when the best thing you can do for your safety, comfort, and enjoyment is to let go and move on.
Knowing When to Say Goodbye to Your Dive Gear
1. When Safety is on the Line
If your regulator’s breathing performance is slipping, hoses are cracking, or your BCD is losing buoyancy unexpectedly, it’s time to act. Dive gear is life-support equipment — reliability comes first, always.
2. When Repairs Outweigh the Value
Our service team can work wonders, but if you’re constantly sending items in for fixes and the bills are creeping close to the cost of a replacement, upgrading might be the more sensible (and cost-effective) route.
3. When Comfort Could Be Better
Wetsuits lose elasticity, straps stretch, padding compresses. If your kit doesn’t feel as snug or responsive as it used to, upgrading can make every dive feel easier and more enjoyable.
4. When You’re Starting a New Chapter
From your first liveaboard to learning underwater photography, new adventures often call for new tools. The right upgrade can make the experience smoother, safer, and more fun.
Familiar Comfort or Brave New Territory?
When you’re ready to replace gear, you face two main paths:
Option A – Same Trusted Design, Fresh Build
If you adore the way your current mask fits, or the way your fins cut through the water, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Many dive gear classics stay in production for years — with improved materials, fresh colours, or small performance tweaks.
- Benefit: No adjustment period. You keep the feel you love, with the bonus of improved durability and style.
- Example: Upgrading your well-loved regulator to the newest model in the same line — same breathing comfort, but lighter and more corrosion-resistant.
Option B – Something Completely New
Maybe your needs have changed. You’re travelling more and need lighter, packable gear. You’ve started technical diving or freediving. Or maybe you’re simply ready to embrace new features and technology.
- Benefit: Access to modern innovations that can enhance safety, reduce fatigue, or improve dive enjoyment.
- Example: Switching from a jacket-style BCD to a wing system for better trim and buoyancy control.
Making the Switch Without Regret
- Retire, don’t landfill: Many dive schools and charities accept old gear for training or repurposing.
- Demo before you decide: At our London store, you can get hands-on and chat with divers who’ve made the same upgrade decisions.
- Upgrade in stages: Start with safety-critical kit, then move on to comfort and style.
Bottom line: We’ll always be here to help you service and look after your dive gear for as long as it’s safe and functional. But when the time for farewell comes, we’ll also be ready with expert advice and the latest equipment to make sure your next chapter in diving is your best yet.
And if you’re unsure which path to take — sticking with the familiar or diving into something completely new — our team at Mike’s is always happy to help. You can email us at support@mikesdivestore.com, schedule a video consultation, or drop by our Chiswick store for expert, face-to-face advice.
