Despite the challenges of 2020, ScubaLab’s team of test divers was still able to review 76 pieces of scuba gear to bring you objective data.

And all of that test data was combined to bring you ScubaLab's Gear of the Year: A collection of the most comprehensive objective scuba gear reviews in the industry. Below, we present the best scuba gear of 2020 from ScubaLab's testing—all of the Testers Choice and Best Buy winners from a year of testing.

MASKS

We tested 21 dual-lens, single-lens and low-volume masks.

1. ATOMIC AQUATICS SUBFRAME
$129.95; atomicaquatics.com

The Subframe’s internal frame is molded directly in the skirt; its lens retainers are secured by a stainless-steel nose piece. The stylish look got high marks from test divers, but what they especially liked was the Subframe’s soft comfort, wide field of view and dry seal. The Subframe was our Testers Choice for dual-lens masks.

2. TILOS REVO
$65.95; tilos.com

The Revo performed notably well in every test category, from comfort and field of view to dryness and easy clearing. It also fit a wide variety of face shapes and sizes. The quick-disconnect buckles allow a simple swap between a standard silicone strap or an optional elastic one; test divers rated both excellent for ease of adjustment. The Revo was our Best Buy for masks.

3. SEAC M70
$65; seacsub.com

The M70 takes the low-volume approach to the max, with tiny buckles, ribbon-thin strap and minimal skirt. The design brings the lenses—the only sizable thing about the mask—close to the face to provide a wide-open view. Test divers found that the small internal volume made it a snap to clear and equalize. The M70 was our Testers Choice for low-volume masks.

4. APEKS VX1
$169; apeksdiving.com

Comfort topped the list of the many things test divers liked about the VX1. The frameless construction and velvety-soft skirt created a leak-free seal that kept it dry in all positions on a wide variety of face shapes. The low-volume design made it easy to equalize and clear, and the field of view was wide open. The VX1 was our Testers Choice for single-lens masks.

DIVE COMPUTERS

We tested 7 new wrist and console computers.

1. GENESIS CENTAURI
$345; genesisscuba.com

The Centauri is truly watch-size, with a screen just 1.1 inches in diameter, but its simple layout and softly glowing, adjustable illumination make it highly visible underwater. From routine dive data to safety stop and deco, the Centauri’s display is crystal-clear, and accompanied by vibration and buzzer alerts that can be disarmed. The option-rich menus are long but intuitive to navigate. You can set the Centauri for the standard six-field or optional three-field display, and it has onboard Bluetooth for easy wireless downloads to the free DiveStory app. The Centauri was our Best Buy for dive computers.

2. GARMIN DESCENT Mk2i
$1,499.99 computer; $399.99 transmitter; garmin.com

The second-generation Descent packs in even more advanced dive, fitness and adventure capabilities— including sonar-based air integration that can view tank data of up to five divers. Yet the Mk2i remains remarkably easy and intuitive to operate. The color screen, a third larger than the Mk1, is supremely easy to read in any light. The GPS-equipped Mk2i can be linked to Garmin’s inReach Mini satellite communicator for surface text alerts or SOS transmissions. The Descent Mk2i was our Testers Choice for dive computers.

SCUBA BCs

We tested 15 back-inflation, jacket, hybrid and back-plate/wing BCs.

1. SEAC EQ-PRO
$499; seacsub.com

Given its full-feature design, with integrated weights, large zippered pockets and sizable side panels, the EQPro turned out to be much more streamlined than we might have expected, thanks to an air cell that narrows toward the shoulders and an effective horizontal bungee. The EQ-Pro’s side panels slide along the waistband to reduce squeeze, and its surface floating position was rated best in our test. The EQ-Pro was our Best Buy for BCs.

2. TUSA BC0502B T-WING
$499; tusa.com

With its featherweight aluminum back plate and simple harness, the t-wing is so minimalist you can barely see it or feel it in the water. While its harness is lightly padded, test divers rated it highly for comfort, and its trim donut bladder helped it take one of the highest scores for streamlined profile. Testers found that once the harness was dialed in it offered rock-steady stability. The t-wing was our Testers Choice for back-plate/wing BCs.

3. SCUBAPRO X-BLACK
$1,039 (includes Air2 octo/inflator); scubapro.com

With its high-capacity air cell, trio of zippered cargo pockets and substantial harness with side panels, the X-Black may look a bit bulky, but looks can be deceiving. A network of bungees keeps the big air cell well tucked in, and the harness wraps nicely around the body, helping the X-Black win high marks from test divers for its comfortable stability and streamlined profile. The X-Black was our Testers Choice for jacket and hybrid BCs.

4. CRESSI SCORPION
$449.95; cressi.com

The Scorpion lets you have it both ways, with a light, easy-packing design that has the capabilities to handle a wide variety of diving. It weighs less than 6 pounds and has a flexible folding back plate but also offers 40 pounds of buoyant lift, integrated weights that handle 20 pounds and a pair of zippered cargo pockets. Praised by test divers for its comfortable harness and solid stability, the Scorpion was our Testers Choice for back-inflation BCs.

EXPOSURE SUITS

We tested six neutrally-buoyant exposure suits for wet and dry diving.

1. MARES ULTRASKIN STEAMER
$294; mares.com

Constructed of a three-layer fabric, Ultraskin has a soft, warm fleece lining inside a breathable membrane with a smooth, durable outer layer. Test divers found the design was warm and comfortable under wet- or drysuits, and effective at blocking wind chill even when soaking wet. The front-zip design was easy to don and doff, and the smooth exterior made it easy to pull even a very snug suit on over it. The Ultraskin Steamer was our Testers Choice for exposure suits.

2. WATERPROOF BODY X
$90 top; $90 bottom; waterproof-usa.com

While the fabric of the Body X was a bit lighter than some other suits we tested, test divers gave it among the top scores for warmth, thanks to its air-filled hollow-core fibers, said to be inspired by polar bear fur. Testers also liked the two-piece design, with a high waist on the pants and a long shirttail that kept the suit comfortably in place throughout dives, and the suit’s soft, fleecy lining that wicked moisture away from the skin. The Body X was our Best Buy for exposure suits.

DIVE KNIVES

We tested 15 dive knives and cutting tools.

1. SPYDERCO SALT 2 WHARNCLIFFE
$131; spyderco.com

The stout 2.9-inch Wharncliffe-style blade of this folding member of the Salt 2 family has an aggressively serrated edge made of H1 steel that cuts like crazy and refused to rust even after we soaked it in salt water. The blade opens easily with one hand, and the textured, fiberglass-reinforced handle provides a sure grip. The Salt 2 Wharncliffe was our Testers Choice for knives.

2. IST SPORTS CERAMIC LINE CUTTER
$40; istdivingsystem.com

There’s nothing fancy about this inexpensive little cutter with a plastic frame and ceramic blades. But it proved to be a handy and functional tool, easily cutting pretty much everything testers could fit into its ¼-inch-wide jaws, and the ceramic blades mean no worries that you’ll find it rusted beyond use in an emergency. The ceramic line cutter was our Best Buy for cutting tools.

3. TEKNA OCEAN EDGE
$119.95; tekna.us

What impressed testers about the Ocean Edge was the way its “rescue hook” design— a rounded, blunt tip and a 2-inch serrated edge—made it possible to safely cut even heavy lines wrapped around an arm or a leg. Made from a solid piece of 420 stainless steel, it’s resistant to rusting and easy to rinse and clean, and comes with a secure spring-lock sheath. The Ocean Edge was our Testers Choice for cutting tools.

REGULATORS

We tested 12 new regulators in the water and on the breathing simulator.

1. AQUA LUNG LEG3ND ELITE
$899; aqualung.com

Aqua Lung has been honing the performance of its Legend line for nearly two decades, and that shows in the third-generation Leg3nd Elite. It now has bigger heat-exchange ribs for enhanced cold-water performance, and radial ports in the cover for improved airflow and reduced free-flow from current. A top performer on the breathing simulator and among test divers, the Leg3nd Elite was our Testers Choice for regs over $500.

2. CRESSI AC25 MASTER CROMO
$569.95; cressi.com

This reg pairs the Master Cromo second stage with the new balanced-piston AC25 first stage—a matchup that test divers found to be a winning combo. It followed up an impressive performance on the breathing simulator with test dives that won it an excellent score for breathing performance, and very good for comfort, with divers praising its smooth, quiet operation. The AC25 Master Cromo was our Best Buy for regs.

3. GENESIS PRANA
$405; genesisscuba.com

Based on its predecessor, the long-serving GS2000, the Prana sports a fresh new look and enhanced performance. While it retains the balanced-piston first stage and ergofriendly, top-mounted Venturi control of the GS, the Prana has an improved breathing adjustment that’s both handier to operate and more effective. With lightweight comfort and easy-breathing performance, the Prana was our Testers Choice for regs under $500.