DirDirect Weblog

The new Orcatorch D920 promises to be popular with serious recreational and technical divers as an alternative to corded canister torches. With runtimes ranging from 1.5 to 35 hours and a brilliant 5000-lumen turbo output, this 6500K light incorporates magnetic charging, 4 light modes, LED power monitor, low power protection and mode memory function.

Suex defines its NEW VR SERIES Underwater Scooters as a testament to its past, a reflection of its passion, and a promise for the future. As a global leader in Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) manufacturing, SUEX has been pushing beyond limits in this field since the 1990s. This year, it has developed 3 models based on the same body with interchangeable battery cones. We review all three of these.

Smart Seals are a game-changing innovation in dry suit technology, offering unrivalled flexibility and convenience. This wrist seal system allows for effortless interchangeability between standard latex or silicone wrist seals and dry gloves. Smartseals enable you to adapt to changing conditions within minutes without compromising your diving experience. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting out, the pre-installed Smartseal system provides a practical and user-friendly solution for a comfortable and enjoyable dive.

Imagine a comfortable, lightweight, reliable dry diving suit that allows you to dive for as long as you like in tropical or Arctic waters. Explore the underwater world without thermal limitations. Make the 102 AIRON your new Avatar in the underwater world and experience unparalleled innovation.

Introducing the ultimate Cold Water Undersuit. The SANTI BZ420X promises to be the pinnacle of technical diving undersuits for extreme conditions and long-duration dives. Built upon the legacy of the legendary BZ400, this new undersuit offers unparalleled warmth and comfort. With enhanced insulation and durability, the BZ420X ensures you stay cosy and protected, even in the most frigid waters.

Your Feedback Matters to Us If you've shopped from us in-store or online, we'd love to get your feedback. A quick review on Facebook, or Trustpilot (DirDirect), or Google, would go a long way and would be greatly appreciated. It helps others as much as us, both to learn how we're doing and how we can improve to serve you and others better in the future.

Starting off in 1998 with a love of diving, today's Underwater Explorers | DirDirect has blossomed from a local dive shop to a global outlet of cutting-edge equipment and sound advice. Through teamwork, creativity, and a thirst for adventure, we've built a supportive community and a globally renowned online store. Now, with over 25 years of experience, we're still passionate about sharing the wonders of the underwater world and helping divers of all levels explore safely and confidently.

Xdeep Stealth 2.0 Classic, Tec or Rec? Which suits you best and what's future-proof for all-around sidemount diving, whether on wrecks and reefs in open water or the depths of caverns and caves? We take a look at what Xdeep offers, what's similar and what's different between them.

Following their debut at DEMA 2023, the Shearwater Tern and Tern-TX dive computers have garnered attention for their compact design and versatile functionality. While both models share a sleek, lightweight profile reminiscent of the Teric, their feature set aligns more closely with the recreational Shearwater Peregrine. The Tern-TX, however, takes the capabilities a step further by introducing transmitter-enabled gas consumption monitoring, allowing divers to track their gas usage precisely. It also boasts a digital compass, enhancing underwater navigation.

Fourth Element Wetsuits are some of the most advanced and innovative wetsuits on the market today. Designed with the needs of divers and water enthusiasts in mind, Fourth Element wetsuits are known for their superior performance, comfort, and durability. In this review, we take a closer look at Fourth Element wetsuits and explore their differences, providing insight into some of the most popular models for UK diving and travel so that you can find the perfect wetsuit for your needs.

When we talk about using P-valves to urinate while diving in drysuits, safety is more important than comfort (although urinating without getting wet and cold underwater is certainly as comfortable as it gets during a dive). The most important thing is that P-valves allow divers to stay hydrated, which, as every diver knows, is essential for dive safety. Given dehydration significantly increases the risk of severe DCS, P-valves are about more than just comfort. They are an essential safety tool for all drysuit divers.

With temperatures on the decline, we look at the crucial role of base layers in enhancing the warmth and comfort of divers underwater and on the surface, focusing on three reputable manufacturers to identify the best base layers for diving. What matters to us, being warmth, wicking properties, comfort and flexibility. Our vote goes to three leading manufacturers: Fourth Element, Apeks, and Waterproof - a blend of innovation, eco-conscious practices, cutting-edge designs and reliable, high-performance.

Ever thought of having an all singing and dancing Shearwater Perdix dive computer with crystal-clear LCD screen and reliable decompression mode when required – yet didn’t need the jazzy extras covering Helium or rebreathers? In comes Shearwater Peregrine.

In this post, we take a look at the Apeks MTX line of first and second stages, what the acronyms mean, how these regulators perform, what's common and what's different between them and why we believe the MTX-RC single tank long hose regulator set is the best all-inclusive out-of-the-box package for those going the long hose route.

In this comparison, we answer one of your most frequently asked questions about the difference and similarities between two of Apeks' workhorse regulators that are equally famous for their reliability and performance: The Apeks DS4 and DST first stage regulators. What's the difference?

This review covers your most-asked questions about Shearwater Dive Computers as the UK's leading stockist and Shearwater Demo Centre. We often get asked which dive computer is the best, and our immediate response is the Peregrine if you are on Open Circuit and not using Helium or the Perdix 2 Ti. Especially if you are advancing into more demanding mixed gas diving, using Helium or looking for a rebreather backup computer.

"What's so special about XDEEP?" isn't the kind of question we get every day. That's because XDEEP has gained a worldwide reputation in a relatively short time for producing cutting-edge diving products at reasonable prices - without compromising quality. From backmount to sidemount as well as accessories, the name has become synonymous to quality, innovation and comfort.

The Orcatorch D630 is one of the most powerful and reliable canister dive torches on the market at its price point and our best seller since it entered the scene. Read why like many others, we love the 150m depth-rated D630 V2.0 with its 7º focus beam with a whopping 4000 lumens of power that can be lowered for extended burn times.