DirDirect is the global online presence of the UK’s leading brick-and-mortar dive store, Underwater Explorers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ratings as of June 2024:  Facebook 4.9 (138 Reviews) – Google 4.7 (66 Reviews) – Trustpilot 4.5 (37 Reviews) “Top place, top people providing top service…” We love feedback. It helps us and others. Please review us on Facebook, Trustpilot (DirDirect), or Google if you have a minute. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated. Read what others have said about us and our service and support: Google As ever, first class service ..read more

Designed specifically for sport divers, Shearwater’s new Tern and Tern TX models embody the pinnacle of dive computer technology. These lightweight and robust devices are meticulously crafted, offering simplicity, reliability, and an unrivalled level of compactness. Building upon the success of the popular Shearwater Peregrine dive computer, the Tern and Tern TX adopt a watch-like round format similar to the more sophisticated (and expensive) Shearwater Teric. This innovative design seamlessly blends functionality with style, making them a compelling addition to Shearwater’s product line. The ..read more

In this Fourth Element Wetsuits Review, we’ll look at a range of wetsuits from this leading UK manufacturer who’s pledged an ocean-positive policy. Whether diving into the depths with scuba or freediving, exploring the underwater world through snorkelling, or riding the waves on your paddle board or kayak, Fourth Element wetsuits provide exceptional comfort, warmth, and durability. In this review, we’ll take a quick look at Fourth Element Wetsuits: Proteus II wetsuit Xenos wetsuit Thermocline oceanwear Surface wetsuit RF1 freediving wetsuit RF2 freediving wetsuit Embrace the depths with ..read more

Enhanced Comfort and Safety for Your Drysuit Dives In short, a drysuit P-valve, Pee Valve, or Tinkle Valve is a device that allows divers to urinate underwater while wearing a drysuit. The valve itself is more like a one-way drysuit dump valve,  and the system both for male and female divers is named after the valve as a P-Valve. Male divers use catheters, whereas female divers use a She-P for attachment. The only difference between the two is the material, shape and functionality of the part that attaches to the body, considering anatomical differences.  Below is ..read more

This review looks at the best single tank wing systems in 2023. We focus only on single tank systems based on wings with an inner bladder and an outer shell: Because this reliable double-layer construction gives abrasion and puncture resistance, withstanding the harshest conditions. Our most popular single tank wing systems are: The XDEEP Zeos and Zeos Deluxe wing systems The APEKS WTX wing system The OMS Smartstream Signature wing system The HALCYON Eclipse and Infinity wing system Common features of our best Single ..read more

Whenever asked, “What’s the best SMB for UK diving?” our first reply is that size matters most and then comes functionality and ease of use.  There’s no “one type fits all” regarding SMBs other than that whatever brand or style one is, it has to be visible – given, as the name implies, it is a Surface “Marker” Buoy.  It needs to be visible from the shore if using an SMB from the coast, visible to incoming boat traffic, whether near a beach or out at sea, and visible to a dive boat for sea dives to maintain visual contact with the location of its divers. In UK-type div ..read more

Rule #1: Avoid Cotton If you’re new to diving base layers, cotton is the first thing you should cross off your list. It’s not your friend in the diving world. Cotton is a terrible insulator when wet, so you want to avoid it at all costs when diving. It absorbs moisture like a sponge and holds onto it for dear life. Instead of cotton, opt for synthetic base layers. Synthetic materials, like polyester, wick away moisture from your skin, keeping you warm and dry. Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits of synthetic base layers for diving: They wick away moisture, keeping you warm and dry. They’re ..read more

Best out-of-the-box DIR regulator set for single tank diving As a renowned high-performance scuba regulator setup, the Apeks MTX-RC Single Tank Long Hose Regulator Set is ideal for divers who prefer a long hose configuration on a single cylinder – a practical and safer alternative to the concept of using and donating an octopus. It’s also a perfect set-up for any recreational diver considering transitioning into twinset diving, if not for depth, for redundancy and extended bottom times. To reflect a substantial saving for those of you looking at diving doubles sooner rathe ..read more

It’s a frequently asked question: Apeks DS4 or DST first stage? When it comes to high performance, excellent breathing, cold water reliability and overall durability, the Apeks DS4 and DST first stages are a great choice for divers at all levels and have been a popular choice for technical and recreational divers over many years. Both are so rock-solid that it’s hard to believe how affordable they are. Going for a DS first stage won’t break the bank, and you’ll get years of reliable performance. Which one to get? The Apeks DS4 or DST first stage? Simply put, the Apeks DST is an Apeks DS4 on s ..read more

Frequently asked questions about Shearwater Dive Computers Is the Shearwater Peregrine worth it? The Shearwater Peregrine is an excellent dive computer for recreational no-decompression diving and dives requiring decompression. Its 2.2” slate-style bright screen displays the most important dive information in an easy-to-read arrangement. If you are on Open Circuit (OC), not diving a CCR (rebreather) and not using Helium as a breathing gas, the Shearwater Peregrine will cover all your air and nitrox dives (up to 40% for bottom gas), including the ability to switch between 3 gases (up to 100% O2 ..read more