While it might seem that PADI’s owners would benefit from lowering instructor requirements to increase pass rates, I’d argue the opposite. Allow me to explain: 1. Standardization Across Agencies: Currently, most training agencies, including PADI, NAUI, SSI, and SDI, adhere to similar instructor qualification standards. By actively participating in the creation of higher instructor standards, PADI positions itself as a leader in the industry. If these new standards become widely accepted globally, PADI will be recognized as the agency driving positive change. 2. Market Dominance: PADI’s dominance in the market isn’t solely due to its high prices. They strategically limit access to low-cost cross-overs and IDCs (Instructor Development Courses). By doing so, they maintain their reputation for quality and exclusivity. If PADI champions higher standards, they can leverage this reputation even further. 3. Trimming the Instructor Base: Implementing new standards won’t be easy, especially with the existing instructor base. However, PADI can gradually phase in these changes. By doing so, they’ll reduce the overall number of instructors while ensuring that those who remain meet the elevated standards. Quality over quantity. 4. First Mover Advantage: Being at the forefront of new ISO standards gives PADI a competitive edge. They can command higher prices, attract serious divers, and enhance profitability. It’s a win-win situation. In summary, PADI’s pursuit of higher standards isn’t about sacrificing quality for profit; it’s about securing their position as industry leaders and ensuring a sustainable future. This is what their PE owners will be looking for. I'm aware from industry insiders that PADI are trying to position themselves as the ONLY people that can be trusted to create a new set of 'ISO" type standards for the scuba training market. They have the leverage to make that happen - and this proposal means they also have the temerity to thrift the number of dive shops and dive instructors (particularly if they're not making them much money).

Yes. That's exactly what we're suggesting. If you're diving over-weighted then more air will be required in the air cell to compensate. When the aircell is more full it is more likely to want to tip you forward as this is the way the cell is designed to hold you. Correct weighting is much more important in scuba than many people believe.

I've had quite a few people point out that they like the understated, simple look. I'm not sure about the little window on the right though. But Racquel loves it.

Since the majority of divers don't use backup computers (a lot still don't have a primary either), this is a good, fully featured dive computer at a reasonable price if you're looking for a watch style. The fact it has all the smart watch features of its bigger siblings is what seperates it from the Suunto D4/6 for me. And its surprisingly robust too. But I hear you.

Without more to go on, its hard to say. The main thing that denotes whether a mask will fit or not is driven by face shape. You'll also typically find that for angular faces and ones with high cheek bones or prominent laughter lines, then a "frameless" mask with a soft skirt is a good idea. The way I recommend trying on a mask - obviously go to a dive shop - but get the strap out of the way and put the mask onto your face. Gently suck in with your nose, WHILST HAVING A SNORKEL IN YOUR MOUTH, and see if the mask sticks to your face. The snorkel is important, as your face shape will change when you have a snorkel or regulator in your mouth. So you'll get a better gauge as to whether it seals or not.

Lets not forget that each dive shop is independent of any training agency. To the dive shop the agency is simply a supplier (granted one with a great brand presence). If the price for the service/product from the supplier gets to high, the dive shop simply needs to choose a different supplier - that's the beauty of a free market. Will the other supplier have the brand? No, but that's the trade off. I'm sure the guys advising PADI have identified that future growth in the market is not going to come from only offering diver training. It's going to come from offering a diverse service portfolio. PADI have a strong brand and they're starting to use it outside of training. How you see this (good/bad) is the challenge, and how dive shops and other training agencies respond will be key....

LOL.... Indeed! I may have taken some poetic license to copy Dave2D :)

I'll be honest - I have not used the X2 so don't know how much of a generational leap it was between the X2 and the X3. I have however used the GP9.... and ditched if for the DJI Osmo Action very quickly. The 9 was unreliable, overheated and just too many times didn't record the footage. Apparently this was fixed only in the 11. Something to do with the processor used being too weak to handle the 4k shooting with all the image processing etc.

Hey Janna.... I've just completed a DM course with somone here who was feeling the same way about her swim tests. Remember, the watermanship skills are 5 skills together where you need to score 15 points over the 5 skills. Focus on what you can do, then put energy into what you think you can do. My approach - nail the float and equipmenr exchange. That's 10 points. Go hell for leather on the inert diver tow - you should be able to get 2-3 points. Get a good rhythm on the snork swim and aim for 2 points..... which means you only need to complete the 400m swim to get the 1 point you need. No time, no pressure.... just don't stop. You gotta have a strategy and play to what you can nail... Hope that helps

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou thank you so much. that really helps. However, I've extended the course for one month to get more diving experience....since I don't get much of it at home. My name's Jannati by the way, it's cute the way you shortened it though. I'm really glad you took the time out to reply...

Glad it was helpful! What were the highlights of your course, and what would you change if you could go back and do it again?

In my experience.... I could not agree with you more! I had an issue with a stiff button on my MK2. It was 2 years old, and yet they still replaced the unit under warranty. Really top class service.

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou They replaced my T1 sensor with a T2, then my first Mk2 with a new one, but then that had stiff buttons so just sent me a third one and new T2. Great service and super nice to deal with!

Nora has the steel plate on hers, which means she does not need to carry any weights at all. She still loves it too

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou decisions, decisions! :-)

The RK3's are too soft, and the HD's too heavy... And they don't come in teal 🩵🩵🩵

A sentiment I've certainly seen many times. It's down to the dive operations to allow a supplier to take a dominant position. We have it collectively within our grasp to vote with our feet and make any company the preferred partner. But.. those preferred partners have to do a job for the market which is better than the incumbent market leader .... And apart from fees I don't see that. Where is SDI/SSI's marketing strategy to drive new diver acquisition? That's something PADI does well

I can not argue against any of those salient points, unfortunately...

I hear that argument, and with an experienced independent operator I am sure you're correct. But what about the newbie who did their IDC down in Wherever last month, has a few sets of gear in the garage and now fancies setting up as an independent or freelance. This is the bigger segment and also the much bigger risk/cost. Someone needs to teach them how to buy materials, assign them, navigate the PADI systems and certify them. Who is overseeing their QA? There is no dive centre with their own brand over seeing what they're doing, or providing them with an experienced shoulder to lean on. Again, if I were advising PADI following a significant out of court legal settlement, I would be saying that independent instructors do represent a significant risk, a risk that can only be managed with a significant increase in spend on QA. If they're looking at the cost obligation for a bigger QA system that can encompass the risks attributable to independents... I'm sure it may outweigh the financial benefit. Or at least significant errode it. Of course, none of us know the numbers or what PADI is truly thinking, but directly or indirectly we're all invested in the brand and the company

If PADI abolished those specialties would they become a more credible agency in your mind? ML Diver is a legacy course and useful when you planned your dives using slates - perhaps back in 1980. I can still see a relevance for boat and drift. Boat if someone has had all the dives from the shore of a lake and wants to try something different. However, I don't think specialties or distinctive specialties are the issue at play here. It's going to be the team at PADI answering all the emails and calls about using the OLPC (again) and why can't I see the Open Water eLearning code I just bought. I can only imagine the number of contacts they get, particuarly from people who've never read the Training Updates or the FAQ's too. By reducing the number of dive centers call in the sales reps or customer services reps from operators that don't use your systems and services that often.... you can reduce the # of reps you need. That would make a significant saving.

Do they really? Lets be honest, as much as I enjoy a cave or cavern dive, we are talking about a niche of a niche in terms of market size. PADI made a forray into Tech/Rec but its not where the specialism is - which is in mass market training. PADI have also been clear in their policy implementation - if you're dual branded with a technical training agency, offering products which PADI does not offer, they're OK with that. Its just if you're offering NAUI, SDI or SSI products which directly compete with their core products too.

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou agree, yours a cave insructor evaluator. PADI entered tech to annoy/hurt other agencies, not because they cared about tech per say in diving or a profit center but because they wanted to reduce the chance the agencies that do tech can use (which has been the strategy of) to move into the bread and butter recerational market better. protecting the recerational market the "own" is job 1. It's like protecting a trade mark really Funny enough, tech is one area that PADI is using the old tool of cheaper/faster to put pressure on the tech centric agencies. Business wise I see it, ethically given the risk to the diving public's safety I find it repugnant.

Yeah. I got no defense to that. Although I will also state the prices the other agencies charge for a replacement C card is also a joke! Most of the specialty or more advanced training does have a place for many divers. Its about understanding the risks and mitigating controls associated with a new type of diving or diving equipment. Some people don't feel they need it, many others do. I see many divers where I am thinking there is no difference between diving to 60ft and diving to 130ft. Yet they keep getting bent! They don't know why they get bent or how they can prevent it, so in effect they're accepting risks they don't even know exist. They know nothing about what to do in the event..... But its is a balancing act. Divers with qualifications up the wazoo and only a dozen dives doesn't make sense either.

Oh, and I believe that those dive centres heavily invested in the PADI brand will by and large welcome this. They generally believe that people "want their PADI", not their scuba c-card and this aligns with their offering (PADI).

It's the MBA in me that see's the direction Mandarinfish is going. I also firmly believe that if PADI can demonstrate overhead savings gained through dealer body rationalization, added to revenue improvements through diversifying their product offering (new product/existing market), they'll be lining the company up for another flip. I never saw Mf as long term custodians of the brand, and I've worked with too many PE firms to think they would deviate from the playbook. Question is whether PADI would be bought by another PE firm or whether they would look to IPO it?

Absolutely. The big PADI shops, getting tier 4/5 discounts will see this as an opportunity to thrift our competitors and wholly support it. I was talking with a DC owner yesterday who was fully in favour. Talking about the price they pay for an OW eLearning (vs others) meaning they're happy with their competitive advantage. I believe there was a degree of surprise when advised of the price difference between another training agencies eLearning equivalent product. Now, do they have the same brand pulling power or PADI? Of course not. Are they doing 'bait and switch' as PADI suggests? I don't know if I would go that far. I think they're offering choice. Here's the crux of the issue for me. We all would like there to be more margin in scuba training. Hell, a buddy told me how much he makes teaching golf lessons in Canada as a pro.... and he doesn't run the risk of someone drowning during training. The point is people percieve the value of golf training is more valuable to them than dive training. Has anyone looked at why? Why is someone prepared to invest $250 an hour in Kitesurfing instruction, yet won't pay more than $600 for a 4 day OW course? So we need to increase the appeal of diving and drive revenue growth through innovation. Diving has not changed much in 30 years or more. So if one training agency is trying to aggressively grow margins through significant price increases (with huge volume discounts offered to the big guys) and someone else offers similar materials for a significantly lower price, where are dive centers going to go? The question should be what are PADI doing to create demand for their product within the dealer body? As I've said elsewhere in this thread - dive training is not that big a deal for our business. Leading fun divers is where its at for me. Therefore the training agency you're affiliated with is not the most critical thing, but local marketing is. When was the last time PADI featured Carriacou and drove significant eyeballs to this destination? Never is the answer, we're not big enough. And therein lies the crux of this issue. Volume!

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou Diving has NEVER been less expensive, ever. Gear, training, trips, etc. The margins have never been worse either. There are a couple factors for this, the ability for consumers to price shop easier and the more problematic IMHO is the target demograpic direction the industry took in the early 90's (driven by PADI) to market diving to everyone. They identiffied well that diving wasn't the "extreme" sport that many percieved it as, that training could be shortened, and expanding who could dive (kids to grandparents) instead of just adventure types would increase business. Funny enough, the wealthy (those that could afford to travel when it was expensive) already knew this, and were doing it on vacations that the average middle class family couldn't afford. They also didn't mind paying for it, it was just normal to pay whatever the asking price in their world. The cost to travel dropped, more middle class travelled, the industry by and large pivoted to service this market (which PADI/agencies loved because it sold more c-cards and student packs) and so did the gear companies at first. Then, over time it went from middle class versus upper middle and wealthy that dived, to lower middle class and working blue collar middle class. That actually made it less appealing to the old demographic of the wealthy (they like feeling exclusive, which they are willing to pay for, even if that "exclusive" is a fiction like Rolex watches that uses marketing, high prices and consumer behaviour to maintain their brand position ,and sales, my god the sales) These new demographic consumers were more likely to look for the cheapest price, the internet assisted them and the industry having built a model on the delusional idea that with the right marketing and shorter courses that the insane growth of the early 90's could continue forever (as MBA's, how many case studies have we done that has seen that particular delusion play out in almost every industry?). To "feed the machine", discounting was the "answer" (wrong), and we discounted into stagnant and negative growth. That has indeed left a mark. So, in a industry that has been shrinking (don't believe the cert numbers) there has been room for discounting the high margin training agency publishing side, and indeed we see more agency choices than ever, when we have less equipment brands than ever because they had less room for margin erosion and indeed the model needs higher margin for sustainable strategy. (why we see the largest brand , Aqua Lung currently bankrupt) Now, we could do a history walk on PE and the dive industry, that occured in the 80's and was not a good experience for the PE firms involved, then the more recent entry with PADI/Aqualung and to a lessor degree Huish that are proving that history does inded ryhme if not repeat. This latest entry by PE driven by cheap money and excess of it and of course the reality that traditional profit was somewhat ignored for a while. However a cash furnace is still a cash furnace as some have discovered and while cash flow can cover many sins, it isn't always possible to flip it when the economy changes (as is what is happening now with interest rates) So, PADI, they have done the MBA cost control stuff pretty heavily, and there is for sure more room to do so but it isn't the full answer. They have increased margins in a competetive market of discounting while looking to leverage their brand and market share/position to justify the higher costs. The question is, will it work? It depends on their marketing strategy and the dive shops actually. Funny enough the dive shops market PADI more than PADI can ever afford to, so in response PADI has to "shape" how the shops market the PADI brand more. This is part of that. If done well, PADI and their shops WILL make more money, the question in my mind is can they sustan that as the industry is still contracting? If they can get growth in diving again it will be one hella home run. IMHO, we are at a point where cheaper, faster WON'T drive growth (except tech, where we are seeing it and more deaths) and the lower quality of cheaper/faster is in fact impeding growth on the recerational side (many aren't enjoying their diving entry experiences and not recommending nor pursuing it further). So PADI has lost a old tool that worked well for them in the past. PADI has some competetive advantages, indeed I would argue some absolute advantages but some very big challenges as well. One thing we can rely on however is that they indeed will "MBA" the hell out of it and not make (but WILL leverage what is "shaped" to be percieved as it in their customer base which is shops, instructors and unlike what many of the shops and instructors believe is "their" customer, the joe/jane diver consumer that PADI does indeed view as "theirs" even while maintaining a fiction to their "professional" affiliates that the diver is the pros customer) emotional "diving passion" decisions strategically while their competition will make them. That is part of PADI's "secret sauce" and anyone that discounts it is a fool indeed. (in fairness, I know this and yet will still lean into my diving passion, even when I know I am leaving money on the table..aka a mistake, I am weird that way). So, is PADI making a mistake? No, I don't think so. They are following a well considered strategy, that is based on the best data anyone in this industry has , looked at with with the cold unblinking eyes of a top 10 MBA school grad that for this particular issue knows the pareto principle well and how to lean into it as part of their transformation strategy. Now, regulatory capture and PADI's involvement is another shoe that is coming, and very few see it coming. That will put a bow on it if what I believe is PADI's strategy is proves correct.

That's a very good point, in terms of response to other agencies gaining market penetration. In the Americas region, it feels like it's still very much PADI driving the brand recognition and centers being loyal behind the brand. Very few centers within 100 miles of Carriacou are anything other than PADI. I've had debates with other DC owners about how much of our success (or failure) is linked to a training agency brand. Generally the consensus is very little, and yet people still focus on the brand. In my business training represents consistently 12% of revenue. So is a training agency my key/critical for success supplier? Of course not. My merchandise sales are also 12% and I'd switch t shirt suppliers for a better deal in a heartbeat... How this plays out, though, is very interesting...

​​​@@DeeferDivingCarriacou I assume, but don't know so take it as a question, that a large proportion through to majority of your students are vacationers and you might never see them again. Here it's slightly different as the students are locals and the goal is to convert them into lifelong (and hopefully loyal to the shop) divers. The value of the PADI brand might vary accordingly, but the existence of so many non-PADI dive centers here suggests they've done the sums and come to the same conclusion you have. I think it's a bold play by PADI, and a limited one at that. Travel, as in organised dive tours of more exotic typically blue water destinations, is a huge revenue generator for our local shops. Recreational training is one thing, but I suspect if PADI takes a similar approach to their travel business they'll be wiped out.

Yes. The majority of training is with transient people. We may see them again, but mostly not. Most of our business is on leading run dives, which ironically is higher margin.. so good for us. Attracting customers is through local advertising and marketing. People want to dive once they're certified. Does a training agency help in that? It's a very interesting proposition by PADI though.

Thanks for your feedback Steve. I agree... its an interesting policy change, one that I would have suggested <should> be done, from a private equity ownership perspective, but one that I maybe I thought would not happen. I also remember when I got into the industry and people would ask for their PADI, in the same way I would have bought a Hoover.... And PADI are still the best at marketing their brand and creating awareness that other training agencies don't (yet). The reality, something is changing in the market. There is a significant amount of consolidation going on within the industry and organizations look to see where the growth potential is and how they can extract more value. From a BGC matrix perspective I keep asking the question "Is the industry still a mature cash cow, or has it already moved into 'managed decline'?" Consolidations would suggest the latter.... If PADI execute this right, and restrict access to their brand to effectively "wantaway" dive shops, and as you say adopt a model more akin to SSI with regards to instructors, I believe they will make improvements and hopefully make the organisation more dynamic/open to change, which could indeed see them become the clear market leader again.

I know. I saw a review if the X4 yesterday..... very tempted! lol. However I'm not impressed with the durability of the invisible UW housing - scratched as soon as you look at it! Otherwise, a great camera for memories and social media

Completely agree. In highly regulated markets like Europe and the US I can definitely see this as a potential anti-trust issue, even though I did not touch on it in the video. It's a risk PADI would need to assess in terms of whether the cost saving and efficiency gains would be sufficient to justify the battle. It depends on how they would structure their argument. If they could demonstrate that restricting access to the PADI brand would not significantly impact the players in the industry (since there are many competing training organisations) and that the action was being done to streamline operations as opposed to specifically creating a walled garden.... maybe? But I suspect this is why the plan has not been yet rolled out into PADI America's or PADI Europe

In my opinion if you look at the different diving agencies and put them on a sheet and ask a non diver to point out the scuba one I am sure that 90% will point out padi . Once your In the diving community you learn that there are way more than just padi. I guess what I am saying is that you don't see ford Chevy and dodge dealers in the same building. I kinda see it that way . If my brand brings the customer but you sell them an other brand it's not fair on for my brand. I am not saying one is better than the other. This is just my opinion.

And I'm assuming that's the same approach that PADI is taking too. If I were in the same position I would be likely take the same position. Is there not an argument though that says if your brand is that strong, your product that good, and your service delivery level on par.... Your product should, even at a premium price, stand up well against the inferior competition? And that through competition innovation happens? That said, as I mentioned in the video, if I were advising PADI I would have suggested this exact route. Both the strengthen and solidify the brand, but also to thrift the dealer body and safe on support costs.

And I'm assuming that's the same approach that PADI is taking too. If I were in the same position I would be likely take the same position. Is there not an argument though that says if your brand is that strong, your product that good, and your service delivery level on par.... Your product should, even at a premium price, stand up well against the inferior competition? And that through competition innovation happens? That said, as I mentioned in the video, if I were advising PADI I would have suggested this exact route. Both the strengthen and solidify the brand, but also to thrift the dealer body and safe on support costs.

google "PADI ANTI TRUST", they have no issue with violating those laws historically. Justs aying.

Hey RJ. Ironically, I've been diving with some RK3's this past week. My first time with them on my feet. They feel very much like the XDeep's, in that they're fairly flexible and soft. They offer great feel, but no where near the power that the Scubapro or Deep6's can. In a conversation with Steve and some of our clients, we've come to the conclusion that some of the manufacturers of these fins have aimed them squarely at the recreational market (specifically vacation divers) in which case they need to be fairly soft otherwise they would run the risk of causing cramps. The RK3HD is much more akin to the Scubapro though. Ultimately though it comes down to your personal usage. The Xdeeps and RK3's can be used both frog and flutter fairly easily (because of their flex). The scubapro and Deep6 are designed for frog kick only... if you're an exponent of frogging, you might find the stiffer bladed a boon for you. If you more often have a hybrid or flutter kick, the softer blade may be the direction for you. Personally, I've gotten used to the stiffer blade and could not go back to the softer ones again.... .... and to demonstrate this, Steve and I went back into diving Splitfins for a week. That's a video we shall be publishing shortly, as we answer the question "Are Splitfins really worthy of so much ridicule?"

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou great review!! Yes I have a pair of the rk3 HDs, the normal rk3 are softer. They are both not as heavy in weight as the jet fins and I use them for dry suit diving in cold water. 100% frog kicking. I’m looking to buy a jet fin or deep6, xdeep, as I cannot go back to soft fins anymore as well!

Thanks for your feedback. Agree, its a great device for people of all activities.

I hear ya! It is one of those things that I do think detracts from the useability of the display... but if you have good eyesight, you can still see all the information you want... I'm also not a fan of the rear bumper assembly on the new Porsche 911. I'd still have one though ;)

Al doing his try dive is what convinced Nora to give rebreather diving a go - working on the premise if Al can do it.... anyone can!

Maybe if Apple made the Explorer, it would have worked out of the box and they would have had decent customer service too. It was a great idea, packaged in a consumer friendly way (who didnt want to look like a stormtrooper?), just let down by really bad product design and QC. I bought 3 of them. None worked out of the box with all having electronics issues. Hollis sent me three new LSS heads without even asking what the problems I was having were or asking me to try this or try that. Of the three replacement LSS's, two never worked. So 5 dead LSS units. Oh and then the canned the product and all support. So I had to Explorers that had never seen water until we converted them to KISS CCR's I'll never buy another product that bears the Nick Hollis name or is associated with any business he is the CEO of.....

Thanks Jim.

Unfortunately.... They're sold separately. I find they're quite cumbersome, and there are smaller, cheaper, ones on the market that one might prefer... But they're well made

Yes. I've done a few night dives with it. As it's an LCD display it needs the backlight button pressed to see it, or the flashlight pointing at it. Both were no big deal and the display was very clear

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou I appreciate your response. Just wondering, if you are aware that the watch has a function where you can set the backlight to be on throughout the dive, especially the night dives? Thank you very much.

@@linyasen5 I am aware of it.... just kills the battery, and I'm OK just pointing my light at it when I need to see it... But thank you for the heads up too

We agree. It's a great little dive computer at a very compelling price point, that also offers so much more. Racquel on our team absolutely loves it!

You don't need an investment visa. There is a program called CBI (Citizenship By Investment) which is aimed that those people with $ who need a better passport. If you're from the US you don't need that. To buy a business, there are very few restrictions. Simply set up and register a new business or buy the shares of an existing one. The legal process is fairly simple (although lawyers will take their time). As part of the process you'll need to apply for a work permit... Which can take a few months to get processed. Work permits cost about $1200 per year

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou thank you!

On the premise I'm not a fan of the standard hose, as it's coming from behind your neck as opposed to over the shoulder.... I'd recommend the longer hose for just about anyone...

Thank you.... Im no pro at doing reviews, so this is just my honest thoughts....

In the 3 years since we posted this video, the Hollis/Kiss is still going strong. Its a full mCCR in its current guise, using a constant mass flow to mechanically put the O2 into the loop. Granted in its current guise its depth limited to 91msw.... I would have to dig a 40m hole in the ground if I wanted to exceed that depth here. We typically use the CCR's here for "recreational" diving, as helium is nigh on impossible to source right now. So 20-35m depths, but maybe 2.5 hour run-time. Allowing us to experience the best the reefs here have to offer, in silence. Great way to dive. Alas, KISS no longer make the conversion kit for the Explorer, so this will be one of the last of its kind.... I also have a full AP Inspo and KISS Spirit too

My pleasure! Thank you for watching

Yeah, I would have got that right if I'd kept to the script!

That would depend on whether you were looking at SCR (Semi Closed) or full CCR (Closed Circuit). If. SCR is your fancy, like the Explorer, then the Mares Horizon is a good option. If you think CCR is the way, then I can't recommend anything other than the KISS Spirit... It's my personal favourite unit to dive

Yes. Removing it is different from removing a jacket style bcd. It wants to lie bladder up/backplate down, but is not too difficult to take off. The key thing is to remember to a) undo the crotch strap and b) once you've undone the waist belt, pull the strap for one shoulder hard to give you some slack. As its a 1-piece harness, when you undo the waist, you'll have plenty of scope to loosen the shoulder. With a little bit of practice you'll find the method that works for you. It's not harder than on a jacket, its just different. I tend to keep my reg in (and thus airway secured) until I have it off and in front of me...

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou thank you!

We have had some of our DM's buy the Mission/Mission 2. They have held up well and shown themselves to be an excellent dive computer and smart watch for a very reasonable amount of money. I like them. The app, and the data the watch can provide for you is a little more limited than the Garmin. For me the clincher is support for CCR diving, which the Mission does not do. So it would mean I would need to buy a dedicated backup dive computer for when I am CCR diving. But otherwise I feel its also a really good dive computer with a colour screen, GPS and smart watch capabilities.

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou cheers, I appreciate the response!