AKUANA Gear Best sellers, deals, coupon code & our review

About AKUANA Gear

AKUANA makes scuba diving equipment with a clear technical diving slant. Its About page talks about cave exploration and field testing in challenging cave conditions, and the catalog reflects that: backplate and wing BCDs, sidemount systems, DIN regulators, primary lights, reels and cutting tools. There is also gear for recreational and travel divers, plus a few freediving accessories.

Catalog and prices

The store carries about 40 products with a median price of $239, so this is a focused specialist rather than a full dive shop. Highlights by category:

• BCDs: The Seal series (25 lb, 30 lb and 50 lb lift, 1000D Cordura) runs $619 to $659 with aluminum, stainless or carbon fiber backplates. The lighter SONIC single-tank BCD with a carbon backplate is $749. Sidemount options include the Hummingbird 1 ($699), Hummingbird 2 ($679) and a Dyneema Hummingbird 2 Extreme ($699).
• Regulators: First stages from $149 (Falcon 1, currently marked out of stock) to $319 for the Falcon 5 ice diving model. The open water regulator and octopus package is $599, with double tank and sidemount packages at $799 and $819.
• Lights and accessories: An 18W, 2100 lumen primary light is $329, a 1000/1500 lumen backup flashlight is $89, and small items like a finger spool ($26.95), ceramic line cutter set ($35.99) and titanium dive knife ($49.95) fill out the range.
• Exposure protection: The Opah heated diving suit with a wireless remote is $699, and the Matrix drysuit, with a custom color pattern, tops the catalog at $1,799.

Several items list Italian-made components, including the SPG, PILOT compasses and parts of the double tank regulator package. Only 3 items are on sale.

How it compares

For a carbon backplate BCD or a complete regulator package, AKUANA's prices sit below many established dive brands. The tradeoff is service: regulators are life-support equipment and need periodic servicing by a qualified technician. AKUANA's regulator package listing mentions a 5-year warranty and after-sales service points at Cave Country Dive Shop in High Springs, Florida, in Belgium, and in Cebu, Philippines. If you are far from those locations, check with your local shop about servicing AKUANA regulators before buying. Use this gear only within your training and certification level.

Shipping and returns

Shipping is free on orders over $100. Free standard shipping goes worldwide by post with delivery confirmation in about 7 to 15 business days. Express shipping by DHL or UPS takes 5 to 7 business days and costs nothing extra on orders over $200. You get a tracking number by email when your order ships. Some sidemount listings note that prices exclude import duty, so international buyers should budget for that.

The return policy is generous: 90 days from shipment to return or exchange unused gear for a full refund, no reason needed. If your order shipped free, the shipping savings are deducted from the refund. Custom items, including name-embroidered BCDs and custom drysuits, can't be returned unless damaged, defective or wrong.

What stands out

• 90-day no-reason returns. Unused gear can be returned or exchanged within 90 days of shipment.
• Sidemount specialist. Three Hummingbird sidemount BCDs, including a cut-resistant Dyneema version.
• Free shipping over $100. Free express shipping kicks in over $200.
• Regional service points. After-sales locations in Florida, Belgium and the Philippines.

Our favorite AKUANA Gear products

• Opah Scuba Diving Heated Diving Suit with Wireless Remote Controller, 30W, Waterproof 164ft/50m: A heated diving suit with two heat settings, a wireless remote and LiFePO4 batteries, on sale for $699.
• AKUANA SONIC Scuba Diving BCD with Carbon Backplate – 20/30/40 lb: A lightweight single-tank BCD with a carbon backplate and 3D back-inflate wing, offered in 20, 30 and 40 lb lift for $749.
• Scuba Diving Regulator Set, OW package, Regulator and Octopus Combo F3+FN2 AKUANA: A complete open water package (F3 first stage, two FN2 second stages, gauge and hoses) for $599, listed with a 5-year warranty.
• Corrosion Resistant Hardened TB6 Titanium Dive Knife with Wrench for Hose and Flatscrew 6.3 Inch: A corrosion-resistant titanium dive knife with a hose wrench and quick-release sheath for $49.95.
• Scuba Diving Sidemount BCD 35 lbs Hummingbird 2, 6 Colours: The upgraded Hummingbird 2 sidemount system with 35 lb lift in six colors for $679.
• Diving LED Light, Primary Light 18W 2100 Lumens, 2100 AKUANA: An 18W, 2100 lumen machined aluminum light with interchangeable heads and battery packs for $329.