Hooked on the Outdoors...

the big blue:  WITH THE RIGHT GEAR, THE UNDERWATER WORLD OFFERS AN ENTIRELY NEW PLACE TO GET HOOKED ON THE OUTDOORS.

When you're dependent on equipment for your next breath, you don't want to be worrying about whether your gear will come through for you.  Whether you're upgrading or taking to plunge to buy your first real scuba setup, you'll find today's gear tobe lighter and easier-to-use than ever before.  Now, whether you head to the Florida Keys or Fiji, the only thing that will take your breath away is the beauty of the underwater world.

GENESIS SCUBA'S OZ TITANIUM REGULATOR

 The OZ's beauty lies in the fact that it is made of titanium.  Titanium makes modern regulators lighter and more comfortable in the mouth during long dives.  It also means you'll never have to worry about rust or corrosion.  It's a bit pricier than the last generation, but it's worth it.  $995; www.genesisscuba.com.

ATOMIC AQUATICS' SPLITFIN

 Thanks to quick-release buckles and a molded rubber design that divides the power part of the fin in half, SplitFin users can swim faster and farther, while using less energy.  The split ends of the fin work independently, providing more power with each kick.  These fins really earn their keep when the current is strong.  $189; 714-375-1433; www.atomicaquatics.com.

SEAVISION TRANSVISION

SeaVision's TransVision mask is an ideal choice for exploring the water world.  Colors disappear at depth, beginning with red and working toward violet.  By adding various colors into its lens, the TransVision corrects this as you head deeper onto the reef, so you won't miss the rainbow of colors in that parrot fish swimming by.  $109; 800-732-6275; www.seavisionusa.com.

DACOR'S RIG PRO BUOYANCY COMPENSATION DEVICE

This device has been called the SUV of Buoyancy Compensation Devices (BCD), which, as the name implies help you float underwater (it's worn like a vest and is similar to a Personal Flotation Device).  The Rig Pro earned a spot on this list for its stainless steel rings for accessories, oversized pockets, heavyweight Cordura fabric and quick-release shoulder buckles (not to mention that Dacor makes some of the most durable BCDs on the market).  $715; 203-852-7079; www.divedacor.com

OCEANIC'S POCKET SNORKEL

If you hate to have a bulky plastic snorkel hanging off your head while diving, but want to have one on hand, the Pocket Snorkel handily folds away in any buoyancy compensation device pocket, ready for use before or after a dive.  $40; 800-435-3483; www.oceanicworldwide.com.

UWATEC'S SMART PRO DIVE COMPUTER

You can count on the Smart Pro to keep you on track underwater by reporting your depth, time while submerged and air consumption.  If that's not enough, it also will calculate how long you can stay under and the amount of time needed to rest between dives.  Worn on the wrist, rather than attached to a tank, the Smart Pro is ideal for all levels of divers.  And tech-heads can even download dive stats on the computer back home.  $638; 619-402-1023; www.uwatec.com.