McNETT® - Essentials for AdventureTM

Diving EssentialsDiving Essentials

Scuba diving is swimming underwater, or taking part in another activity, while using a scuba set. By carrying a source of breathing gas (usually compressed air), the scuba diver is able to stay underwater longer than with the simple breath-holding techniques used in snorkeling and free-diving, and is not hindered by air lines to a remote air source.

  • Weight Systems

    • Reduce Fin Buoyancy

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      • Ankl Weights™

        Ankl Weights™

        A diver’s gear (wet suit, fins, B.C., tank, weights and regulator) can weigh anywhere from 40 to 70 pounds. The bulk of this weight is in the middle of your body – while over half of your buoyancy is below the waist. Reduce leg and fin buoyancy and alleviate back stress by wearing Durward Ankl Weights™.

  • Knife Care

    • Dive Knives

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      • Dive Knives

        Proper Knife Usage

        Knives are essential tools for every diver. Use your knife to cut away from entanglements, to examine under rocks, and to bang on your tank to get your buddy’s attention. Mount knife on your B.C. vest or leg for easy access.

      • Dive Knives

        Knife Cleaning

        To clean and protect your McNett® Knife:

        Step 1:

        Use a flathead screwdriver to pop out the 4 pins.

      • Dive Knives

        Step 2:

        Carefully remove the blade.

      • Dive Knives

        Step 3:

        Wash blade and handle with fresh water and Wet Suit & Dry Suit Shampoo to remove debris and residue. Dry completely.

        Step 4:

        Spray with silicone for added protection against corrosion.

  • Fins

    • Which Fins are Best?

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      • Dive Fins

        Split Fins

        Modeled after a whale’s tail, split fins funnel the water delivering more forward motion with considerably less effort than traditional blade-style fins. The twin blades act like counter-rotating propellers, reducing drag and turbulence, allowing for easier underwater maneuvering. Many divers also report that, after switching from blade to split-fins, they no longer experience calf muscle cramps.

    • Which Fins are Best?

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      • Dive Fins

        Blade Fins

        Classic blade fins are known to provide strong and powerful kicks in the water. Divers comment that blade fins are best when the need is for speed and/or lots of frog kicks. They are commonly used for cave and wreck diving. Blade fins are slightly negative in buoyancy which counteracts a thick and highly buoyant exposure suit.

Find more great tips like these in our Repair Guide

  • B.C. Cleaning & Care

    B.C. Cleaning & Care

    B.C. Life™ removed 4 tablespoons of salt from one B.C. (left) - some of the crystals were 1” wide! Salt crystals will abrade your B.C. bladder, hoses, O-rings and valves, irreversibly damaging this vital piece of gear.
  • Which Fins are Best?

    Which Fins are Best?

    Modeled after a whale’s tail, split fins funnel the water delivering more forward motion with considerably less effort than traditional blade-style fins. The twin blades act like counter-rotating propellers, reducing drag and turbulence, allowing for easier underwater maneuvering. Many divers also report that, after switching from blade to split-fins, they no longer experience calf muscle cramps.