Essential Kit For Twin Set Diving

Everything You Need To Know About The Kit Requirements For Technical Diving

We recently caught up with our friend Paul Toomer, one of the UK's most renowned Technical Diving Instructor Trainers, who kindly offers great advice to people looking to start their twin set journey. See what technical dive kit you need for twin set diving and why:

"When moving into the world of technical diving with a twin set, the right equipment becomes absolutely crucial. Unlike recreational setups, technical diving requires precision, reliability, and familiarity with your gear. Owning and configuring your own tech kit is not just about comfort; it’s about safety, confidence, and efficiency underwater. Knowing where every dump valve, D-ring, clip, and hose is located removes stress and allows you to focus fully on your dive.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential diving kit for twin set technical diving, why it’s recommended, and how it contributes to a safer, more enjoyable experience."

Exposure Protection – Preferably a Drysuit

A drysuit is the preferred exposure protection for technical divers, offering thermal comfort on longer, deeper dives. Crucially, it also serves as backup buoyancy should your wing fail. A well-fitted drysuit makes all the difference in both safety and comfort.

Suit Inflation System

Every drysuit requires an inflator, and for technical diving, the suit inflator nipple must match the fitting of a BCD nipple. This ensures compatibility and avoids frustrating or dangerous mismatches when gearing up.

Fins

Forget split fins! Solid, non-split fins with firm foot pockets are recommended. These provide better control for precise finning techniques such as back kicks and helicopter turns, which are essential in confined spaces or during decompression stops. The Fourth Element Tech Fins are ideal!

Mask & Backup Mask

A low-volume, comfortable mask is key for clear vision and reduced drag. A backup mask stowed in a pocket is a must-have - mask failures happen, and you don’t want your dive cut short because of a broken strap or lost mask. 

Our recommendation is the XDEEP Radical Frameless Mask which offers a great field of view and well constructed.

Gloves & Hood

Thermal protection doesn’t stop at the suit. Gloves and hoods appropriate for the water temperature help prevent heat loss and increase overall comfort, keeping you focused on your dive plan instead of the cold.

Check out our range of hoods and gloves!

Wing, Plate, and Harness with Crotch Strap

At the core of a twin set setup is a wing-style BCD with a backplate and continuous harness. The crotch strap prevents the rig from riding up and keeps everything securely in place. This system distributes weight evenly and allows full customization with D-rings and accessories.

Our preferred Wings are those made by XDEEP, and for twin sets, the XDEEP NX Project. They offer a rugged design, durability, you can change the backplate, it can be customised, and importantly, make you look the part!

Regulators and Hoses

  • Primary First Stage: Configured with a 2m long hose, clipped off with a small piston clip, plus a BCD inflator hose. The long hose allows controlled gas sharing in overhead or restricted environments.

  • Secondary First Stage: A shorter hose on a regulator with a neck bungee ensures quick access, paired with an SPG on a standard HP hose clipped neatly to your harness. This stage also carries your drysuit hose.

  • Stage Regulators: Each stage cylinder requires a dedicated first stage with a 1m hose, regulator, SPG on a short (6–8 inch) hose, and a BCD feed. These must be labelled and streamlined for easy gas switches.

The Apeks TEK3 Regulator is the perfect blend of reliability and easy breathing in all conditions.

SMBs and Reels/Spools

  • Red/Orange SMB: Your standard surface marker buoy for decompression ascents and alerting boats.

  • Yellow SMB: Used as a signal of emergency or when assistance is needed.

  • Reels/Spools: At least two are recommended—one longer than your maximum dive depth for safe ascents, and a backup in case of failure.

View our range of SMB's, spools and reels.

Cutting Devices

Carry one, but no more than two cutting devices. These could be a line cutter, trauma shears, or a small knife. The goal is to handle entanglement without excess clutter.

View our cutting tools and knives.

Lights

A primary light and backup lights are highly recommended for wreck, cave, and night diving. Even in open water, lights improve communication and visibility.

We recommend a torch that is rechargeable and as bright as your budget can stretch! View our range of torches and lights.

Wetnotes or Slate

Recording information, gas switches, or decompression schedules underwater is made easy with wetnotes or a dive slate. They’re invaluable for technical dive planning.

Dive Computers

A reliable primary dive computer is essential, but technical divers should also carry a backup computer for gas switching and decompression management. Redundancy is a cornerstone of technical diving safety.

Our recommendations are the Shearwater Perdix 2, or Garmin Descent X50i.

Spare Hardware

Always carry at least one large double-ended piston clip. These are incredibly versatile, ideal for securing gear, spares, or attaching reels.

Why Owning Your Own Kit Matters

While it’s possible to rent some technical diving kit, it is strongly advised to invest in your own setup. Here’s why:

  • Familiarity – You’ll know exactly where every dump valve, D-ring, and clip is, meaning faster reactions in emergencies.

  • Fit & Comfort – A harness, wing, and suit adjusted to your body will be far more comfortable and efficient.

  • Consistency – Using the same kit every time builds muscle memory, reducing stress and making dives smoother.

  • Safety – Familiar, well-maintained gear lowers risk and lets you dive with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Technical diving demands more than just advanced training, it requires a commitment to having the right kit. By investing in your own well-configured twin set equipment, you’ll dive safer, extend your capabilities, and enjoy the incredible experiences that technical diving has to offer.

If you’re looking to build your twin set technical diving kit, check out our full range of technical diving equipment at the Oyster Diving Shop. Our expert team can help you choose the right gear for your diving goals.