Freediving vs. Scuba Gear: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What Can Do Both

Freediving and scuba diving share the same underwater world, and a lot of the gear looks very similar, but there are quite a few differences. If you’re wondering if your gear can do both, the answer is usually “sort of, but not well” or just “probably not”.

But why? Let’s break down why they’re different, and find out if any gear can pull double duty (spoiler: a few things can!).

What’s the Difference Between Scuba VS Freediving Masks?

A freediving mask is noticeably smaller than a typical scuba mask, because its design is all about low volume and hydrodynamics. Less air within the mask means easier equalization and a sleeker profile. 

Scuba masks are more designed for comfort, durability and visibility, with larger internal volume and reinforced lenses. They’re designed to be worn for longer, and offer a wider view. 

Can you swap them? Technically, yes—but freediving in a bulky scuba mask will cost you precious air, and a freediving mask on a long scuba dive will probably feel uncomfortably tight. So we don’t recommend it. At all. 

What’s the Difference Between Scuba VS Freediving Wetsuits?

Freedivers use open-cell wetsuits, which are ultra-flexible and keep you warm while staying streamlined. They come in two pieces (top and bottom) without zippers, and almost always with an attached hood.

Scuba wetsuits come in a wide range of varieties (shorty, farmer john, full one-piece, etc) depending on the diving conditions. Generally they use thicker neoprene, reinforced panels, and zippers for easy entry, and normally don’t have a hood attached. 

Both come in a variety of thicknesses, with 7mm being the preference for cold water conditions (dry suits notwithstanding). A freediving wetsuit can work for scuba, but they tend to cost more and wouldn't hold up as well over time if used for long dives. And a scuba wetsuit? Great for buoyancy and insulation, but way too stiff for efficient freediving movements.

What’s the Difference Between Scuba VS Freediving Fins?

Scuba fins are designed for maneuverability, control, and ease of use. They are shorter for precise movements, with varying stiffness options depending on the diving style. They’re designed to help fine-tune your movements and adjust buoyancy, as well as move more efficiently in currents, or more carefully around wrecks. 

Freediving fins prioritize maximum propulsion with minimal effort. These longer, more flexible blades can be made from plastic, fibreglass or carbon fibre. They are usually full-foot pocket for a more snug fit.

What’s the Difference Between Scuba VS Freediving Weight Belts?

Freediving belts need to adapt to changing buoyancy while scuba belts just need to hold weights in place, which is why they’re made from different materials.

Freedivers use rubber weight belts because they stretch slightly, allowing the belt to stay fitted as the wetsuit compresses at depth. Since freediving wetsuits are typically thinner, they compress more noticeably. So as a freediver descends, compression makes the wetsuit thinner and less buoyant. If a weight belt doesn’t adjust with this change, it can loosen or even slide off. The elasticity of rubber ensures that as the wetsuit compresses, the belt stays tight.

Scuba divers don’t deal with compression in the same way. While scuba wetsuits also compress at depth, the change isn’t as noticeable, so scuba divers can use nylon webbing or other kinds of weight belts (if they need a weight belt at all, depending on whether your BCD has integrated pockets). 

What’s the Difference Between Scuba VS Freediving Boots/Socks? 

Scuba divers usually need some kind of neoprene boots, with reinforced soles and extra grip, for walking on rocky beaches or boat decks. These boots (aka booties or rock boots) fit into open-heel fins snugly and securely.

Freedivers, on the other hand, go with neoprene socks. Made from thinner, more flexible neoprene, they provide warmth without adding bulk. Since freedivers use full-foot fins, socks help prevent blisters and improve fit without restricting movement. They don’t have thick soles like scuba boots, so they won’t protect your feet, but they do keep them warm and hydrodynamic in the water.

Gear That Works for Both: Dive Computers

There is one important piece of gear that works just as well for scuba diving and freediving –a dive computer with both modes. Freedivers want to track depth, surface intervals, and alarms, while scuba divers will also get data to calculate NDLs, gas mixes, and ascent rates. Many modern dive computers, do both—so if you’re a crossover diver, this is one place you don’t need separate gear.

Dive Weights: Different Setup, Same Lead

Lead weights for belts are universal—you can use the same ones for both sports. Freedivers need fewer and differently placed weights, but the weights themselves will work just fine for both types of diving.