What's new in the world of dive gear for June 2012? Let's get that First Look.

Here’s something you don’t usually see on a snorkel: ball-joint connections. On IST Sports’ 3-D Flex Dry Snorkel you have two of them: one at the base of the mouthpiece, and one where the purge body connects to the breathing tube.

15 kickers vie for the top spot in this year's ScubaLab fin tests. ScubaLab’s test team headed to Alexander Springs, Florida, a freshwater site that offers an easy entry, enough space and depth to do some serious kicking, and rock structures and crevices for performing tight turning maneuvers.

This kicker turned in some of the best overall in-water performance scores, earning the highest scores for acceleration. Test divers liked the fin’s exceptional maneuverability, and noted its ability to negotiate turns with minimal foot action.

In water, the fin delivered solid kicking performance. It did take a couple of strong kicks to get it going from a dead stop, but when test divers "turned it on," the fin generated some pretty good power.

The only split fin in this year's open-heel group, the Z3 is easily recognizable by its radical 27-degree blade angle. In the water, the fin racked up some of the best scores of this group in acceleration, stability and efficiency.

The Tusa FF-19 X-Pert Evolution was a test-diver favorite, with many of the testers commenting on how comfortable it felt, whether kicking easy or hard. Testers didn’t report any leg or ankle strain, and noted that the fin was fast, powerful and agile, plus very responsive using all kicking styles.

An interview with Bonnier Corp.’s ScubaLab Director

Diving is the best sport in the world, but like all high-adrenaline activities, things can sometimes go sideways. When they do, your level of preparation can make all the difference.