krcollins:Those wrist mounted flip-a-page dive slates.
I've got three of those lovelies. Can't do any complicated surveys without 'em.
Reiterating other poster's complaints:
1. SCUDA. I used it more as a novelty to evoke alarm in other divers.
2. Red laser pointers. They all suck balls, even the pricier high-wavelength models. I'm not about to cough up $250 for a green-light model, though.
3. Mesh tank covers. Once you dive through heavy vegetation, you'll see how much they blow.
4. Retractors (small-sized). I love the high-force locking types and have used them for years, but the smaller models are flimsy affairs that have trouble keeping a friggin' slate retracted. The purpose of these small retractors continues to elude me.
Other pieces of garbage:
-Innovative Scuba Concepts QII slate. Heed my words, this "new and improved" model is pure crap. I only keep mine around to show off it's lameness to other people. I don't see how they're still selling those things.
-FishFlips. http://www.fishflips.net/ As a marine biology teacher, I can wholeheartedly vouch for their inferiority over standard plastic ID slates. Not practical at all.
Products that are just plain irritating:
-Front-Zip Wetsuits. You need to dislocate your shoulder to get out of certain models.
-Positively-Buoyant Fins. Not benefical during D&D drills.
-Plastic Clips. We all know why.
-Glo-Toobs. Specifically, the on/off switch design.