Like the Rolex Submariner, the Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA is an elegant but extremely robust customer.

Rolex claim that the Sea-Dweller has come to life as the result of pushing the boundaries of what is possible to the limit. Okay… so it’s a cliché but is it true?

Features of the Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEP SEA

• Time and date functions.
• Waterproof to an incredible 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) through Rolex’s patented Ringlock System (a nitrogen alloyed stainless steel pressure retaining ring that protects the the crystal and case back).
• Like the Oyster Perpetual Submariner, the Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA also uses corrosion resistant 904L steel in its construction.
• Domed sapphire crystal.
• Titanium alloy case back.
• Stainless steel helium valve.
• Triplock winding crown.
• Unidirectional counterclockwise rotatable bezel.
• Highly visible luminescent blue markers on the dial, hands and bezel.
• Robust and reliable chronometric prescision movement that is extremely resistant to magnetic fields and shocks.
• The Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA is certified as a chronometer by COSC (Switzerland’s Official Chronometer Testing Institute).
• 904L steel strap that can be adjusted to fit over neoprene diving suits up to 7mm thick.

The Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA is another superb Rolex watch that can be enjoyed by divers who are willing and able to invest in such a timepiece. In terms of functions, the Sea-Dweller is not packed with a multitude of tools and widgets: a dive computer this certainly is not. However, as a diver’s timepiece the Rolex Sea-Dweller is the bees knees.

The Most Robust Rolex to Date?

The Rolex Sea-Dweller has to be a contender for the most hardcore diving watch on the planet. Water proof to an incredible 3,900 (12,800 feet) and super resistant to shocks and magnetic fields, recreational divers will find the Rolex Sea-Dweller practically indestructible. As such it may be a “sledge hammer to crack a peanut” scenario for shallow water divers… more likely the Rolex Sea-Dweller watch will appeal to commercial and deep divers. Of course, if you can happily justify the list price of the Sea-Dweller watch then it can of course be enjoyed by any diver out of the water too.

The helium valve will protect the Sea-Dweller from damage for professional divers who have to use underwater pressurised caissons at depth where helium gas mixtures are used: on ascent the valve will ensure that the watch remains undamaged after a stint in such an environment.

Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA Review Summary

Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA watches are, like all Rolex watches, elegant and extremely accurate. It is beautifully finished device that is certified by COSC as a chronometer and is quite literally a stunning watch… assuming you have money to burn.

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The Rolex Submariner is not a watch that most mortal recreational divers would ever consider as it is an expensive timepiece. So why is the Submariner so pricey and what are the features that make it worth the expense?

This review of the Rolex Submariner aims to answer these and other questions about this highly prestigious range of watches.

Notes About the Rolex Submariner Watch Range

In the main, the Rolex Submariner comes in a 3 different models:

• Rolex Submariner 40mm in yellow gold
• Rolex Submariner 40mm in rolesor
• Rolex Submariner 40mm in steel

The yellow gold Submariner 40mm is constructed in 18ct yellow gold, has a blue dial and a blue rotating bezel as well as a fliplock bracelet. The rolesor version is composed of steel and 18ct yellow gold but has the same color features as the yellow gold model. The 40mm Rolex Submariner in steel has a steel bezel and strap and a black face.

N.B. Throughout the years Rolex have also released a number of special edition Rolex Submariners, with different colorations and metal build combinations, many of which are highly valued by collectors. However, this Rolex Submariner review only focuses upon the models available from the current Rolex collection.

Main Features of the Rolex Submariner

• Waterproof to 100 meters (330 feet).
• Unidirectional bezel.
• Highly luminous markings on the hands, dial and bezel.
• Hyper effective triplock winding crown that seals water out.
• Perpetual rotor makes Rolex Submariner watches self winding.
• Highly accurate Rolex Oyster movement built to last a lifetime.
• Mechanism constructed of 904L steel (a corrosion resistant, stainless-steel alloy).
• Calendar function.
• COSC Certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.
• Highly elegant and recognizable design.

The Rolex Submariner is recognized in its own right as being one of the finest timepieces known to man. It is owned by many people who have never dived simply for its reliability and elegance. However, divers can take advantage the benefits that this beautiful watch has to offer above and beyond the aesthetic.

The Rolex Submariner 40mm range is designed to withstand massive pressures. It is guaranteed waterproof to depths of 100 meters/330 feet (although in fairness it will be waterproof beyond this point). Its triplock winding crown, which incorporates 3 gaskets, literally screws down like the hatch on a submarine making the Submariner impervious to pressures of 500 bars (equal to 0.5 tons per cm2).

The Submariner also includes Rolex’s ground breaking perpetual rotor mechanism: a mechanism that was invented by Rolex in the early 1930s. The perpetual rotor enables the Submariner to run continuously as the wearer’s wrist movements wind the mechanism.

Much of the Rolex Submariner’s parts are built using a stainless steel alloy known as 904L steel. 904L steel is corrosion resistant and highly durable making it tough enough to take on any diving environment.

In terms of time functions, Rolex watches are famous for their accuracy. The Submariner maintains this leagcy of near perfect timekeeping due to the high quality manufacture and materials of its moving parts.

Its unidirectional bezel provides you with a tool for measuring elapsed time while diving, whilst vibrant luminous markings on the hands, dial and bezel ensure that your timekeeping is not hampered by darker environments.

Rolex Submariner Watch Review Summary

Reliable, robust and accurate, the Rolex Submariner watch is a truly extraordinary timepiece for the diver who can afford it.

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The Dacor Nautica BC is a great all-rounder, which may not appeal to those who like lots of bells and whistles. But do not count it out on that point as the Nautica has more than enough for most divers who do not want to push the envelope.

Features of the Dacor Nautica BC

• Expanding belt system that contracts as you descend: BC inflation or descent does not interfere with the overall fit of the Dacor Nautica.
• High-positioned, pull activated dump valve.
• Weight system integrated into the back, which is suitable for ankle and block weights.
• 2 x front weight pockets with a 16lb combined capacity.
• Firm “FlexPak” cylinder locking strap holds your air in place.
• The Nautica’s air cell is of the single bladder variety: it expands away from the body so does not squeeze when it is inflated.
• An overpressure/dump valve positioned low on the Nautica makes for easy air release in any position.
• Ample padding at each body contact spot.
• 4 x useful D-rings.

Why Dacor’s Nautica is a Safe Bet

So we have established that Dacor’s Nautica is not the fanciest BC on the block but it delivers everything that most recreational divers would require. In fact many experienced divers continue to use the Dacor Nautica as a testament to this.

The Nautica is a comfortable and reliable buoyancy compensator ideally suited to all environments apart from extreme situations where a more rigourous BC would be required. As a result the Dacor Nautica is a more competitvely priced option for those who never intend to dive in wrecks, caves or under ice. Having said this it is made with a fairly durable nylon material and so it can take some rough treatment.

The Dacor Nautica also has some nice touches such as the weight pockets, which are well placed to enable an almost perfect swimming position, a well sized and positioned ditchable weight system at front as well as the air cell that inflates outwards. The Dacor Nautica is also well padded and comfortable and can be adjusted to fit many different shapes and sizes.

Dacor Nautica Review Summary

The Dacor Nautica BC is a nice little performer that is very well priced. It gives good lift and can be deflated easily and quickly. Although it might not tick every box for the hardcore extreme diver, the Dacor Nautica should be perfect for most others.

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The Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme regulator is lauded as being one the best performing regulators that Aqualung has designed: according to Aqualung it is lengendary… hence its name!

Why do Aqualung claim that the Legend ACD Supreme is so good? Are their claims about it justified? And what exactly are the stand out features?

Features of the Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme

The Aqualung Legend regulator includes the following specifications:

• ACD stands for “Auto Closure Device”. The Legend’s ACD keeps the inlet fitting of the regulator sealed (DIN and Yoke) whenever the regulator device itself is removed from your air tank. This means several things:
  • Water and other contaminants cannot enter the first stage. As a result, the first stage itself will retain its level of performance over time and makes it safer to use with Nitrox.
  • The sealed dry chamber also provides resistance to freezing, keeping the mechanics of the Aqualung Legend regulator both clean as well as dry.
• The second stage is pneumatically balanced to ensure consistently easy inhalation regardless of tank pressure.
• The Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme also comprises Venturi Adjustment Switch technology (VAS – controlable by the diver). The VAS prevents free-flowing air when you are at the surface but allows maximum flow beneath it.
• The Legend ACD Supreme also includes Aqua Lung’s Air Turbo System technology in its forward pressure ports which further enhances the breathing capabilities of the regulator.
• The Legend’s over-balanced diaphragm first stage design also improves breathing performance at depth.
• The Legend ACD Supreme regulator is coated with a polyurethane layer which protects its water facing metal parts from corrosion.
• It has 4 x low pressure and 2 x high pressure ports, which are positioned for the best possible configuration of your hoses.
• Recommended for cold water use below 10º C (50º F): the Legend ACD Supreme passes CE standards for cold water regulator performance.
• A removable lip shield on the second stage provides cold protection to your lips.
• 2 year manufacturer warranty.

Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme Review Summary

The Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme is a cold water verison of the Aqualung Legend ACD and is a very reliable regulator largely due to its ACD technology.

The sealed first stage completely protects it from contaminants (when removed from the cylinder valve) in any environment. So cleaning and transporting this particular Legend model should not result in contaminant damage and any subsequent performance degradation over time. The ACD also means that the Legend ACD Supreme is highly suitable for Nitrox diving.

Further features are an overbalanced first stage diaphragm combined with a pneumatically balanced second stage. These features enhance air supply as you descend at the same time as reducing breathing resistance making it easy to inhale. As the second stage is pneumatically balanced it does not require any form of adjustment from you.

The second stage is small and lightweight and can be combined with a number of supplied mouthpiece fittings: an ultra-comfortable model, a standard spare and a reusable clamp.

A lip shield can be used to help keep your lips warm in colder waters, for which the Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme is extremely well suited.

The Aqualung Legend ACD Supreme is a reliable and easy to use regulator that performs well in both warm and cold water.

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The Aqualung Pearl i3 is a BCD designed specifically for women. In reality it’s a variation of the Aqualung Sea Quest Pro QD i3 that has been re-engineered for female divers.

How so?

Well… the Pearl i3 has a sleek but elegant look as well as a number of design features that make it fit the female physique better than most other BCDs.

Main Features of the Aqualung Pearl i3

• Attractive, stylish and feminine design.
• Patented i3 technology that makes inflation and deflation much easier.
• Multi-dump function that permits the upper and lower dumps to simultaneously respond.
• One way flat e-valve design maintain a streamlined contour to reduce water drag. The one-way e-valves themselves keep water from entering the BCD.
• Ultra comfortable back lining.
• Neoprene roll-collar.
• Integrated sports bra that adds an extra touch of comfort and support.
• SureLock™ weight system that makes loading and unloading the weight pockets a simple act.
• Easy-deploy, pull-down inflator.
• 3 x zipped utility pockets.
• Traction pad to prevent tank slippage.
• Hardwearing and fade resistant Armorshield™ Cordura® construction.
• Multi-setting waist band that can be changed by up to six inches.
• A double adjusting strap across the shoulders enabling “best fit”.

Aqualung’s Pearl i3 also comes in several colors:

• Pearl i3 aqua
• Pearl i3 black
• Pearl i3 pink

The Aqualung Pearl i3: Style and Performance Entwined

The premise of the Aqualung Pearl i3 is clever: targetting female divers with customized dive gear. As such the i3 works on many levels: it looks very feminine, comes in several different colors and offers up all the features you would expect of a quality buoyancy control device.

The Aqualung Pearl i3 Review Summary

Comfort AND functionality have been well thought out. The Pearl i3 has successfully incorporated a padded back lining, neoprene rolling collar and built-in supporting sports bra. The adjustable (by 6 inches) waist-band gives divers the opportunity to find a perfect fit.

The design of the Pearl i3 BCD’s bladder means that it expands away from the back rather than to the sides, resulting in a more appealing shape when inflated. The overall contouring of the i3 also tends to enhance body shape.

The Aqualung Pearl i3’s easy-dump valves, easy-deploy oral inflator, cylinder traction pad, utility pockets and durable materials used in its manufacture shout quality.

The i3 is easy to put on and take off even when fully loaded, and once you are strapped into it adding or removing weights into the weight pockets requires little effort or discomfort.

The Pearl i3 also has useful, usable and well-sized utility pockets and a number of d-rings for clipping your required tools on to.

Combined with its feminine design, the features of the Pearl i3 are certain to make the Aqualung feminine BCD appeal to its target audience.

Chic looking, comfortable and above all truly functional, Aqualung’s Pearl i3 is a real winner.

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The Citizen Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX dive watch is a serious diver’s timepiece. It comprises a number of highly useful functions to such an degree that it blurs the line between dive watches and dive computers.

Features of the Citizen Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX

Citizen’s Promaster Cyber Aqualand offers up the following functions and features:

• Digital quartz movement.
• Water resistance up to 660 feet (200 meters).
• Dive log that memorizes up to 100 dive’s worth of data.
• Connectivity to Windows-based PCs.
• Alarms for ascent rate and max. depth as well as error alarms for Nitrox diving.
• Day, date and month display.
• Unidirectional bezel.
• Auto altitude adjustment.
• “No-Fly” time calculator.
• Rsidual nitrogen timer.
• Temperature display.
• Surface interval timer.
• Mineral crystal face.
• Stainless steel build.
• Size: Case 47mm x 16mm. Band: 26mm.
• Weight: 3lbs.
• Easy-buckle clasp.
• 5 year warranty.

So is the Citizen Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX a Watch or a Dive Computer?

As a watch, the Citizen Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX of course offers you time functions such as 12/24 hour (as well as day/date/month) displays, a world time function for 30 cities through 48 time zones, a 1/100th second chrono function, 99 minute countdown timer, alarm and calendar. But… make no mistake, Citizen’s Aqualand range are serious diving instruments and the Citizen Aqualand NX is no exception.

The Citizen Aqualand NX is built to function perfectly up to 200 meters below the water’s surface, providing features to suit both recreational and commercial divers: hence it has Nitrox functions, a large dive log capacity and PC connectivity for analyzing your diving performance.

Analysis of your dives is facilitated through the Aqualand NX’s software that provides super little graphics of your logged dive data. The graphical element also comes to the fore through the Aqualand’s nifty safety-stop graphic mode.

The Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX also features a face of scratch-proof mineral crystal and electro-luminescent back light to ensure that you you can see exactly where you are at with a minumum of effort. The Promaster’s functions are driven by a rechargeable battery that seems to go on forever.

On top of all this, Citizen offers a 5 year warranty on the Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX, which speaks volumes about Citizen’s faith in their product.

Citizen Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX Review Summary

So as an answer… the Citizen Promaster Cyber Aqualand NX is definitely a dive computer… that tells the time!

A professional grade dive computer at great value proving that quality does not always come at a price.

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The Omega Seamaster watch range. It’s good enough for James Bond… could it be good for you too?

Background on the Omega Seamaster Watch

Like the Rolex Submariner, the Omega Seamaster watch has become a classic diver’s watch. The Seamaster began its life in 1948 with the manufacture of the Omega Seamaster Standard and Chronometer ranges. However, in those days the Seamaster was really little more than a waterproof dress watch… it was certainly not a hardcore diver’s watch. It was not until the 1970s that the Omega Seamaster became more dive-centric.

During the 1970s the Seamaster was built to withstand serious depth as well as provide chronograph functions, rotating bezels and high-vis luminous dials to make them it easy to read underwater. In 1993 the Omega Seamaster Professional (a.k.a. the Omega Seamaster Pro) was launched. The Seamaster Pro is a model of style and substance for divers: it can be taken down to 300 meters (way more than necessary for recreational diving) and offers a host of useful functions for any diver.

The Omega Seamaster Professional Diver’s Watch

The Seamaster Pro is commonly known as the Seamaster 300m, due to its depth capability. It is available in quartz and automatic movements with versions for men and women. The men’s Omega Seamaster Professional comes in two models:

• One has the classic 1993 “skeleton hand”;
• the other has thicker hands known as the “GMT style”, which was released in 1998.

The Seamaster Pro Diver and James Bond

The Omega Seamaster Professional Diver is one of the most popular watches in Omega’s collection. This is thanks, in no small part, to the James Bond movie franchise. The Bond character wore Omega’s Seamaster for the first time in 1995 in the movie Goldeneye. This brought not only the watch to public attention but launched Omega’s public profile enormously. The Omega Seamaster Professional watch is still appearing in Bond films.

Primary Features of The Omega Seamaster Pro

• Water resistant to 300 meters (1,000 feet).
• Screw-in caseback, screw-down helium release valve and screw-locked crown.
• Rotating bezel.
• Luminous hands.
• Self winding movement (includes 44-hour power reserve for when the Seamaster is not being worn).
• Chronometer.
• Highly accurate timekeeping.
• Date window.
• Scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
• Stainless steel case with rhodium-plated strap.

Omega Seamaster Review

The Omega Seamaster watch is a near flawless example of watchmaking on any level. It is a highly attractive timepiece that sits easily on the wrist of anyone be they a diver or not. It is as a diver’s watch though that the Omega Seamaster Professional really comes into its own.

The Seamaster is extremely durable and tough (to 300 meters) and is highly visible to read underwater. You never have to worry about its batteries failing due to its self-winding movement and above all it is a highly reliable piece of equipment.

Its black face and luminous hands and markers make it very easy to read in dark and murky conditions, while its black aluminum rotating bezel with silver coloured ten-minute markers enables you to clearly monitor dive times.

Quite simply, the Omega Seamaster watch range is awesome… but the Seamaster Pro is sublime. It is a fairly expensive watch to own, but by purchasing an Omega Seamaster watch you are investing in something that will potentially last you a lifetime.

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The TUSA Liberator Sigma BCD (BCJ-3200) is a comfortable BCD designed for SCUBA divers of all levels of ability.

It’s also an economy BCD that incorporates a number of TUSA patented features.

But is the Tusa Liberator BC more comfortable than other BCDs in its class and price range? And does it offer more than your average BC?

What Does the TUSA Liberator Sigma BCD Offer?

TUSA’s Liberator Sigma BCD is constructed with heavy-duty 840 denier nylon shell to give it durability and strength. Its “Advanced Weight Loading System” has been designed to make loading and releasing dive weights a simple activity: the Liberator BCD’s AWLS design allows for the easy switching of weights into/out of “cartridges” located in the front of the jacket and shoulders. Thus the TUSA Liberator BC eliminates the need for an ungainly weight belt.

TUSA Liberator BCD and Stability

The Liberator Sigma BCD has a neat harness system that is independent from the BCD itself and includes two well placed rails in back. Your tank straps to the rails via a stabilizing harness. The harness in turn is connected to the Liberator Sigma’s shoulder straps, which help to support the full weight of your tank.

However, the stabilizing harness remains independent from the actual Liberator BC jacket, ensuring that your tank remains very close to your body regardless of the change in size of the BCD when you inflate or deflate it. This makes the TUSA Liberator Sigma BCD very stable and less likely to cause your tank to roll both underwater and prior to your descent before you even get wet!

Principal Features of the TUSA Liberator BC

• Attractive design constructed with 840 denier heavy-duty nylon for extra strength and ruggedness.
• Clever independent stabilizing harness that ensures tank stability and enhanced bouyancy control.
• TUSA Liberator Sigma BCD AWLS (Advanced Weight Loading System) that removes the need for weight belts.
• Two large and useful front zip-pockets.
• D-ring (made of stainless steel) at right shoulder for attaching accessories.
• Fast inflation and deflation (the TUSA Liberator BCD also includes a quick dump valve at the rear of the jacket).
• Easily-adjusted chest strap.

TUSA Liberator Sigma BCD Review Summary

The Liberator Sigma BCD builds upon TUSA’s solid range of BC jackets. It provides a comfortable fit due in a large part to its stabilizing harness system and the way in which it assists in holding your tank firm while you inflate and deflate your it during your dive.

Its hardwearing nylon ensures it can stand up to most recreational diving environments without complaining.

The Liberator’s weight management system is straightforward, and details such as the obligatory D-ring for clipping your odds and ends onto provide a nice touch. The Liberator Sigma BC also has two very usable and useful zippered front pockets.

Try-Diving’s verdict is that the TUSA Liberator Sigma BCD is a good budget BC jacket for divers of all competencies.

Rating:

The Princeton Tec Impact II is a flashlight designed for SCUBA diving as well as for outdoors use. It is a small but powerful light that is strong enough to withstand the pressures that diving and divers make of it.

The Impact 2 is a smaller version of the Princeton Impact XL flashlight and so has many of the same qualities. It has a strenghtned glass lens, a clip and ring that will fasten tidily to a BCD or harness and has a nice oval design that fits perfectly into a diver’s hand (not too small and not too big). The Princeton Tec Impact II also claims to use its power supply in a fairly efficient manner providing a pleasing 75 hours of usage per each new set of 4 AAA Alkaline batteries.

Princeton’s Tec Impact II has been tested in cold and warm water environments to depths of 100 meters (300 feet) and so it is more than capable of satisfying the needs of all recreational divers. Its proprietary optics system magnifies its Ultrbright LED turning it into a sharp and precise spotlight that delivers a targetted beam up to 28 meters ahead when the visibility is good. For such a seemingly small device the Princeton Tec Impact II delivers in spades!

Princeton Tec Impact II Technical Specifications

• Waterproof to 100 meters (300 feet).
• Utilizes high quality and extremely efficient blue-wite Nichia Ultrabright LED.
• Strenghtened Princeton Tec proprietary optical lens that powers the Ultralight LED to distances of up to 28 meters.
• Rugged Princeton Tec build.
• Ergonomically designed handle.
• The Impact II has a clip and ring for easy fastening to other equipment.
• Powered via 4 AAA alkaline batteries that give up to 75 hours usable light.
• Lightweight: 2.85 oz (81g) including batteries.
• Easy to transport/carry: Dimensions – 5″ (12.7 cm) length x 1″ (2.5 cm) diameter.

Princeton Tec Impact II Review Summary

The Princeton Tec Impact II is highly impressive diver’s flashlight. It is small and lightweight and can be easily attached to your kit, both underwater during your diving activities and overland when you are out and about.

Its efficient Nichia Ultrabrite LED gives just about as much illumination as you will need during night dives or wreck and cave diving (assuming reasonable visibility). Its plastic casing and strengthened lens make it a tough little performer that can be depended on time and again.

Princeton’s Tec Impact II is highly recommended for recreational diving and is well priced to make it accessible to all.

Rating:

The DUI TLS-350 drysuit is the drysuit of choice for many commercial divers, such as the US Coast Guard, Air force and Navy SEALS. However, DUI TLS-350 drysuits are also popular amongst “in-the-know” recreational divers who dive in cooler climes.

Why Does the DUI TLS-350 Drysuit Have Such Fans?

Most divers who have used the DUI TLS-350 claim that the fit feels like you are diving without a drysuit. This is largely due to the fact that the DUI TLS-350 drysuit is constructed using lightweight and very malleable trilaminate that is well suited to the the underwater world. TLS-350 DUI drysuits are also able to cope with harsh diving environments.

So what DUI TLS-350 drysuit owners get is a comfortable divesuit that:

• tends to be less restrictive than others;
• can perform well under demanding conditions;
• can be transported easily due to its light weight;
• dries quickly due to its trilaminate build.

Features of the DUI TLS-350 Drysuit

• Extremely lightweight trilaminate fabric (Nylon/Butyl and Rubber/Nylon).
• Diagonal zipper that allows front entry.
• Low profile exhaust dump and low pressure inflator swivel inlet.
• Warm neck collar for using along with warm neck hood.
• TLS-350 telescopic torso, which makes donning and doffing easier.
• Close fitting yet less restrictive than other drysuits.
• Includes a zipper guard that protects the dry zip.
• Incorporates an adustment cord inside the drysuit for a perfect waist fit as well as a strap and braces to hold the TLS-350 drysuit firmly in place.
• Rockboot system.
• Double layer trilaminate fabric protection covering the knees.
• Full DUI manufacturer’s warranty.

Summary DUI TLS-350 Drysuit Review

The DUI TLS350 drysuit is a really comfortable and travel friendly suit. It is robust enough to cope with tougher diving envrironments (such as caves and wrecks), gives enough room for you to wear underclothes in colder locations but remains not excessively warm when used in waters of a more moderate temperature.

DUI TLS350 drysuits are easy to put on and take off through their smart across the shoulder front-entry zipper and telescoping torso design, and they can be used in freshwater or saltwater. They also dry quickly when you are done using them.

What more could you want from a drysuit?

Rating:

There are dozens of fins to choose from as a diver. However, Scubapro tell us that the Twin Jet dive fins are “the fastest fins ever tested”, and that they can give you an effortless diving experience.

Why then should you invest in a pair of Scubapro Twin Jet dive fins? Do the twin jets have special properties? Or is Scubapro marketing pure hype?

The Design of Scubapro Twin Jet Dive Fins

Scubapro have designed the twin jet dive fins with a “split hydrofoil shape”. The hydrofoil design is inspired by the tail of a humpack whale, which has evolved in such a way as to drive its weight forward in the most efficient way possible. Nature then tends to back up Scubapro’s claim that by incorporating the hydrofoil split into the Twin Jet fins, divers have “more forward motion with less effort”.

The split-fin propeller design is patented and by all accounts proven to give divers enhanced forward movement with less physical effort than other fins. Most normal paddle type dive fins create underwater turbulence that tends to dissipate some of the energy genrerated by them.

By contrast, Scubapro Twin Jet dive fins redirect displaced water over the top and the bottom of each fin and create a pressure differential similar to an aircraft wing, apart from the fact that it does so in a forward direction. As a consequence, Scubapro claim that the Twin Jet fins range can help to reduce the effort required to fin, effectively reducing a diver’s consumption of air by between 30-40%.

Principal Features of Scubapro’s Twin Jet Fins

• Scubapro’s Twin Jet dive fins come in adjustable and full foot varieties.
• Twin Jet fins use Scubapro’s patented split-fin propeller design.
• Extra wide pockets for your feet.
• Can be used with dry suits, semi-dry suits and wetsuits.
• The adjustable Twin Jet fins have a quick connect design including a buckle that can be inserted from a variety of angles to make use with gloves easier.
• Twin Jets includes vents that are designed to reduce drag.
• Dense compound moldings that give a greater resistance in the water to enable more thrust.

Twin Jet Colors and Styles

There are several different styles in the Scubapro Twinjet dive fins range:

• Scubapro Adjustable Twin Jet
• Scubapro Full Foot Twin Jet
• Scubapro Adjustable Twin Jet Max
• Scubapro Full Foot Twin Jet Max

The standard Twin Jet fins come in full-foot and adjustable models as do the Twin Jet Max models. The difference between the Twin Jet and Twin Jet Max range is basically performance related: the Max models provide more efficiency and speed. Each Twin Jet model comes in black, red, graphite cobalt and hi-viz yellow.

Summary Review of the Scubapro Twin Jet Fin

Scubapro Twin Jet dive fins look great. The split fin design is neat and seems to achieve what it claims it can do, especially in diving environments where there is less current. Some advanced divers have backed this up claiming that Scubapro Twin Jet fins are more appropriate for less experienced divers for use in current-free environments, in which they are highly effective.

In summary, Scubapro’s Twin Jets are a little more expensive than traditional paddle fins, but the extra investment makes a big difference.

Rating:

Seabobs have to be just about the coolest looking DPVs created so far.

Seabobs have a fantastic design with sleek lines and an ergonomic shape, and each model comes in a wide range of colors to boot.

The Seabob Cayago Magnum is the special edition Seabob and is quite simply a knockout by anybody’s standards.

Driving the Seabob Cayago Magnum

All Seabob DPVs feature advanced and innovative control technologies.

Like all Seabobs, the Seabob Cayago Magnum is propelled by Seabob’s patented electric jetstream system. You control the Seabob via a pair of intelligent control Powergrips which feature Piezo technology.

The Seabob Cayago Magnum is powered by 30 Cayago-power high energy Li-Ion accumulator cells. The revolutionary accumulator gives the driver up to a staggering 4 hours of use before recharging is required.

The drive mechanism itself kicks in via one of the Seabob Powergrips, upon which you just have to press a sensor button to accelerate to the speed you require. Another sensor in the other Powergrip stops you on demand.

The Cayago’s cockpit is perfectly positioned for its driver. It has an LCD display panel, which provides you with technical details such as power and battery life and it also tells you about your depth and the temperature of the water.

Unlike standard Seabobs, the Cayago is suitable for extreme diving depths of up to 40 meters.

Fantastic!

Features of the Seabob Cayago Magnum

• Hard-integral plastic technology shell.
• 4 hour operating time (10-12 hour standard charging time).
• Max. depth: 40 meters.
• High vis LCD display panel.
• Easy controls and steering.
• 5.2 kW (7 HP).
• Max. torque: 22 Nm.
• Max. thrust: 734 N.
• Max. surface speed: 22 kmh (13.7 mph).
• Max. underwater speed: 16 km/h (9.9 mph).
• Quality navigation and location technology system
• Stunning design.

Summary Review for the Seabob Cayago Magnum

The Cayago Magnum is too cool for words really. It not only looks great but it delivers on every level performance-wise.

As the Cayago is a special edition model, you may find it very hard to get hold of one for yourself. If you are lucky enough to be able to get your hands on this limited edition Seabob (and can actually afford it!), you may find yourself in the next James Bond movie!

But don’t take our word for it… check this out:

The Seabob Cayago Magnum oozes style and yet has the performance statistics to justify looking as good as it does: it’s simply unbeatable!

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SeaLife specialize in the manufacture of underwater digital cameras. The DC600 then is another feather in SeaLife’s cap offering niche underwater camera solutions for the diving market. 

But does the SCUBA diving world need another trendy gadget or is the SeaLife DC600 offering just that little bit extra to make it an indespensible tool for your average diver?

What Does the SeaLife DC600 Have to Offer?

Well firstly, the SeaLife DC600 digital underwater camera is not just an underwater camera: like all  SeaLife cameras it can be usd above the waves.

Underwater, the SeaLife DC600 requires its robust and chunky housing, which helps it to withstand pressures of up to 200 feet (60 meters) without permitting a drop of water inside. But when you take the SeaLife DC600’s wet protection off, you are left with a small, lightweight and easily transportable digital compact you can slip into your pocket for dry shots.

So the SeaLife DC600 is truly versatile, but is it a jack of all trades and a master of none?

Main Features of the SeaLife DC600 Digital Camera

• 6.1 megapixels.
• SD memory compatible.
• 3x digital zoom.
• 4x optical zoom.
• 2.5 inch display.
• Safety lock function.
• Watertight to depths of up to 200 feet (60 meters).
• Very robust build designed to resist rough treatment.
• Good quality images both over and under water (the underwater white balance is extremely effective).
• The DC600 can be extended by adding SeaLife lenses and/or strobes.
• Lithium Battery and charger included.
• Its easy to use.

The SeaLife DC600 is a 6.1 megapixel camera that is very well designed for underwater use. Its polycarbonate case can take quite a beating… so accidental bumps against rocks, diving equipment and the like will not cause it much bother.

The case of the DC600 camera has an easy-opening clamshell design so that you can remove the camera for use on land, but you must be careful not to damage its rubber o-ring and ensure that no debris such as hair, sand or dirt stick to it when you close it as this might affect its ability to keep water out. When the SeaLife DC600 is in its case it is very easy to hold and use.

The controls of the DC600 are well marked and easy to use, and it can be further extended with SeaLife lenses and strobes. You can also mount the DC600 onto a standard tripod.

SeaLife’s DC600 has a slot for SD storage cards as well as 10MB of internal memory. It has a 5.5 to 16.5 mm focal length and a 30 fps movie capability (with sound… even when you are filming underwater) at 640 x 480 pixels.

A macro function gives the DC600 the ability to take close ups and a self timer, 3x digital zoom and built in flash further sweeten the deal.

SeaLife DC600 Settings

The SeaLife DC600 has 13 scene modes for use above water and 2 for below it.

SeaLife DC600 scene mode settings:

Portrait, landscape, panorama, night, sunset, sunrise, candlelight, sport, text, firework, spy, splash water, program AE and the two underwater modes, sea and external flash.

Summary Review of SeaLife’s DC600 Underwater Camera

SeaLife have produced another reliable digital underwater camera system in the DC600. It is sturdy enough to take the pressures that recreational diving can possibly challenge it with and it is able to produce good quality pictures at the same time.

The SeaLife DC600 digital underwater camera is a worthy digital compact for recreational divers who want a point-and-shoot but may not offer the quality and functionality that more serious underwater photographers require.

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The SCUBAPRO MK25/S600 regulator combination (a combination of the first stage MK25 and second stage S600 aparatus) is a very attractive system but how good is it?

SCUBAPRO claims that due to its patented design, the MK25/S600 combo is impervious to cold conditions… no small claim!

How is this possible?

SCUBAPRO has included large holes in the MK25 design to allow more water to pass around it. This means that the cold, depressurised air entering the first stage has a greater chance of being “warmed” by the slightly warmer water that surrounds it. The MK25 also has external fins which add more heat sink properties and at the same time helps to prevent ice from forming up the outside of the MK25’s body.

The SCUBAPRO MK25 also includes SCUBAPRO’s Thermal Insulation System technology, which comprises special material and coating products for the parts of the regulator that move. This in turn reduces the likelihood that ice will cause the moving parts to stick.

Features of the MK25 First Stage Regulator

• Machine turned titanium body and parts.
• Chrome-plated marine brass build.
• SCUBAPRO’s patented Thermal Insulating System.
• Air-balanced flow-through piston system.
• Externally adjustable inter-mediate pressure.
• Dual HP port and 5 port LP swivel.

How Does the S600 Second Stage Contribute?

The SCUBAPRO S600 second stage regulator is a wonderful piece of equipment to breathe through. It is lightweight and small but packs a lot of quality. It includes an adjustable inhalation-resistance knob as well as a dive / pre-dive switch, which has been designed to stop free-flowing air while you are floating at the surface.

Features of SCUBAPRO’s S600

• Body and components made of Technopolymer.
• Diver-adjustable Venturi Initiated Vacuum Assist (VIVA) and inhalation control.
• High-flow exhaust valve.
• Air-balanced linear-flow valve.

SCUBAPRO MK25 and S600 Combination Summary Review

SCUBAPRO state that the MK25-S600 combination regulator is an amalgamation of its top performing 1st stage paired up with its best selling performance air balanced 2nd stage. It is by all accounts SCUBAPRO’s “ultimate” regulator rig.

The SCUBAPRO MK25/S600 combo is designed to stand up to all diving conditions (warm and cold water).

The emphasis of the MK25/S600 regulator system is clearly focused on ease of breathing (through the balanced flow valve), and diver preferences (adjustable inhalation control). The Venturi Inititiated Vacuum Assist controls further contribute to easy inhalaion and high flow exhaust valve aids exhalation. Combined with the super flow hose, breathing underwater has never been so easy!

The various elements of SCUBAPRO’s MK25 and S600 are lightweight (titanium and technopolymer) which are either machine turned or precision molded. The use of anti-freezing materials and coatings make this particular SCUBAPRO regulator combo very resistant to corrosion and assist the whole system in colder water conditions.

The SCUBAPRO MK25 and S600 regulator system is easy to transport and performs exremely well in a variety of environments.

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The AKONA AKB234 (AKONA’s deluxe mesh backpack) is a natty little sack for storing your diving gear. The AKONA AKB234 is a 30 x 15 inch pack, having some 5,658 cubic inches of carrying capacity. It’s not a hardcore diver’s backpack for lugging heavy weights, but it is a nice little package for carrying around your diving gear.

Features of the AKONA AKB234 Diver’s Backpack

• The AKONA AKB234 is made of a 600D poly-natural fiber blending with an interior that is polyurethane coated; this makes its mesh construction very strong, highly durable and resistant to water.
• Easy-grasp AKONA designed carry handles.
• Padded backpack straps that are fleece lined and contoured to the shape of the average back.
• Sternum strap for extra stability.
• Internal full-length zip pocket. The double coating of PVC on the bottom as well as nylon seams prevent water from entering.
• Water resitant external pocket including key-clip.
• Rust and corrosion resistant zips.
• Hardened rubber luggage tag.

Summary of the AKONA AKB234

The AKONA AKB234 is very well ventilated making it an ideal backpack for your wet diving gear. Its strong mesh design means that it can take the demands that most kit owning recreational divers make of it.

In terms of its size, the AKONA AKB234 should be able to take a couple of sets of fins, snorkels, masks and towels with space left over for one or two other accessories. Its large internal pocket is great for keeping items such as wallets and t-shirts dry and the external pocket is perfectly sized to keep things such as loose change, your camera, some sun cream etc. close to hand.

The AKONA AKB234 is a really neat backpack for transporting your dry dive gear in also, although it’s not really designed to be put into the hold of an airplane… though it could perhaps be used for hand luggage! When you’re not using your AKONA AKB234 for carrying your diving equipment, it packs down to a nifty 12 x 12 inches (flat) making it easy to store in your actual luggage for transportation.

The AKONA AKB234 has a nice large opening for easy loading and a zipper on the side so that you can easily access the items at the bottom of the sack.

A strong mesh sack that provides well thought out stroage and carrying options, the AKONA AKB234 could be the helping hand you’ve been looking for on your diving activities.

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The Sherwood Tortuga BCD is marketed as a comfortable utility buoyancy control device that offers many convenient features.

But how does it stand up?

At a Glance Features of the Sherwood Tortuga BCD

• Simple to use inflator (for both oral and power inflation).
• 3-D air cell which comprises controlled expansion to ensure maximum lift and minimum squeeze.
• Adjustable shoulder area so that you can get in and out of the Tortuga easily.
• 2 x well placed and easily usable zip-pockets.
• Self adjusting waist strap.
• A vent valve on the right shoulder side.
• 4 x stainless stell D-rings.
• Heavyweight 1000 Denier (urethane coated nylon) build.
• Built for QuickClip™ and AKONA BC Pro Kit.

The Sherwood Tortuga: Built for Comfort?

The Sherwood Tortuga is a very comfortable BCD that’s for sure.

The inbuilt soft neck pad around the Tortuga BCD’s shoulders really adds another dimension of comfort over and above other BCDs in its class. The backpack itself is almost sumptuous and padded for maximum comfort.

The way in which the Tortuga is put together gives the wearer a good deal of mobility in that it does not restrict movement as some other BCDs tend to do. There are dump valves on the main inflation hose, on the opposite (right) shoulder area and another on the lower part of the 3-D air cell. The D-rings (there are 4 of them) are made of stainless steel and 2 zipped cargo pockets for your convenience, located in such a way that you’ll be able to find them easily when you are underwater.

Buoyancy and the Tortuga BCD

The word “tortuga” is a Spanish word meaning “turtle”. You can see why Sherwood has named this particular model so. The Tortuga is a back-inflated model that swells up like a turtle’s shell.

Due to its wraparound design and self adjusting harness the Tortuga BCD never gives you a squeezing sensation. As you descend underwater, the width of the bcd allows more space than most for wetsuit squeeze, which again creates a sensation of comfort that most other BCDs do not provide.

As stated, most of the lift provided by the Tortuga BCD comes from the 3-D air cell, most of the surface area of it being in the back area. However, the air pockets wrap around the sides to give you further bouyancy in all the right places.

The design of the backplate and harness of the Tortuga BCD also works very nicely, with emphasis being placed on how it handles weight. Sherwood has included its CQR2 system into the Tortuga, which means that the harness and backplate support all the weight placed on the BCD by tanks and other accessories. The Tortuga’s CQR2 system also includes 2 releasable weight pockets at the front of the BCD, giving the wearer very easy access to them.

Summary Review of the Sherwood Tortuga BCD

The Sherwood Tortuga BCD provides the wearer with good lift and stability but does not restrict movement. It is a comfortable BCD that is easily adjustable and easy to fine tune to your requirements. It fits easily over 7ml suits and is good for warm or cold water use. The rear weight pocket is a little small but this is a relatively minor complaint.

All in all, the Tortuga is a great buoyant little package!

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The Suunto Vyper Dive Computer is an older model than Suunto’s D6 and D9 dive computer models and so as you might expect does not offer the same number of functions packed into those two models. However, that does not mean to say that the Suunto Vyper should not be considered if you are looking for a dive computer offering performance, ease of use, a bunch of useful functions and of course good value.

Features of the Suunto Vyper

The Suunto Vyper has numerous functions to make the most choosey of divers (both advanced/professional divers and those relatively new to diving) go weak at the knees. Suunto has built into the Vyper full decompression functions, standard air or Nitrox mix modes, a depth gauge function and a timer including a profile memory.

Like Suunto’s D6 and D9 models, the Suunto Vyper also records and saves information about your dives so that you can look at it at a later date. This is achieved via a PC interface and software enabling you to examine, analyze and compare your diving experiences and your performance throughout them. All of your data can be converted into graphical representaions to eanble you to identify trends in performance or to highlight areas of weakness that you should focus upon.

At a Glance Features of the Suunto Vyper

• Electroluminescent display.
• Maximum depth: 492 feet (150 meters).
• Suunto RGBM decompression model.
• Full decompression data.
• Ascent rate monitor and alarm.
• Safety stop function.
• Air, Nitrox and gauge modes.
• Built-in dive simulator.
• Dive planner.
• Multiple memory functions.
• 50 hour logbook memory.
• Audible alarm.
• Temperature display.
• Low battery warning (the battery itself is user-replaceable).
• 12/24 hour watch and calendar functions.
• Suunto Dive Manager PC Suite and interface.

The Suunto Vyper: Summary Review

The Suunto Vyper is a a stalwart of Suunto’s dive computer range these days. It’s not the flashiest of models but its reliability is undisputable… just ask ask anyone who owns one. Although it has some advanced features and is a fairly tough model, it is most likely to appeal to the advanced recreational SCUBA diving market.

As with Suunto’s D9 and D6 models, the Vyper uses the same Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM), which considers the possible formation of small gas bubbles within body tissues.

The Suunto Vyper is very simple to use and consequently extremely user friendly: its three button configuration enables you to navigate through the menu options quickly and easily. Suunto’s Vyper is also easy to read even in extremely dark conditions due to the power of its electroluminescent display. This is of course always a useful feature for night or wreck dives. All the dive information that the Suunto Vyper outputs to its owner is logically presented and very clear to understand making it very safe to use.

In short, the Suunto Vyper is a great model for those who do not want to pay the earth for a lot of stuff they will seldom use. However, it will still provide more than enough features for most divers and most diving environments.

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The Mares Nemo Wide is one of Mares’ offerings in the dive computer niche. Mares claim that the Nemo Wide is “the best interface between man & sea”.

Is it actually so?

The Rationale Behind the Nemo Wide

The design brief for the Nemo Wide was to create a dive computer that was easy to read and reliable, that promoted diver safety and was intuitive to use. Has this been achieved and if so how?

The Mares Nemo Wide dive computer has a very large display (the reason it is called the Nemo Wide). The large display means that there is plenty of room for the large digits that make reading the Mares Nemo Wide easy.

Combined with a strong back light and the brightness of the digits on the display itself, there are not many dive computers available on the market today that can claim to be as diver friendly in terms of readability.

The Nemo Wide is also very easy to use dive computer. It is ergonomically designed to make operation of the computer simple through its four large buttons: Mares calls this its “Easy Access System”.

At a Glance Features of the Mares Nemo Wide Dive Computer

• Maximum depth 492 feet (150 meters).
• A wide face with a high contrast display.
• Large digits make for easy reading.
• 170° viewing angle.
• Intense backlighting.
• Mares 4 button “Easy Access System”.
• Mares-Wienke RGBM: a new algorithm designed to reduce risks of micro-bubble formation.
• Multiple dive modes: bottom time, Nitrox and air.
• Residual nitrogen clear.
• Digital and analog ascent rate readout.
• Deep and safety stop functions.
• Logbook function stores 38 hours of dive information.
• Audible alrams.
• Altitude progams included.
• Usable in salt and fresh water.
• Tough, mineral glass face.
• User replaceable alkaline batteries.
• Upgradeable software.

Summary Review of the Mares Nemo Wide

The Nemo Wide is possibly one of the most usable and user friendly dive computers you can buy.

Its display could not be clearer and can be viewed easily from multiple angles.

With the many advanced features and functions inbuilt as well as its robust build and advanced ergonomic design, the Mares Nemo Wide is a dive computer created to withstand the toughest of diving environments.

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The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI is the step up from SEA-DOO’s Dolphin and Aquanaut propulsion vehicle models. The GTI leaves the propulsion-vehicles-for-fun market aimed at kids and adults, to become a much more serious player in the adult SCUBA diving market. As such it is much more the sort of product you would associate as a true Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV).

What does the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI Offer?

Well, as stated, the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI clearly sits squarely in the DPV category. Consequently, the GTI model offers variable speed control up to 4 kmh (2.5 mph) designed to help you minimize air usage and maximize dive time.

Like its contemporaries in the SEA-DOO sea scooter range, the GTI is compact and easy to transport, having a weight of 18lbs (7kg). It is therefore small enough and light enough to make it easy to take to the beach by hand for shore dives where you might want to initially use it to get you to the drop off point rather than swimming to it.

The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI can descend to depths up to 100 feet (30 meters), so is perfect for recreational diving. Alternatively it is a great to use at the surface to take the legwork out of snorkelling.

SEASCOOTER GTI Features List

• The GTI can propel you to a maximum depth of 100ft (30m).
• Variable speed control with a top speed of 4 kmh (2.5 mph).
• Adjustable buoyancy.
• Automatic power off.
• Protective grille.
• Totally Waterproof internal circuitry.
• Weight: 12lbs (easy to carry with one hand).
• Dimensions: 612 x 385 x 312 (mm)
• Rechargeable quick-release battery (fully charged battery gives 2 hours of use).
• Supplied with its own SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI branded carrying bag.

Summary Review of the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI

The GTI model is the entry level DPV from the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER range. It gives a high degree of performance enabling divers to dive to recommended recreational diving depth limits with a reasonable top speed. The 2 hour battery life is also a great feature, but like all battery operated products a spare will always come in handy. Finally like most SEA-DOO products the GTI looks cool!

The SEASCOOTER GTI is a serious contender in the recreational DPV arena.

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The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Dolphin is the slightly older sibling of the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Aquanaut inasmuch as, unlike the Aquanaut, it is a propulsion vehicle for children and adults. A further difference between these two models is that the SEASCOOTER Dolphin may be used in swimming pools and lakes whereas the Aquanaut is really only designed for pools.

What Can the SEA-DOO Dolphin Do?

SEA-DOO’s Dolphin will propel its users at speeds of up to 3.2 kmh (2 mph). As it only weighs 12lbs it is another lightweight model that is easy to transport: indeed it can actually be carried in one hand. It is designed for use by children of 8 years of age up to adults although obviously you should supervise children at the younger end of the age spectrum.

The Dolphin will dive to depths just shy of 16ft (15.5ft to be precise) which means you’ll be able to descend a little when you are skin diving: N.B. the SEASCOOTER Dolphin is NOT intended for SCUBA diving usage.

Similar to the Aquanaut model, the Dolphin’s rechargeable battery will last for approximately an hour. The batteries are easy to change so if you are serious about owning a SEASCOOTER Dolphin it might be worth investing in a spare battery to keep everyone satisfied!

The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Dolphin and Safety

The Dolphin sea scooter has a floating chassis making it naturally buoyant, an auto power-off function and protective grille covering the propeller blades. The Dolphin also has a safety lock and waterproof internal electrics.

DISCLAIMER: As with any type of product that minors can use in water, you should never leave your children unattended while they use it. You may wish to ensure that your children wear appropriate bouyancy aids when the are using any item such as the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Dolphin. The SEA-DOO Dolphin is intended for recreational use but NOT for recreational diving use.

SEASCOOTER Dolphin Features at a Glance

• For use by children of 8 years and older to adults.
• SEASCOOTER Dolphins can be used up to 15.5ft under the water.
• Maximum speed of 3.2kmh (2mph).
• Bouyant chassis.
• Dual trigger control with automatic power off (the Dolphin shuts off when the grips are released).
• Protective grille covering the propeller.
• Waterproof electronics.
• Lightweight at 12lbs.
• Easy transportablility.
• Rechargeable batteries that are EN and ASTM Standards approved.
• 180 day warranty on all SEA-DOO’s parts.

Dolphin Sea Scooter Summary

A step up from the Aquanaut model in terms of where it can be used and by whom, SEA-DOO’s Dolphin offers great fun for most of the family. It can be used outside of a swimming pool but is not suitable for salt water usage and is certainly not a hardcore DPV, as it will only allow you to depths less than 15.5ft (for more robust models, visit our SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER page).

Notwithstanding, the SEASCOOTER Dolphin is another value priced “fun” propulsion vehicle from SEA-DOO.

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The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Aquanaut is the baby of SEA-DOO’s propulsion vehicle range. It is designed for use in swimming pools and can be great fun for children… so maybe it’s a little out of place for a feature review on Try-Diving.net. However, the SEASCOOTER Aquanaut can be a smart way to develop your children’s confidence in the water by introducing another fun activity for them to enjoy… and that IS something worth promoting.

Aimed for children between the ages of 5 to 10 years (max. weight 100lbs), the Aquanaut sea scooter can be used for snorkelling (depth up to 8ft) and swimming or just cruising around in the pool. Its rechargeable battery lasts for up to an hour giving your children a propulsion vehicle with a top speed of 1.2 miles per hour.

The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Aquanaut and Safety

The Aquanaut sea scooter is equipped with waterproof circuitry, a protective grill covering the propeller and a power shut off that activates when your child lets go of the handles. The Aquanaut also has a positively buoyant chassis which makes it naturally tend towards the surface.

DISCLAIMER: Although the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Aquanaut is designed for children’s use and comprises numerous safety features, you should never leave your children unattended in water. Allowing your children to use the SEA-DOO Aquanaut for snorkelling would indicate that a life preserver may be an advisable item for them to wear whilst doing so. The SEASCOOTER Aquanaut should NOT be used for SCUBA Diving.

SEASCOOTER Aquanaut Features at a Glance

• For use in a pool by children between 5 and 10 years
• Usage up to 8ft depth
• Top speed of 1.2 mph
• Floating chassis
• Auto power shut-off
• Propeller safety grille
• Waterproof circuitry
• Lightweight at 7.3 lbs
• Extremely compact and easy to carry
• Rechargeable battery that satisfies all EN and ASTM standards
• 180 day warranty on parts

The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Aquanaut will be no good for mums and dads who are looking for a DPV for extreme diving jaunts (for more grown up models, visit see our SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER page). However, the Aquanaut will have a huge appeal for their children.

The Aquanaut then is a fantastic propulsion unit for kids to use in the pool at an affordable price for their parents.

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SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER products are founded upon the reputation of the SEA-DOO recreational watercraft range. Unlike most other SEA-DOO products though, the SEA-DOO SEA SCOOTER is intended for those who want to have fun beneath the surface: SEA-DOO SEASCOOTERS are Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs).

SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER MODELS

The SEASCOOTER range is currently comprised of several different models:

• SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Explorer
• SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER GTI
• SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER VS Supercharged
• SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Aquanaut
• SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER Dolphin

Each of SEADOO’s SEASCOOTERs have slightly different features and are designed for different uses, users and environments.

SEASCOOTER Design

All DPVs have a kind of a fantasy appeal to many as they appeared to be the underwater transport method of choice for the earliest of James Bonds! The SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER range certainly taps into this through the highly desirable design of the outer shell casing.

Each model in the SEASCOOTER range gives a fairly powerful performance in a small and easily transportable package. This makes them ideal for use not just by divers wanting to make certain shore dives perhaps more accessible. SEA-DOO SEASCOOTERs will also cry out to snorkellers who will find the experience of gliding along just beneath the surface a dream or alternatively enjoy the ability to descend easier and deeper on one breath.

N.B. There are more in depth reviews of all of the SEA-DOO SEASCOOTER products to look at what each particular model has to offer within Try-Diving.net.

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This mini SeaLife camera is a nice addition to the underwater digital camera range.

SeaLife Reef Master Mini Camera: Features at a Glance

• 6.0 megapixel CCD sensor
• Water resistant to 130 feet (40 metres)
• Built-in flash
• Fast start-up
• Fast shutter response
• 2” TFT Reefmaster LCD to help you frame your shot or view the result
• Video including audio
• Weight: 295 grams
• Compatible with SD and MMC memory types (also includes 4MB internal memory)
• Ruggedised rubber casing protects the Reef Master Mini from drops up to 6 feet (2 meters)
• The Sealife Reefmaster SL320 can be used on land as well as underwater.

The Reef Master Mini SL320’s size is a handy 78mmx12mm x43mm, having a weight of 295 grams: this makes it a good size to carry with you underwater although it is a little tricky to operate there. It has a standard 2” TFT LCD, which is a nice feature but a slightly larger screen would make it really useful.

Like all SeaLife cameras, the SL320 is nicely wrapped in rubberised armour, which protects it from on-land drops of up to 2 meters and also gives good traction so it feels nice to hold in or out of the water.

SeaLife Reefmaster Picture Quality

The SL320 has land and sea modes to enable you to take photos of equal quality in the dry or wet. It also has a built-in camera flash, which is useful for close range underwater shots but also has an external flash mode for use with external SeaLife camera flashes. The color of underwater images can be enhanced by the camera itself using Sealife’s color booster “Sea” mode. The combined results of these features means that the Reefmaster camera creates nice, sharp and color rich pictures with well-balanced underwater blue color effects.

SeaLife’s Reef Master SL320 also offers you wide angle options to enable panoramic and close up macro functions making it a very versatile digital underwater camera. On land the Sealife Mini camera lens tends to cause minor vignetting but the results are still strong.

General rating for the SeaLife Reefmaster Camera (Mini SL320) is generally high. It is a robust and versatile model which generates a reasonably good picture quality. Like many underwater creatures it is slightly more sluggish on land but not painfully so. The size of the LCD screen suffers in comparison to some models especially underwater but for the price SeaLife’s Reef Master Camera offers good value for the performance and features it offers.

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Scubapro’s Titanium Diver’s Watch is a very nice underwater timepiece.

The Scubapro Titanium has a 25-jewel Swiss-made mechanized movement that is protected by a water-tight (to 700 meters) solid titanium case.

The Titanium is a kinetic style watch meaning that it is wound by the natural movements of the wearer’s wrist… so you will never need to change batteries underwater!

Main Features of the Scubapro Titanium Diver

The Scubapro Divers Watch has the following specifications:

• Highly luminous dial and hands
• Water resistanance to 700ft
• Swiss movement
• Scratch-resistant crystal glass face
• Magnified date display
• Engraved screw-type case back
• Strap exchanging tool
• Sporty black backup strap
• and titanium all over the place!

Scubapro Divers Watch and Titanium

This particular watch is well named as it comprises multiple titanium components. It has:

• a solid titanium machined casing
• a screw-down titanium crown
• a rotating titanium bezel
• and a titanium strap.

Because the casing, crown, bezel and strap are all composed of titanium and the face cover is crystal glass, the Scubapro Titanium is very light and practically immune to damage.

Usability

As you would expect from any good dive watch, the dial and hands are easy to see.

Firstly the face of the watch is not over fussy (always a good usability design feature) and the important parts of the hands and dial are marked with a highly luminous paint making the Titanium a very easy timepiece to read underwater.

The Scubapro Titanium is also resistant to around 700 feet… more than enough atmospheres for your average recreational oxygen divers… in fact pretty handy for commercial deep divers too!

An understated but great diver’s watch, the Scubapro Titanium is a little nugget.

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The XTX200 regulator from APEKS is a premium quality regulator incorporating attractive design and performance. As with all APEKS regulators, the XTX200 is feature rich combining the following elements.

APEKS XTX200 Features

• Converts from a right to left-handed configuration through RVS (Reversible Venturi System) N.B. Conversion should be carried out by an authorized APEKS service technician
• Includes DCE – Diver Changeable Exhaust System
• Durability
• Improved purge function
• Improved breathing performance
• Approved for cold water diving

The Cleanliness of the APEKS XTX200!

All APEKS regulators are of a generally high quality but the APEKS XTX200 is one of the top models. The XTX200 is more ergonomically friendly than most through the RVS, which enables conversion from a left to right configuration and at the same time reduces the build up of grit ingress.

APEKS Regulators Diver Changeable Exhaust System

The DCE system of the XTX200 means that a diver can regulate the size of the exhaust tee you use from a small to a large exhaust. The result of such an ability means that you can choose the flow of exhaust you require for different dives: small for times when space is an issue (easier for travelling or for using as an octopus) or large to minimize bubble interference (important if you want fish to smile at your camera). Breathing performance on XTX200 regulators is also improved through the newly designed silicone exhaust valve.

Durability

The APEKS XTX200 regulator range is also robust and durable. The front cover is composed of a strong plastic and chrome plate to protect the sensitive parts of the demand valve. It also looks nice!

Purge

An improved open purge function means that the XTX200 purge self-clears preventing the build-up of regulator damaging debris. Coupled with a Venturi lever, APEKS’ XTX200 further reduces the problem of grit ingress.

Swivel Hose

The XTX200 range of APEKS regulators can be modified (for a price) to incorporate a swivel hose connection, which permits the demand valve end of the connection to rotate. This can possible make it a more comfortably fitting device for you.

APEKS XTX200 regulators ares a seriously slick addition to the regulator pantheon, combining stylish design, useful features and high performance. The XTX200 also comes in a Nitrox version, but all models are usable in cold or warm water.

The APEKS XTX200 regulator is truly a thing of beauty!

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The Swedish dive equipment makers Poseidon have launched a revolutionary new drysuit product. It’s called the Poseidon Flexisuit: Flexi because it incorporates the weight, flexibility and manoeuverability of wetsuits along with the insulating properties of regular drysuits.

The Flexisuit is made with a specially formulated type of neoprene (3mm thick) that is covered with durable Armatex nylon on the outside. This gives the Flexisuit durability, stretch, heat insulation and comfort.

The consequence of these design factors mean that the Poseidon Flexisuit is slim (especially compared to other drysuits) so that air movement is reduced, flexible in a similar way to westsuits but you can still wear at least one layer underneath it.

Flexisuit Technical Specifications

• 3mm HD neoprene
• Outer layer of Armatex nylon and Kevlar
• Separate hood with ventilation
• Frontside zip
• Anatomical prebent arms and legs
• Wrist seals in stretch neoprene
• Neck seal in stretch glideskin
• Sandwich SCS face seal
• Swivelled inlet valve
• Kevlar reinforcement on the back, arms, knees and socks
• Adjustable volume outlet valve
• Soft boots

Is the Poseidon Flexisuit Built to Last?

You bet!

The Flexisuit has Kevlar reinforcements on the back, forearms and knees which make it resistant to the rough treatment that drysuit-necessary conditions invariably dish out. But the Flexisuit has a tender side too: its front zip is easy to open and close and the seals in the wrist and neck areas are fashioned with a nice almost soft and springy neoprene.

Poseidon’s Flexisuit is also not bogged down by the standard rubberised boots found on other drysuits. No sir! Instead, the Flexisuit has reinforced Kevlar socks which provide a relatively thin but fairly robust sole. This makes the Flexisuit a much more mobile drysuit and it’s easier to swim in too as you can wear most fins with it.

Flexisuit Sizes and Accessories

Flexisuits come in sizes from XS to XXXL but they can be configured and manipulated to fit all sorts of shapes and sizes through bespoke orders. Accessories such as Poseidon rock boots, hoods and gloves can all be added to your Flexisuit to complete your look!

Information About Poseidon

Poseidon has been designing and making dive gear for the commercial and recreational diving markets since the 1950s. Founded by diving enthusiast Ingvar Elfström in 1958, Poseidon was the first company to develop a single hose regulator. The Poseidon Flexisuit is another innovative string to its bow.

Look out for the Poseidon Flexisuit in colder environments… it’s a real winner.

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Are you nearsighted and have you had trouble finding a suitable solution to help you enjoy the visual side that the SCUBA diving experience can (and should) provide you with.

What have you tried so far? Are you still looking for an answer?

Well… if you are among the 15% of divers who wear contacts to correct nearsightedness above water and have yet to find a satisfying solution, the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD may provide you with the best imaginable answer… permanently!

What is So Special About the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Double Dome?

Did you know that flat masks impede approximately 75% of everybody’s “natural” visual range. The HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD provides a solution to the tunnel vision effects of a flat mask and in the case of nearsighted divers actually gives near perfect underwater vision!

The Double-Dome™ design puts the divers eyes literally in the middle of a large dome. This geometric positioning enables divers to see underwater objects at their actual size, shape and distance. But it is the shape of the water against the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD that creates the secondary visual phenomenon enabling nearsighted divers to reap the full benefits of the mask.

Not only this, but using the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD as a nearsighted diver provides an improved underwater visual ability over and above the abilities of divers who have 20/20 vision. This has prompted some divers with perfect vision to make themselves nearsighted by wearing contact lenses in order to use the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD to its full potential.

Understandably this sounds completely nuts, but by all accounts many instructors and recreational divers now pack disposable contacts so that they can use the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 Double-Dome™ mask!

What are the main Features of HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DDs?

• HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DDs offer a view up to 5X greater than flat masks can offer
• They give the ability to see the true size and shape of objects as well as their actual distance from you
• HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DDs also give a crystal clear view wherever you look.

Finally, as with all HydroOptix masks, the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD comes with patented “Twin-Turbo Purge Valves”, which exhaust bubbles at the back of the mask via large sized diameter flapping valves.

HydroOptix’s Twin-Turbo Purge Valves facilitate the fast and easy clearing of water from your dive mask.

Awesome!

All HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DDs come with:

• SeaGold™ anti-fog gel by AquaSeal®
• A customised hard-shell case
• Neoprene lens covers
• A monocle, including lanyard
• and a CoverLens with retractor

For divers with myopia the HydroOptix Mega 4.5 DD may be the answer to your prayers.

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Suunto creates another winner.

The Suunto D9 is the first dive computer in the world to integrate wireless cylinder data reception and digital compass technology…

… it also comes in a stunning titanium casing! How do you like those apples?

What Are The Main Features of the D9?

Like the Suunto D6 the D9 features the following:

• Complete timepiece functions
• Full decompression stop information
• Adjustable Suunto Reduced Gradient Bubble Modelling
• Ascent rate indicator
• Air, Gauge and Nitrox operating
• Integrated digital compass
• Audible alarms (including a maximum depth alarm)
• Numerous memory settings
• USB compatible PC interface and software

Unlike the D6 the Suunto D9 has:

• Wireless transmission
• Optional luxury Suunto titanium strap
• Gas changing (3 mixes 21-100%)

The Suunto D9 incorporates all the vital information you need on your dives, such as time, depth, tank pressure, direction and decompression status. The principal benefit of this is you have just one instrument to monitor rather than several, which can significantly improve your dive experience. However the D9 can of course be of use to you on land: the D9’s integrated digital compass does not just function underwater and neither does it stop telling the time!

Monitor Your Tank Pressure and Air With the Suunto D9

The Suunto D9 has an optional wireless transmitter, which can help you to monitor the pressure in your tank and your consumption of air. Consequently, the D9 is able to give you real-time information (graphically or numerically) about how much air you have left.

Gas Switching

The Suunto D9 can be used with up to 3 gas mixes (21-100% oxygen) enabling you to switch gases during your dive. Like the Suunto D6 dive computer, the Suunto D9 calculates decompression information through Suunto’s Deep Stop Reduced Gradient Bubble Modelling (RGBM). Suunto RGBM facilitates iterative deep stops as opposed to a single safety stop in cases where you intend to deep dive (you can wear your Suunto D9 up to 200 meters (660ft).

Suunto D9 Dive Profiling

The D9’s digital logbook will give you a real time graphical representation of your dive whereby you can analyze and assess factors such as tank pressure and water temperature.

Stylish Suunto D9 Titanium Casing and Strap

If you thought the D6 was an attractively packaged dive computer (it is) the Suunto D9 titanium model will blow your socks off. The D9’s titanium housing is simply stunning.

A dive computer that ticks all the boxes, the Suunto D9 might just about be the coolest diving gadget your money can buy.

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The Suunto D6 is a specialized dive computer designed for wear on the wrist. It is an advanced dive computer built for demanding dives and dive locations.

What Are The Features of the Suunto D6 Dive Computer?

• Full decompression stop information
• Ascent rate indicator
• Adjustable Suunto Reduced Gradient Bubble Modelling
• Gas changing (2 mixes 21-99%)
• 3 operating modes – Air, Gauge and Nitrox
• Fully integrated compass (digital)
• A host of audible alarms (including a max-depth warning)
• Dozens of memory settings
• PC interface
• Eyecatching black or metallic strap

Versatile and Robust: Suunto’s D6

D6 dive computers are literally packed with functions to make your diving experiences more safe. During all points in your dive the Suunto D6 will help you to manage your depth and times as well as providing you with constant directional data.

The D6 and Suunto’s RGBM

The D6 also helps you to manage decompression stops to get the most from your dive. Suunto’s Reduced Gradient Bubble Modelling algorithms allows you to select a deep stop model enabling iterative stops at depth instead of a single safety stop. This gives you maximum enjoyability with maximum safety.

The Suunto D6 and the Suunto Dive Manager Software Suite

The Sunto D6 dive computer is able to store data about your dives for you to analyze your performance later on your PC. Suunto enables this by providing the Suunto Dive Manager software online, free of charge.

The major benefit of the Suunto Dive Manager is that it can help you to create a more detailed account of your dive to add to your logbook.

The Suunto D6 is a highly recommended piece of kit for your dive.

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The Zeagle Ranger is considered by many to be THE classic BCD for some time and is one of the most copied designs.

Zeagle BCDs are highly regarded for the following reasons:

• High quality Zeagle construction and a heavy duty build
• Rear flotation design
• Versatility – it can be used for cold water and tropical diving due to its modular build
• It can comprises single and /or twin tanks
• Compatibility – the Zeagle Ranger BCD is compatible with a number of accessories such as pockets, bladders, backplates and many other diving aids and tools.

What are the Main Features of the Zeagle Ranger BCD?

• 30lb capacity Ripcord® weight system
• 44lb lift capacity Ballistic bladder
• 20lb capacity rear trim weight system
• PFS Modular Sizing
• 11″ grommets for twin cylinder mounts (single or twin capability)
• Heavy duty reinforced 1050 denier Ballistic nylon build
• 2 x zipped utility side pockets
• Elastic waist panels that can are easily adjustable
• 4 x stainless steel angled D-rings on shoulders
• 2 x stainless D-rings on vest
• Adjustable chest strap

The Zeagle Ranger BCD is one of the best buoyancy control devices available on the market. It is durable, extremely versatile and compatible with a multitude of dive accessories and and custom dive tools.

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The Seiko SKX175 watch comes from Seiko’s Dive Technology collection targetted towards men.

How Does the SKX175 Look?

Style and Substance: The SKX175

The SKX175 is a very stylish and robust watch as a result of its stainless steel housing, comprising a one way rotating elapsed timing bezel and screwdown crown and caseback, which makes it resistant to 200 meters.

Its design features the eyecatching nautical colors of navy blue, red and white.

What are the Principal Functions of the Seiko SKX175?

In terms of functions the Seiko SKX175 divers watch has the following attributes:

• Water resistant to 200 meters
• A scratch resistant “Hardlex” crystal face
• LumiBrite® hands and markers making it easy to read in darker environments
• Stainless steel strap with a double-locking-fold-over-clasp
• A twenty one jewel dive watch
• An automatic mechanism for winding itself as you move your wrist around – it does not require batteries.
• 12oz weight
• An English and Spanish day-date panel
• ISO standards approved
• 41mm diameter and 13mm thick case
• 3 year manufacturer warranty
• Three hands.

The Seiko SKX175 dive watch is highly recommended in its price range and is both stylish and built to last.

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