It is probably no surprise to anyone who has read any of my previous articles that I am besotted with my Scuba Pro Jet Fins. I am a fairly recent convert to Jets, having skirted around them, using other inferior fins throughout my diving career. I have tried many other fins and found some were effective, others were gimmicky and some were simply not sturdy enough (I snapped a fin in half towing two divers in a current, don’t ask me which brand they were…<coughs>Cressi<coughs>)

Jet Fins, a Diving Institution In Their Own Right

I don’t want to preach that Jets are the only fins for every diver, quite the reverse is true. Jet Fins are really, really good for the right diver in the right circumstance. They have served a large sector of the diving community diligently for well over forty years and show no sign of fading away. I aim to illuminate some of the Jet’s excellent features and warn those divers away who would be hampered by their specific attributes.

History

The Jet Fin was born in 1964, fathered by the great Georges Beuchat and was an immediate success – they sold over 100,000 units in the first few years (those were big numbers back then because there were only a fraction of the divers there are today). The Jet Fin came in full foot and open foot styles, though the full foot pocket design very quickly faded away.

The Originals, Beuchat Jet Fins

The Jet Fin didn’t achieve it’s peak until the 1970’s when Scubapro bought the rights to the design. They took the concept and proceeded to popularise the fin with the US Navy and other commercial diving operations. Being as recreational diving has mostly evolved from commercial and Navy diving, the Jets came with it.

What makes the Jet Fin’s history so amazing is the fact that they haven’t undergone much in the way of change since their creation in the mid sixties. The idea of a product moving into stasis like this, especially in an equipment intensive industry like diving where everyone wants the latest gear, is unheard of. There have been, and will be, thousands of designs and styles of fin that will endeavour to propel divers underwater in new and exciting ways, and yet there will always be Jet Fins which are perennially in the top leagues of fin performance.

Because the Jets are so popular there have been many copies put on the market. A notable copy is the Aqualung Rocket Fin, though it has been proven time and time again that the ScubaPro Jet Fin is far superior to all of its rivals in terms of flexibility, durability and in comfort under load. SP Jets are a unique specimen in our society of throwaway goods, they were built to last…and last they have!

Copies - Aqualung Rocket Fins

Design

So, what makes these fins so unbearably fantastic? Well, there are a few key points that have made this fin such a success:

• Material – Jet Fins use a rubber compound that is flexible enough to provide excellent thrust, stiff enough to transfer all the diver’s leg energy into pushing the water backwards and robust enough to take literally any punishment a diver can throw at it. Jet Fins will last a diver’s lifetime, and probably serve their children’s too.
• Vents – Although vents in fins are fairly commonplace now, they were seriously revolutionary when they were first released. The vents, placed at the end of the foot pocket, allow water to pass through on the recovery stroke but force water backwards on the power stroke. This improves efficiency while maintaining the integrity of the stroke.
• Foot Pocket – The foot pocket on the Jets is something of an Achilles’ Heel (I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist it…no more puns from here on) in this fin. The pocket is squared off to fit drysuit boots better, though this can lead to some abrasive discomfort of the top of the foot (being as feet aren’t square). Even when wearing some thick drysuit boots there have been comments on the poor pocket design. I personally find the pocket very comfortable as my foot is quite wide, so I appreciate the rectangular opening. For a while there were also some problems with choosing the right size of fin, though Scuba Pro listened and added a new, bigger size to accommodate large men’s feet in bulky boots.
• Spring Straps – These are the cherries on the top of this super fin, and are what made me fall in love with them. As standard, Jets come with an adjustable rubber strap which, after an extended session of fiddling with the strap to get it to your size, will serve you well as far as straps go. However, if you take the time and spend a little extra cash, you can buy a pair of add-on spring straps that replace the original stock rubber bands. It does take a bit of man power with some pliers to get the old straps off but once you’ve secured the new springs in place the you will be in for a treat – nothing fits quicker than a pair of Jets with spring straps. They are secure, comfortable and ridiculously convenient!
  

  Jet Fins With Spring Straps, a Match Made in Heaven!

Who They Were Made For

Jets are surprisingly versatile. They are good for almost every diving application and will hold their own against any modern dive fin in any benchmark test. However, they excel in some applications and are not the best choice for others.

Of course anyone can use Jets, but not everyone will have the same experience with them. I can say broadly that Jets are perfect for divers who use powerful kick strokes. If you prefer to use lighter, rapid kick cycles then Jets will probably feel sluggish and bulky. They work well for most styles of finning though they are fantastic for frog kick because you kick less frequently but with more power in each stroke. You should also consider your buoyancy distribution when considering Jets because they are very negative in the water which drags your feet down. If you already have heavy legs then Jets might compound your problems and have you hanging vertically during your dive.

I don’t want to make these fins gender specific but it’s hard not to broadly class them as a masculine fin. They suit the heavy kick strokes of a man, and deliver the thrust a big man requires to propel him through the water, though my opinions are biased being as I am male, 190 cm tall and weight 95 kg.

The fact that Jets have been almost exclusively adopted by the navy and the commercial diving sector speaks volumes about what type of diver would benefit from them – someone who needs thrust, durability, control and convenience. When you need heavy duty, Jets deliver.

Pros

• Durable - I’d say that even though Jetfins are well known for their abilities under the water, the real reason they are so super famous is their unbelievable longevity. They manage to provide the same levels of performance as modern day technical fins while being massively more strong and robust. I have never seen a pair of Jets worn out or snapped. They don’t get sun damaged, salt eroded, chlorine discoloured, travel battered, coral gouged or split. They are the strongest pieces of dive gear that you will ever own and with no care whatsoever they will last a lifetime.
• Simple – This relates to the Jet’s durability but deserves its own mention. The Jets, being moulded in one piece, from one compound, are unable to have “component failure” being as there are no screws, welds or connections to break as happens so often with modern fins.
• Powerful - Jetfins = power…enough said? Not quite, though it is pretty much their trademark party piece. They have big, fairly stiff paddles that displace large quantities of water and are flexible enough to provide added thrust by flicking the fin tip at the end of the kick stroke.
• Controllable – This, along with the afore mentioned power, is a real draw for the commercial divers. The Jetfins are very comfortable under extreme load situations but they also provide a large amount of feedback when doing delicate manoeuvres (such as back kicking in a wreck or gentle frog kicking over heavy silt). It’s one of my favourite features about the fins, you know just how much water you are displacing and where it is going.
• Quick to Don – With the standard rubber straps they take the same amount of time to put on as any other open heel fin, but with the spring straps installed they are just about the most convenient fins available on the market.
• Iconic – This might be a strange reason to buy a pair of fins but Jets have a real level of credibility that other, more senior divers will take seriously. I read a quote on a blog post once which said something to the effect of “if I see a guy with a pair of Jets with some scars on them, I think: ‘yeah, I’ll dive with him.’” This doesn’t mean that Jets are a shortcut to serious diver credibility, but they help.
• Squat – This feature is a must for cave and wreck divers and other divers who work in overhead environments. The Jets are broad and short which means that even the most clumsy of us are able to avoid kicking our buddies and the silt-covered floor. They are great for performing some more advanced kicking strokes, such as the helicopter manoeuvre.

Cons

• Heavy – There is no way I can hide the fact that Jets are freaking heavy! They often manage to make other divers say: “oof” when I pass them the fins. They are a nightmare for traveling and make all logistics just a little more awkward.
• Negatively Buoyant – Now, before I hear a roar of indignant yells telling me that I am repeating myself, I’m not. The Jets are not just heavy, but they are also really dense which makes them sink like a stone in water. This is fine if you are wearing a buoyant drysuit, but in a 3 mm shortie you might find you drag your feet. It might be that you have very positive legs (or do when in an exposure suit), in which case you will find this a pro, not a con.
• Poor Snorkelling Fins - For the vast majority of divers this won’t make a bit of difference, especially to commercial divers and others of that ilk. However, it’s quite surprising how often I’ve been required to go snorkelling to aid a search party looking for a lost camera or weight belt. I’ve also found that a good snorkelling fin often turns out to be a good surface swim fin, which is much more applicable to our staunch diver crew. Basically, Jet Fins are too heavy to keep at the surface and to kick out the water.
• Foot Pocket – I’ve already mentioned the problems with the foot pocket, so to ensure this doesn’t compromise your experience with Jetfins I suggest you try them on with the boot you’d normally wear. Don’t accept a spare pair of boots in the shop, make sure they fit over your own personal boots. Some thick soled boots might force the top of your foot to rub against the rim of the foot pocket and some thin boots might rattle around in that big pocket.
• Spring Straps Are Not Standard - This is a minor concern but it is a concern non the less. I have seen many, many posts on scuba discussion forums about how to pry the spring straps off and how to fit the new ones. It takes some elbow grease, I’ll leave it at that. I’ve seen some DIY guides that show how to make your own spring straps, something I’d be interested in trying out myself one day.

If you are a Jet fin fanatic, have a Jet based story or have a question about this most iconic of SCUBA gear then please feel free to share in the comments section below.

By Jamie Campbell

A BCD is a very personal part of your dive gear. It is donning your BCD that makes you feel ready for a dive, It is the base of your life support system and it is the thing you will customize the most – clipping, strapping, tie-wrapping and generally stuffing things into it. It is the hub of your dive gear and you will want to get one that suits you as a diver.

Being an instructor, I need lots of gear – spare masks, spare weights, a compass, a reel with SMB, a knife, a pointer, a whistle, a flashlight, a writing slate and teaching slates – and that’s assuming I’m not doing a specialty course! I need a BCD that has a home for all this stuff. I also need a BCD that can handle the kind of wear and tear that comes from being shoved in and out of boxes, boats, shops and the sea. I look after my gear as best as I can but that isn’t quite as good as it would be if I were just in this for a hobby, this is a job so things get abused.

So, when I was looking for a new BCD I went looking for a big, heavy-duty rig with rings, clips and pockets galore. I found what I was looking for in the Seac Sub Pro 2000. It is a very, very heavy BCD. I mean that both in terms of the abuse it was designed to withstand but also its physical weight – it must be the heaviest BCD I’ve ever lifted! This poses no problem to me as I do not tend to travel much with my BCD, this is a work tool and so it only moves from dive shop to boat and back. As such it remains fully configured with all my auxiliary gear in place in the various clip points and pockets. When fully configured it is even heavier still – I’d put it at around 5-7kg depending on the set-up.

Seac Sub Pro 2000

Let’s break down the features:

Materials and Structure

• Bladder – The Pro 2000 is a single bladder BCD which makes it a little less puncture resistant that if it were a double bladder system. This does not mean that it is weak, just not top of the line. The inner bladder and outer shell are both made from polyurethane coated nylon though the outer shell is constructed from higher grade nylon. The bladder distributes two-thirds of the air to the back of the jacket and one-third to the front, this arrangement means that the diver is well balanced in most positions.
• Straps – The straps are standard fare BDC straps – fairly uncomfortable without exposure protection and they have a mildly abrasive edge that might irritate an exposed neck if you pick the wrong size of jacket. They do appear very strong though, they have to be when you put weights in the pockets and a tank on the back!
• Colour/Appearance – The BCD is a very functional and robust looking piece of kit, but it doesn’t look pretty. Quite the contrary – I think it looks butt ugly, but in a sort of militaristic manner (inspired by the camouflage green of the outer shell) which might give it a certain army chic. I don’t think it could ever be “cool” unless talking in a purely engineering sense.

Ease of Use

• Power Inflator - The piston based inflator system on this jacket is ergonomic and modern in design. It is nicely responsive when pressed hard but allows a high level of control for accurate inflation. The slight drawback for me as an instructor is that both the inflate and deflate buttons are black – there is no obvious colour discrimination between the two which makes explaining the system to students a little harder. I rectified this problem with a little bright yellow paint on the inflator button.
• Wings – The BCD has a set of adjustable wings that can be either strapped in tight against the BCD (presumable for ease of movement in tight spaces) or they can be unfurled to provide stability in horizontal swimming. I have them deployed when diving and find that they do add a little extra steadiness.
• Weight System/Trim Weights – The BCD has an integrated weight system which is one of the most simple yet effective styles I’ve come across. It comprises of two removable pockets that can accommodate up to 5kg each which simply slide along a hard plastic rail and “click” into place. To supplement this there are two trim pockets at the rear of the BCD that will each take 2.5kg, this is in place to help distribute the weight better and allow for exact buoyancy control.
  

  Simple Integrated Weights, Just Pull On The Red Handles!

• Adjustability/Harness – This is the Pro 2000’s party trick. This BCD is adjustable in every direction possible. It has an AHS (adjustable harness system) that allows the BCD to be extended or shortened for longer or shorter backs, the whole webbing can be brought in to accommodate larger or smaller torsos and, of course, it is shoulder strap adjustable too. Serious changes can be a hassle but are well worth it and will pay you back in comfort.
  

  Adjustable Harness System

• Tank Band – I am not a fan of this single tank band system. It is nigh on impossible to get a very secure fit with the tank. I’ve never had a tank slip out, but there is sufficient wriggle that I am always a little concerned that my luck might run out. I have considered swapping it for a Scuba Pro tank band with metal clip – those bands are fantastic!
• Handle – The BCD uses a fabric handle with rubber grip rather than using a plastic handle in the back plate. This also doubles as the safety strap which is surprisingly convenient and easy to put on.

Storage

• Pockets – This is a very strong point for this BCD. It has two main zipper pockets which have a very wide opening and have cavernous space within them. This is complemented with an additional pocket which uses a Velcro/buckle combo to secure it (this pocket is ideal for slates). There is even a small pocket tucked into the cummerbund strap. This small zipper pocket is perfect size for a spare 800g weight for students which, because it is in the middle of your body, doesn’t affect your balance.
  

  Third Pocket - Great For Teaching/Writing Slates

• Rings – There are several different D rings placed all over the BCD which are made from different materials to serve different functions. There are metal D rings which are great for clipping large bulky objects (SMB, compass and retractor etc), there are smaller nylon rings for lighter items and then there are two fabric loops which I have attached my auxiliary knife to.
  

  Fabric Hoops, Ideal For Securing Your BCD Knife To

• Octopus Retainer – Conveniently located on the right shoulder strap is an elastic loop with a toggle which serves as a surprisingly effective alternate air source holder. You simply stretch the band over the mouthpiece of the octo and it will stay in place. When needed you can give it a firm tug and it will pop out of the elastic. A very low tech solution, but very effective.

Final Thoughts

The Seac Sub Pro 2000 is a great, hard working BCD. It is the Land Rover Defender of buoyancy jackets so it’s not to everyone’s taste. It works great when you don’t need to transport it too much, but it’s no good for those who think the diving platform at the back for the boat is a catwalk. I love the fact that it has the same features as a high end BCD for  a mid-range price tag.

Pros:

• Simple, robust materials – durable.
• Minimal fuss integrated weight system, with trim pockets.
• Four pockets, different sizes – many applications.
• Fully adjustable harness and straps.
• Huge array of D rings and hoops for clipping on gear.
• Optional foldaway wings for stability in the water.
• Loads of features, reasonable price.

Cons:

• Very heavy and bulky, especially when configured with gear, weights in the pockets and a tank strapped on – might be too much for some to get out of the water with. No good for travelling, even when stripped of equipment.
• Edge of straps are a little rough, can leave a rash on an exposed neck
• The tank band is a weak design, consider replacing it.
• Ugly, and although this is subjective, it’s not sleek by any standards…

By Jamie Campbell

The Vyper Air has a few major additions compared to the last version of the Vyper; namely the forty-five degree tilt compass, the ability to download your log to a pc, the full dive simulator and its namesake – the air integration receiver.

The Compass

The electronic compass that is built into the Vyper Air is at once a revolutionary piece of equipment and an unnecessary hassle. The compass is built to operate up to a tilt angle of forty-five degrees. This is actually a better tilt tolerance than their best analogue compass, the SK-7 (which sticks at thirty degrees). However, before you throw your standard compass overboard you should consider the interface on the Vyper Air – it’s a flat screen with numbers that state your current bearing. I know that this is sufficient for navigating but I find that being able to look at a rotating dial from above is far more intuitive and allows for a quicker glance at the device. For backup navigation, it is excellent but it doesn’t replace the simplicity and reliability of my trusty SK-7.

Downloadable Content

This is a real selling point for the über-geeks among us as it allows us to continue our fiddling well after we’ve dried off. It is simply a convenient and pleasant way to view the details of last dives, though it still can’t log where you saw the whale shark or a what depth that pesky trigger fish lurks…

Dive Simulator

A dive simulator might appear like a gimmick at first but it does provide a useful service to those who are completely allergic to the RDP, but who would like to be a little more proactive with their dive planning. It allows a diver to fully explore the possible dive profiles they might use on a given dive.

Air Integration

At last, we come to the real reason why this computer exists, the air integration receiver that gives the Viper Air its name. Suunto Vyper Air can sync with a tank pressure transmitter and display your air supply details on your wrist. Along with this the computer estimates how much longer your air supply will last based on current breathing rate, though as far as I can tell this data relies on your depth not varying. Otherwise, if you think you can plan your air better than a calculator then this data is arbitrary. It also allows for you to remove a hose from your first stage (in the form of the SPG), though I like having a reliable analogue gauge at my side.

You might feel I’m being a little harsh on the Vyper Air, being as each feature could be useful to a certain diver at some point and I agree. It also has a great deal of merit because it is a very capable Nitrox computer that will go from 21% O2 right the way up to 100% in one percent intervals. And don’t forget that it uses Suunto’s new Deepstop RGBM algorithm that is designed with the deep diver in mind and factors in short, deeper safety stops that allow the body to exhaust nitrogen in stages. This is a fantastic computer with potentially useful features that may make your dives easier, though ultimately this is a feature-freak’s computer and is designed to make geeks happy… and I am, thank you Suunto!

Pros

• Full Nitrox support and gas switching
• 45 degree tilt compass
• Dive simulator
• Full air integration (transmitter sold separately)
• PC downloader (cable sold separately.
• Deepstop RGBM
• Clear Screen
• Backlight
• Thermometer
• Large capacity logbook
• Various alarms – depth, time, ascent rate, etc
• Replaceable screen guards (a big plus if you’re as clumsy as I am!)

Cons

• Bulky
• Ugly (subjective)
• Pricey (especially if you want to use air integration and pc downloading)
• Compass requires patience to learn
• Debatable necessity for air integration.

There are only two pieces of equipment that I think are “must haves” for any diver – a good mask that fits well and a pair of fins that suits diving style as well as the diver’s anatomy. Fins make a huge difference to a dive; a poorly fitting foot pocket will cause blisters or foot ache, a heavy duty fin while snorkeling will bog the diver down and a lightweight split fin on a wreck with strong currents will leave a diver unable to penetrate the openings they wish and might hinder them with their length when inside. A pair of fins should be as tailored to the diver and the conditions as a golfer’s clubs – one fin is not perfect for all divers on every dive.

But Scubapro disagree with me. They have tried to make a fin that will provide all the benefits of every style of fin. In the Seawing Nova they have attempted to give the thrust and power of a paddle fin while giving the comfort and efficiency of a split fin. Impossible? With conventional fin design, yes. But Scubapro have made a fin with a paddle blade that is independent of the foot pocket. It is attached by two flexible ‘arms’ that allow the blade to work much harder in the water than the diver’s leg usually allows in conventional paddle fins (the human ankle can only bend so far). This means that more of the diver’s energy is directed into thrusting water backwards rather than dragging a flat plate through the water. It also reduces drag on both the upstroke and the down.

When I did my try dive with the Seawing Novas I had done the previous twenty dives with my trusty Jetfins which I adore, so I was coming from a very different design philosophy when I reviewed these latest-technology fins. At first I was very impressed with the ease of donning because of the bungee chord strap that comes as standard (very reminiscent of the spring straps on my Jetfins) and I found the foot pocket to be very comfortable despite my large feet. Once in the water my first thought was of how positively buoyant they are. I’d even consider wearing ankle weights if I was in a thick wetsuit.

When swimming with my ‘Jets’ or just about any other fin (Mares Quattro Excel, Scubapro Twin Jet Max etc.) I tend to use a strong frog kick with a long glide, in the Novas I found this very awkward and reverted back to a standard up-down kick. This proved very effective and I can’t fault the speed I achieved, nor the acceleration. My turning circle was a little wider but not by much and the stability at speed was marvellous thanks to the upturned edges on the blade. Despite this I still felt myself pining for the reassuring feedback of power you get with a big blade, as the Novas felt a little insubstantial. I also have my reservations about their longevity, though obviously Scubapro don’t as they offer a two year warranty on the fins.

I would take a pair of Novas if I was diving a long reef or was expecting a light current for a long time because their efficiency is astonishing but I rather take another, more robust fin if I was diving very strong current or if I thought I might need to tow a student for any distance as the Novas just don’t give me the confidence that my trusty Jets do.

Pros:

• Lightweight while traveling
• Comfortable foot pocket and easy to don
• Surprising speed and power both on surface and underwater
• Very low effort required
• Their size, weight and efficiency make them ideal for female divers

Cons:

• Pricey
• Low feedback from kick (disconnected feeling)
• Specifically suited to one kick style
• Very positive in the water (though this might be a pro for some divers)
• When I kicked hard I felt as though the blade was flopping around which I found irritating)

Reviews from other buyers

The MK25 and the A700, easily one of the most financially demanding regulator sets available on the market today. It grabs attention because of its price tag as much as its polished body and impressive specification. Once it gets a buyer’s attention with its chrome plated veneer, the diver is then faced with the question of whether they are paying for the simple, self-indulgent prestige of owning Scubapro’s top-of-the-line regulator set or, if you are making a sound investment into a piece of gear that will make your dives easier, more enjoyable and that will continue to do so well after you require a walking stick on the shore. I have already made the difficult decision and made the big investment. I’d like to talk about why you might want to reach for your wallet too.

MK25

The MK25 is a well known, well tested prestige first stage. It is a balanced-piston controlled regulator which translates into unfailing easy-breathing at any depth, temperature and tank pressure. With regards hose placement, the 5 low pressure ports and 2 high pressure ports make creating your perfect diving rig a pleasure with little compromise. This is particularly true because the low pressure ports are mounted on a swiveling turret that ensures comfortable routing regardless of set-up.

Only one criticism comes to mind and it is minor; If you are like me and like to wear a big BCD and wear the tank band high on the tank then the turret becomes less effective as the BCD tends to trap the hoses. This can be overcome by having the first stage mounted upside-down which allows perfect freedom of movement.

A700

The A700 is Scubapro’s range-topping second stage. It has chrome-plated brass body which splits opinion on sight. Some love the all-metal design for it’s durability, temperature equalizing properties and it’s size minimizing attributes. Whereas there is another school of thought that feel the A700 is too garish and is overly boastful of its abilities.

Either way you look at it the A700 has serious hardware to back up its loud exterior: it has a superb breathing resistance, flow rate and a truly impressive ability to assist with each breath. The VIVA system and resistance vane are incorporated into one control knob for convenience and the purge button is big and easily depressed.

I won’t preach that this is the best regulator set on the market, but it certainly lives up to that brash exterior and even louder price tag. I would argue that it’s worth the investment.
Diving conditions can be drastically different, including extreme cold water and outside temperatures, posing the possibility of a regulator “freezing”. Therefore, resistance to freezing is imperative for the diver. All SCUBAPRO regulator systems are CE approved for 4300psi cold water diving. Some models go even beyond this super stringent qualification and have successfully been tested in extreme cold diving conditions at less than 36°F. As a specific anti-freezing measure, SCUBAPRO engineers have designed a patented finned cap for the MK25 first stages for optimal cold water diving. The ribs act as a radiator to increase the surface area of heat transfer from the water to warm up the internal parts that have been drastically cooled down by the gas pressure drop. For cold water diving, SCUBAPRO’s second stages feature precision molded carbon fiber and techno polymer valve housing and components. They even exceed the CE cold water norm. In addition, these components contribute to their lightweight features and corrosion resistance.

Specifications

The 400 Pro DVT’s lightweight design and patented orthodontic mouthpiece mean you’ll be comfortable and breathing easily throughout your dive and won’t face post-dive jaw discomfort once you’ve returned to the surface.
The Aeris AT400 Pro Regulator has a pneumatically balanced, adjustable second stage is sure to provide you the highest performance for many years. The pneumatically balanced second stage provides the lowest possible inhalation effort. The AT400 Pro second stage adjustment allows you to adjust your breathing effort, fine-tuning the regulator to your desired setting throughout your dive.

The venturi assist deflector vane on the Aeris AT400 Pro Regulator directs airflow from the valve directly to the mouthpiece producing a smooth “venturi assisted” inhalation. Turning the venturi assist down, to a pre-dive position, prevents The Aeris AT400 Pro Regulator from free-flowing while on the surface.

• Pneumatically balanced
• Diver-adjustable inhalation effort
• Adjustable venturi switch
• Nitrox compatible to 40%

The Aeris AT400 Pro Regulator has a High performance over-balanced diaphragm first stage with environmental seal and the added protection of DVT (Dry Valve Technology).

• 4 LP ports, 2 HP ports for maximum hose placement
• DVT eliminates corrosion of critical internal components, bacteria, hose deterioration, and damaged gauges and computers.

DVT is a revolutionary regulator technology designed to automatically eliminate moisture and contaminants from entering your first stage, even if the dust cap is accidentally left off. DVT eliminates corrosion of critical internal components, bacteria, hose deterioration, and damaged gauges and computers.

What Others Say About This Dive Regulator

Verified Buyer from LeisurePro
This regulator is simply amazing. Breathing is effortless, even at 100+ feet. The dry valve technology does a great job (definately saved the day on numerous occasions). I’ve never had any problems with it, and it doesn’t cause jaw fatigue.

Advanced Diver
I have 55 dives on this regulator, and have used it everywhere from Northern California to Cozumel. I have never had a single issue with it. Great reg at a reasonable price.

Padi instructor
Although my reg is still fairly new, I have put more than a dozen dives on it. It’s been to 107fsw and has performed flawlessly. This reg breaths for you! Forget jaw fatigue. The DVT feature is very handy and the second stage adjustments are are set-it-and-forget-it simple

Large display, choice of data screens and excellent digital compass, makes this dive computer an excellent addition to Galileo family. So it will be safe to say that this product is one of the most advanced dive computers currently offered in the market.

Prices vary but it seems that the best deal is offered thru LeisurePro

UWATEC Galileo Luna Hoseless Wrist Dive Computer Complete with Transmitter – $1299.95

What’s New

• Complete navigational system with integrated digital compass and bearing memory, virtually unaffected by tilt. Ease and accuracy, all in one instrument.
• Galileo combines an extra large dot matrix display with a huge memory for unprecedented flexibility:
• PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) optimizes your dive in complete security.
• Hoseless gas integrated computer: when used with a Smart transmitter you get tank pressure and true remaining bottom time (RBT) on the computer screen.
• Galileo can be reprogrammed through its infrared interface, meaning you can easily upgrade your computer with new functions and features downloaded from our website.
• Predictive Multi Gas algorithm: allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of high oxygen concentration mixes.
• User friendly graphic data display, shows you tissue loading and oxygen toxicity levels as a bar graph.

Ability to store personal information

The diver can simply enter  his/her personal info  ( such as name, cert. numbers). Also the Luna can store information about your dive insurance , contacts,  some medical information (such as allergies); in case of an accident these information can easily be accessed at the touch of a button.

• Alarms and warnings appear on the large display in clear text in pre-chosen language, thus you’ll never misunderstand important signals while enjoying the beauty  of the underwater world. The beeps of alarms can’t be turned off, but you can do it for warnings. You have an option to choose to receive warning  of either only visual, only audible or both.
• Galileo’s interface is user friendly and quite easy to use. It’s like a cell phone so you can setup and view all interface elements for complete personalization without hassle.

The exclusive advantage of dive  computers from UWATEC is that they be upgraded. You can download the update packages from the Internet to add new features, new languages and so on.

For  additional amount of money  UWATEC Galileo Luna  can be upgraded with 2 additional features and they are available at your Authorized SCUBAPRO UWATEC dealer, these two features can be added quickly via: galileo.uwatec.com.

• Predictive Multi-Gas upgrade: Purchasing this PMG feature at a later time, or whenever you need it, allows LUNA to use up to 3 Nitrox mixes (21-100% O2) during the dive, calculating the ascent schedule for all possible combinations of the programmed mixes. The outcome of the different decompression calculations can be shown on the screen in a dedicated deco summary screen.
• Heart Rate Monitor upgrade: Galileo’s heart rate monitor, has been developed together with Polar (one of the world leaders  in the niche of heart rate monitors), not only measures and records the heartbeat during the dive but allows the dive computer to factor the intensity of the exercise into the decompression calculation, as it is reported by the diver’s physiology. The HRM is also ideal for Apnea divers, measuring heart rate and sounding an alarm if the heart rate drops below the set level.

Some great features which I like

• Full-tilt digital compass with bearing memory
• Extra large dot matrix display and huge memory
• Hoseless gas integration
• PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) for optimized diving
• Choice of 3 pre-figured screen display modes; Light, Full and Classic
• Easy to use interface, similar to a cell phone
• Personalize with owner or emergency or health information
• Oil filled technology
• User replaceable battery
• Infrared technology and PC download capability
• Heart rate monitor system and Predictive Multi gas features are available to upgrade. These are not included with item and should be purchased separately.
• True remaining bottom time (RBT) calculated using tank pressure, breathing rate, depth, ideal ascending speed and more.
• Nitrox compatibility
• Microbubble management.

While ideally it might be great device for swimmers, it could also be helpful for people who have to do activities during the rain. Manufacture states that this device is great for

Swimming, Running, Surfing, Aqua Jogging, Kayaking, Kite Surfing, Paddle Boarding, Wind Surfing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Skateboarding, Cycling, Triathlon, Water Aerobics, Snorkeling, Rafting, Wake-boarding.

I know that most visitors of this blog are Scuba divers and I want to warn that this tiny device might not be suitable for Scuba diving activity as this device is submersible up to a limited depth of 15 feet ( 5m ).

Prices are ranging from  120$-149.99$. The most cheap price I was able to find was $114.95 ( at the time of posting )

System Requirements

• Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, Vista; Mac OS 9 or Higher
• Intel Pentium II 233 Mhz or Equivalent
• 256 MB Ram
• 35 MB Available Hard Drive Space
• USB Port
• Internet Connection Recommended

Features

Dual Purpose BCs are lighter in weight, more stingy with their hardware, and more compact than General Purpose BCs, so they pack easily for trips to the tropics. At the same time, they provide enough buoyant lift, ballast weight capacity and range of adjustment to be worn in cold water over thick wetsuits or dry suits. The thinking is, because they’re able to be used in both the Great Lakes and the Great Barrier Reef, you only have to own one BC for all your diving adventures.

Aeris 5 Oceans

Features

The minimalist back-buoyancy 5 Oceans’ rear air cell is made of stretchy BioFlex backed up with bungee cord, enabling it to offer loads of buoyant lift while maintaining a low-profile shape. The BC offers excellent shoulder, waist and sternum adjustments to guarantee the perfect fit. The QLR weight system has sectionalized pouches to accommodate partial ballast loads for warm water. Or, combined with the rear trim pouches, the system will easily hold enough weight for virtually any cold water application. There’s a single drop-down zippered pocket on the right side of the rig, a few strategically placed D-rings, plus webbing loops, hose clips, grommets, and a carabiner for attaching loads of gear.

Performance

No BC captures the essence of a Dual Purpose BC better than the 5 Oceans. It fit over our bulky dry suits to tackle a winter’s day of diving off the California coast, then snugged down to offer a clutter-free fit on a 3mm shorty for a dip in our warm water test pool. The BC is light and packs flat yet still offers over 40 pounds of buoyant lift and 30 pounds of ballast weight capacity. The Bioflex bladder eliminates any “winging” of the air cell. In fact, you feel like it’s not even there. With the contoured shoulders and first-rate adjustable waist and sternum straps, few BCs fit as snug or feel as stable at depth. The QLR weight system is one of the easiest to load and ditch, especially now that Aeris got rid of the Velcro backup patch, which was well-intended but just got in the way. The singular drop-down cargo pocket stays out of sight until you need it, then provides a large easy-access place to stow your treasures.

Bottom Line

The 5 Oceans is without a doubt the do-it-all BC for back-buoyancy aficionados. Light and compact for travel with sufficient lift and weight capacity for local submersions, it’s our favorite BC in this use category, and in fact, our favorite BC of 2009

Customer Review

I’ve got 10 dives with this BC now and I’ve been very happy with the fit and balanced flotation. It is my first back buoyancy BC, but I really like the stability. I do wish that the BC had a pocket to put things like a car key or other personal items, but I guess that’s the point of a minimalist BC. It does have a pouch for small items found below, but doesn’t seem meant for personal items.

I’m not a big guy (5-9, 165lbs) and there seems to be a bit of space between my stomach and the abdomen strap, due to the integrated weights not flexing much (I’m keeping 10lb in each, due to diving in the Pacific NW). Also, the weight pockets on the tank strap can make putting the tank on a little bit annoying, but I’ve gotten used to it now. The integrated weight system is really easy to use and goes in/out with ease.

Surface flotation is great, even in rough water.

I’ve been very happy with this BC so far, and can’t wait to use it in some warm water

What other talking about this product

Finally, a lightweight snorkeling fin that is easy to fit to any size foot! For ease of kicking and reduced leg fatigue, the Aqua Glide snorkeling fin provides a great alternative to the typical “paddle-type” snorkel fins.

Twice the speed with half the effort

• Open heel snorkeling fin with adjustable strap and Neoprene heel pad
• Soft, flexible foot pocket for great comfort and fit
• Split blade technology provides efficient waterflow to increase power and speed, with less effort
• Water accelerates through the split like water jetting out of a hose
• Co-molded flex zones to cup and channel water

Get Deep See Aqua Glide Snorkeling Fins on sale – $19.95