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.

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.

Have you ever though about the idea to dive without using dive computer on your hand ? Well what can I say, the Oceanic Datamask HUD dive computer simply allows you to do that. The dive computer is Integrated in the mask. It represents itself as small LCD panel that shows depth, psi of air in cylinder, time, and decompression stop info and the most important part is ” You can always see them in front of you ” , without use of your hands. The miniature LCD allows you to keep your eyes focused on the dive while presenting critical dive data including: current depth, elapsed dive time, cylinder pressure, and dive time remaining. The Digital Optic System provides a clear, highly magnified image of the LCD, which is viewable regardless of environmental conditions and may be seen clearly by the vast majority of people, regardless of vision. Like all other dive computers this one also have ability to alarm if you ascend too quickly, you’re low on air or already spent a lot of time at depth and etc. It also has user replaceable batteries, and allows uploading of dive data to you your computer. So DATAMASK HUD (Heads Up Display) – featuring an advanced air-integrated dive computer – built directly into the mask! is a scuba equipment which can make your dive more comfortable. Well I would like to also to post youtube video representing Oceanic DATAMASK HUD Scuba Dive Computer

Buy it now

Product Features

• Integrated dive computer (built directly into the mask)
• Wireless Air Integrated Technology
• Miniature Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Panel
• Proprietary Digital Optic System
• Microprocessor
• Depth Transducer
• Wireless Cylinder Pressure Receiver
• OceanLog® PC Download and Settings Upload Software and USB Cable included

Official Description
Military Special Forces won’t get in the water without it and soon you can dive with it. We?re talking about the DATAMASK HUD ? featuring an advanced air-integrated dive computer ? built directly into the mask! The DATAMASK contains a miniature liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, proprietary Digital Optic System, microprocessor, depth transducer, wireless cylinder pressure receiver, diver replaceable battery, and controlling software. The miniature LCD allows you to keep your eyes focused on the dive while presenting critical dive data including: current depth, elapsed dive time, cylinder pressure, and dive time remaining. The Digital Optic System provides a clear, highly magnified image of the LCD, which is viewable regardless of environmental conditions and may be seen clearly by the vast majority of people, regardless of vision

Reviews across the net

Tisro Diaz (Review from Amazon.com )

I just made a few dives with the new toy and I am quite happy with it. I find it excellent for diving in bad visibility especially if you have someone with you you want to keep an eye on. The display is easy to read, all relevant information available and quite simple to operate. Disadvantage: The mask is heavy and a bit bulky. Underwater I found it difficult to perform equalization as it is hard to get to the nose with thick dry suit gloves.

Summary: Cool tool for diving in bad visibility and for teaching when you have to keep your eyes on your students. But I will stick to my wrist computer for holiday diving in clear, warm water.

Arina Danesa ( Review from leisurepro.com )

Oceanic Datamask HUD dive computer is very easy to use. The price is bit expensive , but you’re paying for high quality product. I’m totally satisfied with my purchase

redange81 ( ebay Feedback left )

Dive computers recieved and used . It’s outstanding expirience

Also please check Third edition of this book

The Underwater Photographer, Third Edition: Digital and Traditional Techniques

Company «Sea & Sea» has released its new compact digital camera, the next generation «DX-2G».

Key Features

* Matrix – 12.1 Mpx;
* 3-fold optical enlarger 24-72 mm;
* LCD Monitor 2.7-inch viewing angle of 160 degrees;
* Macrosupporting up to 1 cm  distance;
* Shooting in RAW format with 5 frames in succession;
* Manual and 5 customizable profiles;
* Underwater shooting mode «Sea & Sea»;
* Housing is designed for  depths up to 54 m.

In some forums there are rumors that this 12.1-megapixel camera is very similar to the model Ricoh GX200, however, the Sea & Sea deny similarities. DX-2G is equipped with 12.1mpx sensor, 2.7-inch display, ISO up to 1600 with several automatic shooting modes.

I’ve compared the prices and they are ranging from 799$ – 1399$ in different stores , average was 999$. I’ve not use this camera and can’t post full review yet, so I ask you to post review about this product if you’ve recently bought it or tested , though one of my friends recently bought it and he was quite satisfied with results, but he is not pro so I’ll wait until one of my readers will post full review of SEA & SEA DX-2G.

Buy SEA & SEA DX-2G from Adorama only for $949.95 ( free shipping )