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Bare Velocity wetsuits feature Progressive Full-Stretch Technology with three full-stretch materials for maximum comfort and durability. The highest-stretch fabric covers the shoulders, arms and torso sides where unrestricted movement is critical. The fabric covering chest and legs offers more shape retention, compression resistance and durability, and the fabric protecting the knees provides maximum abrasion resistance. Available in 3, 5, and 7 millimeter in a full range of men’s and women’s sizes.
Cressi’s Giotto is an air-nitrox wrist-mount dive computer with a new RGBM algorithm. Able to program two gas mixes up to 99 percent nitrox, the Giotto’s screen displays data in easy to understand sections. A screen prompt lets you know what mode you’re in so you can’t get lost. The Giotto is powered by a user replaceable battery and comes with an extra -long wrist strap.For more information:www.cressi.comFind this product at your local Scubapro dealer
Ikelite’s Vega is a true lighting multi-tool. The 2000 lumen video light may also be used as a back-up dive light, still photography light, or focus light. Depth-rated to 300 feet, Vega is built with Ikelite’s Arctic Radiator Technology. A rear-rotating dial displays power settings and discharge status of the rechargeable battery.For more information:www.ikelite.comFind a Dealer
Model R-260-X-L by The Air Line is a high quality hookah dive system enabling divers to dive without scuba tanks as deep as 85 feet, depending on the number of divers on the system.
SCUBAPRO’s Mark 25/S-600 has been restyled for 2013 and is now available in four versions. Each model offers its own unique cosmetics, coatings, and construction materials, but they all have one thing in common—awesome performance. In ScubaLab breathing machine tests the Mark 25/S-600 has consistently outpaced all regulators, past and present, in sheer muscle reg performance. And in the ocean it breathes like a dream.
SPECS• Made in: USA• Weight: 1.7 pounds• First Stage: Balanced piston• Ports: 2HP, 5LP; with LP port turret• Second Stage: Pneumatically balanced, with swivel• User Adjustments: Breathing-resistance knob• Warranty: Lifetime•MSRP: $1,699 • Info: www.atomicaquatics.com
SPECS• Made in: USA• Weight: 2.5 pounds• First Stage: Balanced piston• Ports: 2HP, 7LP• Second Stage: Pneumatically balanced, with swivel• User Adjustments: Breathing-resistance knob• Warranty: Lifetime•MSRP: $529 ($569 with sealed first stage)• Info: www.atomicaquatics.com
SPECS• Made in: USA• Weight: 2.6 pounds• First Stage: Balanced diaphragm• Ports: 2HP, 5LP• Second Stage: Pneumatially balanced• User Adjustments: Dive/predive lever, breathing-resistance knob• Warranty: Limited lifetime• MSRP: $499• Info: www.zeagle.com
SPECS• Made in: USA• Weight: 2.6 pounds• First Stage: Balanced diaphragm• Ports: 2HP, 4LP• Second Stage: Pneumatially balanced, with swivel• User Adjustments: Dive/predive lever, breathing-resistance knob• Warranty: Limited lifetime• MSRP: $370• Info: www.edge-gear.com
When it comes to a lightweight BC designed for travel, it’s hard to beat the Air Travel. no surprise, it earned the Testers’ Choice in the Travel category.
Model R-260-X-L by The Air Line is a high quality hookah dive system enabling divers to dive without scuba tanks as deep as 85 feet, depending on the number of divers on the system.
Professional photographers will appreciate the even coverage and superior quality of light that can only be produced with a round flash tube and custom made power-coated reflector. The DS161 Lithium is the first underwater strobe with a built-in LED video light and Lithium Ion battery technology. When combined with a compatible TTL system, the strobe automatically adjusts brightness to provide perfect exposure when shooting macro, portrait or wide angle.
Offering a packing volume of 145 liters, Cressi’s Cargo combines a hard case with a roomy dive bag made of durable 420 denier material. The main compartment comes with compression straps, and there’s an additional compartment on top for stowing smaller items. It will handle all the gear necessary for an extended dive vacation plus is built tough to withstand the rigors of life on the road.
SCUBAPRO’s Cabin Bag is made of smooth-finish Tarpaulin, a durable PVC material. The bag offers a large main compartment, plus a mesh pouch on the inside of the lid and a large zippered sleeve on the outside of the lid. There are padded lift handles on top and on one side, and the telescoping tow handle locks into position for both pushing and pulling.
Ikelite’s Gamma dive light is small enough to tuck inside a BC pocket. Constructed of high-grade aluminum, the Gamma’s anodized body provides superior corrosion protection.
We are Howler Brothers. We are not really related by blood. But we are bonded by many shared callings: Surfing, fishing, paddling and the good things that come with these pursuits. Things like fire pits, really good tequila, limes, and pre-dawn coffee.
Cressi’s PC Interface Kit for its Leonardo dive computer is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems that can be downloaded at www.cressi.com. Once the appropriate software package is installed on your personal computer, simply connect the module to your PC using the included USB cord. Then place your Leonardo face-down in the cradle and you’re ready to start transferring and printing out dive profile data.
The T-120 Mini torch may be small in size, but it delivers quite a punch when it comes to illumination.
Reviews of scuba-diving apps for your mobile device. This week: Pearls of the Caribbean HD, a detailed guide to the topside and underwater attractions of three Caribbean destinations
Reviews of scuba-diving apps for your mobile device. This week: Fish Phone, a handy guide to ocean-friendly seafood
When it comes to a lightweight BC designed for travel, it’s hard to beat the Air Travel. no surprise, it earned the Testers’ Choice in the Travel category.
Voted Testers’ Choice in this category, the Axis delivers the functions, features and performance most coveted in a streamlined general-purpose back- buoyancy BC without unnecessary bells and whistles.
This year’s Testers’ Choice winner in the jacket-style category is a comfortable and stable BC with a good weight system, efficient valves, and a long list of convenience features.
Divers looking for an entry-level BC that’s well appointed and performs admirably — and doesn’t cost a lot of money — will be drawn to Prime MRS. It nails the important stuff at a good price, earning it the Best Buy award.
Cressi’s R1 jacket-style BC is comfortable and easy to use. It features padding in the back and lumbar areas as well as underneath the shoulders, and the air cell slides on the cummerbund, eliminating body squeeze. The rigid backpack delivers a stable ride, and the Lock Aid integrated weight system loads and ditches easily. Available in five sizes with buoyant lift up to 36 pounds
From buying new dive equipment to taking care of what you already own, these simple tips will help you get the most out of your money.
Scuba diving is an equipment intensive sport, and your gear can be a fickle ally. Assembling a collection of dive gear-specific tools and spare parts to deal with basic maintenance and minor emergencies will help keep you ready to hit the water at a moment’s notice
A load of new gear debuted in 2012, and the ScubaLab team dive-tested just about all of it. After digging deep into both objective and ergonomic test results, on the following pages we celebrate the year’s top-performing fins, BCs, regulators and dive computers, along with some first-rate travel bags, warm-water wetsuits and a couple of our top picks for safety gear.
The winner of both a ScubaLab Testers Choice and a Best Buy, the Travelight is a full-featured jacket-style BC designed for traveling divers. Constructed of featherlight 210-denier nylon, it comes with Cressi’s Lock Aid integrated weight system, two zippered pockets and six alloy D-rings. Its soft pack design can be folded in seconds and stowed in its own carry bag. For 2013 the BC features a new range of colors.
Sure, there might be other dive gear deemed more important to basic survival (a reg) or your general well-being (a dive computer) than a BC. But when it comes to being able to comfortably acclimate to being underwater — to the point where you feel like a resident rather than a clumsy topside tourist — the BC is the most important component of your kit.
Cressi’s Giotto is an air-nitrox wrist-mount dive computer with a new RGBM algorithm. Able to program two gas mixes up to 99 percent nitrox, the Giotto’s screen displays data in easy to understand sections. A screen prompt lets you know what mode you’re in so you can’t get lost. The Giotto is powered by a user replaceable battery and comes with an extra -long wrist strap.For more information:www.cressi.comFind this product at your local Scubapro dealer
The Liquivision Lynx air/nitrox dive computerallows you to monitor your dive status, aswell as your buddy and your dive team. Withits large fonts and customizable colors, theOLED display can be easily read in anyvirtually any conditions. It can collect tankpressure and location data from up to tentransmitters. Bottom line: the Lynx is aversatile dive computer offering range,reliability and readability.
From buying new dive equipment to taking care of what you already own, these simple tips will help you get the most out of your money.
Divers now have the chance to win a free Liquivision Kaon, Xeo or Xen Dive Computer when you download your simulator of choice!
Cressi’s PC Interface Kit for its Leonardo dive computer is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems that can be downloaded at www.cressi.com. Once the appropriate software package is installed on your personal computer, simply connect the module to your PC using the included USB cord. Then place your Leonardo face-down in the cradle and you’re ready to start transferring and printing out dive profile data.
ScubaLab Review: The Matrix is a wristwatch dive computer on steroids. It is easy to read, easy to program, and full of advanced data crunching features. Test divers were unanimous in picking it as the Testers Choice in this category.
An algorithm is the mathematical formula a dive computer uses that factors in real-time measurements of depth, gas mix, time at depth—and, depending on the algorithm, potentially lots of other data—to calculate how long you can stay under water with a reasonable degree of assurance that you won’t get hit with decompression sickness (DCS).
We live in a Golden Age of dive-computer technology. Over the past two decades, these machines have evolved into powerful data centers capable of monitoring virtually all aspects of our diving. We collected 11 new and redesigned models, and tested them in our ScubaLab shop and at Blue Grotto in Williston, Florida. The results of these data-collecting exercises form the basis of the following reviews.
Aeris dive computers took two of the top spots in ScubaLab's 2012 dive computer testing. Here we highlight two Aeris models that took away a Best Buy and a Testers' Choice prize.
MARES dive computers took two of the top spots in ScubaLab's 2012 dive computer testing. Here we highlight two MARES models that took away the Testers' Choice prize in their categories.
The MP206 Chameleon mask from IST Sports is made from a liquid-injected, hypoallergenic silicone that is soft and supple, resulting in a skirt that offers comfort as well as a watertight fit. Its raked inverted-teardrop dual-lens design delivers a wide field of view. To enhance the underwater view, the mask is fitted with a new type of ultra clear lens that allows for increased light transmission.
IST’s MP204 Spear mask, with its low-volume dual-lens design, provides an expansive view of the underwater world.
Cressi’s frameless mask is lightweight, low volume and offers a compact profile. Its flared single window lens provides good field of view, including over the bridge of the nose. The silicone skirt’s double seal system is effective in blocking water entry. Strap buckles attach directly to the skirt, allowing for lots of lateral movement, plus lets the mask fold flat for packing. The mask comes with a black or white skirt.
It’s no fun diving with a mask that keeps filling with water every few seconds. So the first consideration when buying a mask is how well its skirt seals against your face. Despite claims to the contrary, no one mask fits all.
What's new in the world of dive gear for August 2012.
On Scubapro’s Spectra Trufit, narrow ribs molded into the ultra-soft silicone create a pliable skirt that molds to facial contours, creating an excellent seal on a variety of face shapes.
Seasoft’s frameless Visionmaster Super Mask features lenses made of H-G-G glass with Crystal ARC anti-reflective coatings that virtually eliminate glare. HGG glass and Crystal ARC coatings are found on the optics of leading riflescopes and camera lenses and allow up to 20% more light to reach your eyes.
Cressi’s popular raked-glass single-window Piuma mask is now available with Cressi’s exclusive crystal-clear silicone. This silicone creates a mask skirt that is so close to total transparency, it simply has to be seen to be believed.
Fit is always top priority when selecting a dive mask. The new M-211 Freedom One from TUSA offers the company’s latest Freedom Fit and Freedom Dry technologies intended to maximize comfort and minimize leakage.
The New Mantis 5 has the same frame as our standard Mantis mask with a new low volume skirt offering 20 degrees more visibility. Fits medium to wide face shapes. Optical lenses available upon request.
A load of new gear debuted in 2012, and the ScubaLab team dive-tested just about all of it. After digging deep into both objective and ergonomic test results, on the following pages we celebrate the year’s top-performing fins, BCs, regulators and dive computers, along with some first-rate travel bags, warm-water wetsuits and a couple of our top picks for safety gear.
CETATEK’s new aquabionic warp1 fins instantly adapt and continuously change to any kick style and load level based on the demands of the diver. The warp1 blade features unique construction: At rest, it is relatively flat, but when the diver kicks, the sophisticated design creates a deep scoop that channels water to create thrust.
CETATEK introduces the new patent pending aquabionic warp1 fin providing water adapting responsive propulsion technology.
15 kickers vie for the top spot in this year's ScubaLab fin tests. ScubaLab’s test team headed to Alexander Springs, Florida, a freshwater site that offers an easy entry, enough space and depth to do some serious kicking, and rock structures and crevices for performing tight turning maneuvers.
This kicker turned in some of the best overall in-water performance scores, earning the highest scores for acceleration. Test divers liked the fin’s exceptional maneuverability, and noted its ability to negotiate turns with minimal foot action.
In water, the fin delivered solid kicking performance. It did take a couple of strong kicks to get it going from a dead stop, but when test divers "turned it on," the fin generated some pretty good power.
The only split fin in this year's open-heel group, the Z3 is easily recognizable by its radical 27-degree blade angle. In the water, the fin racked up some of the best scores of this group in acceleration, stability and efficiency.
The Tusa FF-19 X-Pert Evolution was a test-diver favorite, with many of the testers commenting on how comfortable it felt, whether kicking easy or hard. Testers didn’t report any leg or ankle strain, and noted that the fin was fast, powerful and agile, plus very responsive using all kicking styles.
Kicking versatility through interchangeable blades is the name of the game with Cressi’s new Gara Modular free-diving fin. The standard blade is lightweight and provides a nice mix of power and flexibility.
Cressi’s Reaction adjustable fin has a long and relatively flexible blade that’s made from a new-generation technical polypropylene. This lightweight composite makes for a responsive fin throughout each phase of the kicking cycle.
The Beta semi-dry snorkel from Cressi has a large-bore tube that allows lots of airflow while you’re enjoying the scenery just below the surface. The profiled splash guard deflects water away from the top of the tube when swimming in choppy seas; water that does manage to find its way in is easily expelled through the lower purge valve.
The Supernova Dry snorkel from Cressi uses a 100 percent silicone mouthpiece and a corrugated breathing tube, and comes with a large, easy-to-clear purge valve on the bottom, and a completely dry top on the other end. It’s the perfect design in a snorkel, allowing for effortless breathing performance when cruising along on the surface, plus it eliminates virtually all water from entering the tube when submerged.
Seasoft’s frameless Visionmaster Super Mask features lenses made of H-G-G glass with Crystal ARC anti-reflective coatings that virtually eliminate glare. HGG glass and Crystal ARC coatings are found on the optics of leading riflescopes and camera lenses and allow up to 20% more light to reach your eyes.
Here’s something you don’t usually see on a snorkel: ball-joint connections. On IST Sports’ 3-D Flex Dry Snorkel you have two of them: one at the base of the mouthpiece, and one where the purge body connects to the breathing tube.
The New Mantis 5 has the same frame as our standard Mantis mask with a new low volume skirt offering 20 degrees more visibility. Fits medium to wide face shapes. Optical lenses available upon request.
IST is a family owned and operated manufacturer with three separate equipment lines available to the diving community. We have been manufacturing quality watersports equipment for others as well as ourselves for over 35 years, so while you may not have seen our logo frequently, chances are you have enjoyed our gear somewhere before.
Ikelite’s Vega is a true lighting multi-tool. The 2000 lumen video light may also be used as a back-up dive light, still photography light, or focus light. Depth-rated to 300 feet, Vega is built with Ikelite’s Arctic Radiator Technology. A rear-rotating dial displays power settings and discharge status of the rechargeable battery.For more information:www.ikelite.comFind a Dealer
Ikelite has packed more than 35 years of strobe design into the new Manta substrobe. Featuring proprietary Pre-Flash Recognition Technology, Manta has the unique ability to automatically adjust to any pre-flash sequence — a feature that’s sure to attract first-time strobe users and impress the pros.
The Ikelite housing for the XZ-2 doesn't just allow you to take pictures underwater—It helps you get the most perfect shots possible. The camera's built-in flash doesn’t need to fire for automatic TTL exposure, which saves battery life and improves recycle time.
The perfect system for photographers of all skill levels who are looking for a small, simple system that delivers high-quality photos and video… anywhere there’s water. Simply point, and shoot!
If you want a housing that’s comfortable to use, offers peace of mind, and gives you an edge over the competition – look no further. Our comfort grip handles, clear construction, and corrosion-proof body are benefits you can quickly spot from a product photo. Hold the real thing and you’ll notice that your Ikelite housing provides access to all important camera functions, as well as a glass optical viewfinder that’s been enhanced for the underwater environment.
When we asked readers and Facebook fans to tell us about their favorite stories from our Nov/Dec 2012 issue, this one from Matt Haeussler stood out — and wins the Watershot Underwater iPhone Camera Housing we featured in that issue's "Win This!".
The rigors of the road can play hell on sensitive equipment. Here are some tips on how to get your gear safely to your destination, and avoid excess-baggage fees.
Bring out your creative side – underwater! Superior flash control, ergonomic handling, and reliable performance are just a few of its perks. Why not experience the bonuses for yourself, enjoy great photos and have fun doing it?
Upgrade to a Li-Ion battery pack for twice any many full power flashes, fast recycle time, and superb neutral buoyancy. Smart Charger Li-Ion provides a full recharge time of approximately 5 hours and is now included with all current DS160 and DS161 Substrobes. Removable adapters for UK, Australia and Europe are included.
SCUBAPRO’s Mark 25/S-600 has been restyled for 2013 and is now available in four versions. Each model offers its own unique cosmetics, coatings, and construction materials, but they all have one thing in common—awesome performance. In ScubaLab breathing machine tests the Mark 25/S-600 has consistently outpaced all regulators, past and present, in sheer muscle reg performance. And in the ocean it breathes like a dream.
SPECS• Made in: USA• Weight: 1.7 pounds• First Stage: Balanced piston• Ports: 2HP, 5LP; with LP port turret• Second Stage: Pneumatically balanced, with swivel• User Adjustments: Breathing-resistance knob• Warranty: Lifetime•MSRP: $1,699 • Info: www.atomicaquatics.com
SPECS• Made in: USA• Weight: 2.5 pounds• First Stage: Balanced piston• Ports: 2HP, 7LP• Second Stage: Pneumatically balanced, with swivel• User Adjustments: Breathing-resistance knob• Warranty: Lifetime•MSRP: $529 ($569 with sealed first stage)• Info: www.atomicaquatics.com
SPECS• Made in: USA• Weight: 2.6 pounds• First Stage: Balanced diaphragm• Ports: 2HP, 5LP• Second Stage: Pneumatially balanced• User Adjustments: Dive/predive lever, breathing-resistance knob• Warranty: Limited lifetime• MSRP: $499• Info: www.zeagle.com
SPECS• Made in: USA• Weight: 2.6 pounds• First Stage: Balanced diaphragm• Ports: 2HP, 4LP• Second Stage: Pneumatially balanced, with swivel• User Adjustments: Dive/predive lever, breathing-resistance knob• Warranty: Limited lifetime• MSRP: $370• Info: www.edge-gear.com
Atomic Aquatics’ new signature regulator, the high performance T- 3, features new ultra light component parts. The balanced piston first stage is precision machined from solid titanium billet, and its yoke is made using the least amount of material possible.
The SCUBAPRO G260 continues the over 25 year history of the legendary G250 second stage, first introduced in 1986 and updated in 2007. The completely new G260 is more compact, while boasting higher performance.
SCUBAPRO'S Mark 17 balanced diaphragm first stage is designed for harsh environments and cold water. The pneumatically balanced G-2-60 second stage is made with metal components in the inlet tube, orifice, inhalation control knob and hose connector to optimize cold-water performance. It is quipped with both a VIVA switch and inhalation control knob, and the left-right hose attachment makes it easy to rig for tech diving.
During their 50th year, SCUBAPRO is offering four different models, each with its own specific features and benefits. Yet they all offer instant and constant delivery of ultra-high airflow for incomparable performance in all diving conditions and at any depth.
From buying new dive equipment to taking care of what you already own, these simple tips will help you get the most out of your money.
Bare Velocity wetsuits feature Progressive Full-Stretch Technology with three full-stretch materials for maximum comfort and durability. The highest-stretch fabric covers the shoulders, arms and torso sides where unrestricted movement is critical. The fabric covering chest and legs offers more shape retention, compression resistance and durability, and the fabric protecting the knees provides maximum abrasion resistance. Available in 3, 5, and 7 millimeter in a full range of men’s and women’s sizes.
IST’s Flexus jumpsuits are available in three thicknesses—3 mil, 5 mil, and 7 mil—to provide dependable thermal protection in both temperate and tropical waters. The 5 and 7 mil suits are triple glued and double blind-stitched, with the 7 mil offering zippers on the ankles to aid in getting in and out of the suit.
Cressi’s Spring 3.5 one-piece wetsuit is designed to be worn in waters ranging from the tropical to the marginally warm.
From buying new dive equipment to taking care of what you already own, these simple tips will help you get the most out of your money.
Scuba diving is an equipment intensive sport, and your gear can be a fickle ally. Assembling a collection of dive gear-specific tools and spare parts to deal with basic maintenance and minor emergencies will help keep you ready to hit the water at a moment’s notice
A load of new gear debuted in 2012, and the ScubaLab team dive-tested just about all of it. After digging deep into both objective and ergonomic test results, on the following pages we celebrate the year’s top-performing fins, BCs, regulators and dive computers, along with some first-rate travel bags, warm-water wetsuits and a couple of our top picks for safety gear.
BARE’s ELASTEK 3 mil wetsuit boasts the newest advancements in wetsuit design and incorporates BARE’s latest innovations in dry technology, including SEAMTEK
Subgear’s new Apnea 1 five-mil is a unique wetsuit designed specifically for free diving. It comes with a nylon-lined interior so it’s comfortable against the skin plus easy to climb in and out of. However, its exterior surface is slick to repel water.
Cressi’s Lido two-mil shorty provides enough high-stretch neoprene to help keep you warm and protect against stinging critters, but not so much neoprene that you feel overdressed in the bathtub-warm waters of the tropics.
Designed for cold-water divers, Thermalution’s Power-Heated Undersuit can be worn beneath any wetsuit. A thin, flexible heating element built into the nylon/lycra Undersuit lays against your back and radiates heat while you’re cruising the cold depths.
SPECS• Price: $1,650• Style: Front Entry, Diagonal-Zip• Suited For: General-Purpose Diving• Available Sizes: 6
Offering a featherweight, snug-fitting, watertight ride, the Fusion One earned the second-highest number of votes for top suit and this year’s Best Buy nod.
Test divers really liked the features and the overall feel of the Trilam Pro. It racked up the most points for overall favorite in our shootout — earning it the Testers’ Choice for 2013.
Bare’s Trilam Tech Dry is both durable and comfortable. Featuring fell-stitched glue and heat-tapped seams and a front-entry T-Zip MasterSeal waterproof zipper, this rugged suit is available with either neoprene or latex wrist seals, a neoprene or latex neck seal, and a choice of vulcanized neoprene attached boots or neoprene soft socks.
What's new in the world of dive gear for August 2012.
What's new in the world of dive gear for June 2012? Let's get that First Look.
Waterproof’s D7 Pro ISS is a new-generation trilaminate drysuit featuring a front-entry design for super easy self-donning, and an innovative sealing system that combines Integrated Silicone Seals at the neck and wrists.
This suit is among the best of the new crop of compressed neoprene drysuits. Bare’s new self-donning X-C-S-2 Tech Dry is made of two-mil hyper-compressed neoprene sandwiched between a tough nylon laminate on the outside and a high-stretch “frictionless” laminate on the inside.
Scuba Diving Editor David Espinosa and Sport Diver Editor Eric Michael take Camaro drysuits
G-DIVE is our brand for high-end latex seals and other diving related products. With our G-DIVE products you get the best quality on the market.
ScubaLab director John Brumm has devoted decades to ensuring the quality of the life support equipment he and fellow divers rely on. In Dive Speak he will explain scuba gear terms from A to Z. Today, the letter "A."
When it comes to a lightweight BC designed for travel, it’s hard to beat the Air Travel. no surprise, it earned the Testers’ Choice in the Travel category.
Voted Testers’ Choice in this category, the Axis delivers the functions, features and performance most coveted in a streamlined general-purpose back- buoyancy BC without unnecessary bells and whistles.
This year’s Testers’ Choice winner in the jacket-style category is a comfortable and stable BC with a good weight system, efficient valves, and a long list of convenience features.
Divers looking for an entry-level BC that’s well appointed and performs admirably — and doesn’t cost a lot of money — will be drawn to Prime MRS. It nails the important stuff at a good price, earning it the Best Buy award.
SPECS• Price: $1,650• Style: Front Entry, Diagonal-Zip• Suited For: General-Purpose Diving• Available Sizes: 6
Scuba diving is an equipment intensive sport, and your gear can be a fickle ally. Assembling a collection of dive gear-specific tools and spare parts to deal with basic maintenance and minor emergencies will help keep you ready to hit the water at a moment’s notice
A load of new gear debuted in 2012, and the ScubaLab team dive-tested just about all of it. After digging deep into both objective and ergonomic test results, on the following pages we celebrate the year’s top-performing fins, BCs, regulators and dive computers, along with some first-rate travel bags, warm-water wetsuits and a couple of our top picks for safety gear.
We live in a Golden Age of dive-computer technology. Over the past two decades, these machines have evolved into powerful data centers capable of monitoring virtually all aspects of our diving. We collected 11 new and redesigned models, and tested them in our ScubaLab shop and at Blue Grotto in Williston, Florida. The results of these data-collecting exercises form the basis of the following reviews.
Aeris dive computers took two of the top spots in ScubaLab's 2012 dive computer testing. Here we highlight two Aeris models that took away a Best Buy and a Testers' Choice prize.
