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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.
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
SCUBAPRO has teamed its Mark 11 balanced diaphragm first stage with a new second stage, the R-195. Combining a classic downstream valve with a large diaphragm and a center-case purge button, the R-195 comes with a large dive/pre-dive switch that helps prevent surface free-flows. The reversible hose attachment feature lets you use the R-195 as a primary second stage, an octo reg, or the perfect choice for deco tanks.
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.
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.
Subgear’s SG500 has been given a new name, but underneath this fresh moniker is the same high performing reg that earned a Best Buy rating in a major ScubaLab regulator review. In real-world diving it’s a sweet breather in all diving positions and dry as well. With its low work of breathing, surprising amount of reserve capacity and a solid track record for its in-water work, the SG500 is a proven performer.
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.
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.
Check out the ScubaLab gear review for the Nauticam NA-RX100 Housing made especially for the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100.
With two large compartments, roomy enough for full-size fins and a drysuit, Stahlsac’s Curacao Clipper gearbag is designed inside and out to accommodate the traveling diver. It’s also the company’s first-ever user-repairable bag: replacement parts for the completely modular frame can be sent directly to the owner or the local dive shop for repair. Weighing in at just seven pounds, the Curacao Clipper is a full-size bag with user-friendly features for even the most discriminating of divers.
The RayGun High Beam from SEASOFT SCUBA weighs in at just 6.5 oz, even with its two 3-volt lithium batteries. This AMERICAN designed and manufactured featherweight dive light is a heavyweight in performance, however, delivering one of the brightest spots in ScubaLab testing. This ScubaLab Tester’s Choice is a dive torch that’s compact enough to be used as a backup, but powerful enough to be a primary light.
Light & Motion’s Sola Dive 1200 is one of the smallest, most powerful dive lights we’ve ever seen. The light offers a choice of spot or flood beams with three power settings.
Each year, designers of dive computers make quantum leaps forward in the features and functions of their newest data crunchers. This year is no different. Mixed in with 2010’s crop are a couple of new models that will simply blow your mind. ...
Aqua Lung’s Travel Line is a convenient, carry on option for a full set of gear that allows you to avoid baggage fees and the hassle of lost luggage.
The Dive Alert Plus delivers a loud audible signal both on the surface and under water.
Fourth Element’s Pelagic and Amphibian diving boots are comfortable, functional and tough.
The uemis ZURICH is an innovative product offering a variety of new features, not only for specialists and passionate divers.
The Tachyon XC Micro helmet cam is designed to capture any outdoor adventure.
The Aquapro 5 is a comfortable and stable BC. If you like jacket-style rigs, this is a good travel version.
The Zuma was this year’s runaway favorite BC in the Travel category. It not only earned the first place spot on every test diver’s favorites list, but it also turned in the best ergo scores.
This is the most serious rig in this year’s roundup. For divers who like to switch from rec diving to tec diving and then back again, the Tech 10 is an excellent choice.
Overall, test divers liked the Tortuga. The hybrid air-cell design offers the best of both jacket and back buoyancy worlds, creating a comfortable fit and a stable ride.
It takes a little longer to get that perfect fit with the SeaLion, but once there you’ll be strapped into a solid temperate water rig.
The Seahawk is a do-it-all back-buoyancy BC. The Super Cinch tank-strap and weight system take some getting used to, but once you do they become got-to-have systems on a got-to-have BC.
The Versa 3000 is a big BC in many respects: It tends to be cut big; it comes with big cargo pockets; it also offers some big-time buoyant lift and a large-capacity weight-ditch system. On the other hand, the BC is surprisingly lightweight; in ...
The air cell on the Hydro D is horseshoe-shaped, which enables the tank to be positioned closer to the body.
The Alpha is a full-featured, all-purpose BC that garnered some admiring nods from test divers for its very compact yet very responsive power inflator in particular, and its overall valve system in general.
The Pro LT is built a little lighter than the Pro QD and offers fewer bells and whistles, but when it comes to performance, this BC is no slouch.
This is a time-tested data cruncher with some new features.
For recreational divers who like air integration and don’t need more than single-gas capability, you can’t find a more user-friendly and easy-to-use data cruncher than the liberal-leaning Pro Plus 2.1.
The ultimate in cutting-edge technology, the Cobalt offers all the goodies you could possibly want in an incredibly intuitive system.
It earned a Testers Choice for console-style computers, and is our favorite data cruncher for 2010.
Designed for divers who appreciate detailed, yet easily accessible information.
Subgear’s XP-10 is a single gas dive computer that also offers full watch functions.
The uemis ZURICH is an innovative product offering a variety of new features, not only for specialists and passionate divers.
The ZURICH is a wrist-mount dive computer made in Switzerland that can be charged between dives via USB or a solar panel.
Go Places with the latest addition to the world renowned Galileo family of computers.
IST’s GP-four thousand compass-plus is a full-featured wrist-mount computer with three control buttons make navigating through the system simple.
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.
SEA&SEA has released its most sophisticated, technically advanced digital SLR housings to-date with its MDX series. The latest, the MDX-D7000, was purpose-built for the Nikon D7000 and is ergonomically designed for ease of use and total control of the D7000 functions underwater.
The DX-GE5 camera from SEA&SEA is waterproof to 16 feet without its housing, making it versatile for any outdoor sport activity from skiing to snorkeling.
Nauticam’s NA-LX5 underwater housing, designed for use with the Lumix LX5 digital camera from Panasonic, is another example of Nauticam’s innovative and ergonomically designed imaging equipment.
If you didn’t win in 2010’s Scuba Diving Photo Competition, here’s your shot at redemption. Enter your best images in any or all of the four categories — Macro, Wide-Angle, Behavior and, a new category for 2011, Divers — to win some amazing prizes and have your work featured in the August 2011 issue.
Nauticam’s innovative new housing for the Sony NEX-5 digital camera is compact, but boasts big performance. Despite its small size, this high quality aluminum housing is depth rated to 100 meters, and has Nauticam’s acclaimed ergonomics and patented port locking system.
As a light source for a housed point-and-shoot camera, is hard to beat.
This compact housing is simple in design yet full of useful features, and best of all it’s easy to use.
Scuba Diving’s photo pros and ScubaLab test divers join forces to check out eight oh-so-sweet photo rigs.
This camera system would be considered a digital SLR. Its major features include a DX sensor at a size of 23.6x15.8 mm, ISO range of 100-6,400 and shoots video at 720p and 24 fps.
The Nauticam NA-7D complements the powerful Canon 7D with ergonomic button placement and features that underwater photographers will benefit from, like the rope handle for ease of passing the system in and out of the water. This camera system is ...
SCUBAPRO’s balanced diaphram first-stage MK 11 is engineered to prevent the flow of cold or polluted water into the regulator, yet provide easy airflow regardless of tank pressure.
The RS-680 regulator from TUSA features a compact, lightweight design. It contains two high-pressure and four low-pressure ports and is available in both DIN and yoke versionsThe RS-680 also incorporates TUSA’s Sequential Exhaust Assist (or S.E.A.), a new design featuring a dual exhaust system to decrease breathing effort during exhalation. The entire second stage also swivels 360 degrees to prevent jaw fatigue and add to overall comfort.
The new Ellipse MC9 Balanced Non-Adjustable regulator has the same high-performance features of the Ellipse Balanced, but without the Second stage micrometric adjustment knob. This allows Cressi to offer the same level of performance at a more affordable price. The non-adjustable Ellipse is an easy-breathing second stage, with an oversized diaphragm that decreases inhalation effort.
When used as a safe second, Aqua Lung’s Air Source 3 inflator reg breathes smoother than many primary regs. And when used as a power inflator, it delivers total ascent control. The Airsource 3 uses a screw-down fitting similar to the one used on a primary reg’s second stage.
These regs delivered above-average breathing performance and a surprising amount of reserve capacity. The balanced second stage on the Cayman smoothes out the breathing at deeper depths and heavier breathing rates, but the Bonaire is no slouch. ...
This reg is not designed for pushing any envelopes. But for recreational diving, it delivers perfectly respectable breathing performance, and it does so at a steal of a price.
The Brut is sold as an entry-level reg, and for the price it offers good performance.
This is a basic reg that delivers gas reliably. The stiff purge is annoying, and if you dive in a drysuit and carry an octo, the MC5 doesn’t offer enough LP ports.
The new Titan shows you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a really great reg. Top breathing performance at a really good price makes it a Best Buy in our book.
These are solid regs that deliver excellent breathing performance both when diving within recreational depths and when pushed to extremes.
June 2009 Issue Scuba Lab Review Quick Links
Aqua Lung Aqua Flex 3mm
BARE Elastek 3mm Full
BARE 3/2 Velocity Full
Body Glove EX3 3 mm
Camaro Seamless Hydronomic 3mm
Camaro ...
14 new 3mm wetsuits offer flexible freedom and keep the chill off your tropical vacation.
Stay warm and happy on your next dive with the ultimate in thermal protection.
There's more to it than just choosing a thickness and a color. Our consumer's guide to neoprene shows you the difference between the good, the bad and the downright cheap
We test nine super-pliable wetsuits that stretch for better comfort, fit and flexibility. The neoprene that gives these suits their extra stretch quality will make you feel like you're wearing nothing at all.
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.
Seasoft’s Stealth and Sunray booties are built with a hard sole that keeps a diver’s feet from moving up and down inside the foot pocket of their fins, one of a diver’s biggest causes of cramps. The booties are manufactured just like athletic shoes with a well-designed elevated heel and arch support.
Based on a design used in Cressi’s successful free-diving line, the classically crafted Master Frog paddle fin offers performance-minded divers pure power for a great price.
These nine new BCs stretch the limits of features, comfort and performance. Read here how each BC fared in the reviews, along with a detailed explanation of our scuba gear testing process.
A behind-the-scenes look at ScubaLab’s BC testing in the pool and the open ocean
Tilos’ one-piece vest uses MetaLite, a smooth reflective coating on the inside of the neoprene that reflects body heat while you’re cruising the reef and sheds water quickly to help protect against wind chill when you’re back on the boat. The 3mm torso is comparable to a 4- to 5-mm in warmth. And the vest is easy to take off — MetaLite’s smooth texture with 4-way stretch and side zipper makes donning and doffing a breeze. Available in men’s sizes from Small to 2 Extra-Large and women's Small to Extra-Large.
Seasoft Scuba’s tough DryPak keeps your clothes and towels from getting wet, but it also provides protection for sensitive electronics—including a removable padded laptop sleeve and a front pocket for keys, C-card, sunscreen and sunglasses.
In honor of free-diving Guinness World Record holder Carlos Coste, this limited edition Cenote series chronograph wristwatch from Oris is a collectible timepiece and truly unique.
Nauticam’s housing is compact, ergonomic and dependable. Safely secured with a locking rotary latch, this housing is machined from solid aircraft grade aluminum then hard anodized.
The wristwatch design of Cressi’s Edy II is striking, but this dive computer offers tons of functionality in addition to its sleek good looks. The Edy II offers dive, gauge and free dive modes.
Versatility is the key to the Zen IQ 950 Zen Air, which can be used as an air/nitrox computer, depth gauge/timer for free diving, or as a watch for daily wear.
