Aquaviews - SCUBA Blog » dive gear

Create your own Scuba Gear Package and Save on LeisurePro.com

Nevin — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:30:48 +0000

Here’s a nifty feature on the LeisurePro.com website that helps you design your own Scuba Diving Equipment package, from either a Snorkel, Wetsuit or Scuba Package, and have the folks at LeisurePro offer you a discount on your selection, giving the consumer the freedom to put together his/her own equipment kit. Here is a short guide on how to use this feature.

Step 1: Go to www.leisurepro.com and Click on the “Packages” tab at the top of the site

Step 2: Click on the blue “Create you own Package“ button

Step 3: Select the type of equipment package you want to create: Snorkel, Wetsuit or Scuba Package

Step 4: Enter the SKU code for each of equipment item you wish to include in your package. The SKU number is located on each item at the Leisurepro website. Otherwise simply click on the “Click Here for complete list” link next to each item which will bring up all the products in that category on a separate page. Then all you need to do is find the product you wish to include and click the “Add to Quote” button.

Step 5: The screen is broken up into Mandatory and Optional Categories. Make sure you have at least one SKU or item mentioned in each of the Mandatory categories before clicking on the review Quote button

Step 6: Review the Items selected and fill out your personal details in the space provided below, before clicking on submit quote. A Leisurepro sales rep will get in touch with you providing you with the final disounted price and take down details such as colors and type etc. Six easy steps to putting together a scuba equipment package of your choice at a real bargain!

Top 5 Scuba Gear Special Discounts Of The Summer

Noreen — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:51:53 +0000

We’re well into the Summer months and there’s no better time to revamp your scuba kit with some shiny new scuba accessories or replace some of those old key pieces of gear with all new ones. Here’s a look at some of the best deals on offer at LeisurePro this summer you won’ be able to pass up:-

Save 47% ($244.05) on Tusa Platina Evolution BCD

The Tusa Platina Evolution BCD features an Ultimate Stabilizing Harness for accurate fitting and two separate rails to prevent tank roll. The shell is constructed of heavy duty 840 denier Nylon with polyurethane backing for superior strength and durability with six Stainless steel D-rings for convenient accessory attachment. The Tusa BCD also features an integrated weight/quick-release system making it an all-round BCD. (Click here for more details)
List price: $519.00 LeisurePro Special Offer Price: $274.95

Save 31% ($185.05) on the Mares Nemo Dive Computer Watch

One of the best non-air integrated computers out there. User friendly and the Mares Nemo is both extremely simple and intuitive. With four dive modes: Air, nitrox, Bottom Time, and Free-Dive (the special freediving function), it’s known to satisfy the most demanding divers. A cutting-edge dive computer and an elegant watch. The best there is, in both your worlds. Nemo is a complete dive computer-watch. (Click here for more details)
List price: $600 LeisurePro Special Offer Price: $414.95

Save 53% ($49.04) on the Henderson 2MM Mens Neoprene Shorty

Perfect for the summers warm waters Henderson’s high quality neoprene offers top thermal protection and durability for the buck. The adjustable collar allows for a custom fit at the neck and a good seal against water transfer. The heavy-duty zipper is non-corrosive and designed for years of recreational use. (Click here for more details)

List price: $91.99 LeisurePro Special Offer Price: $42.95

Save 33% ($50) on Hollis Open Heel Dive Fins F-1

Meet the new standard in diving. The Hollis fin blends graceful movement, power, and bulletproof construction. True power without compromise. It’s a very well made heavy fin and efficient to a T. (Click here for more details)

List price: $149.95 LeisurePro Special Offer Price: $99.95

Save 49% ($190.00) on Aeris XR-1 Computer Console

Have you ever spent a dive staring at your computer instead of looking at everything in the water all because your computer is hard to read? The XR-1′s enlarged digits, easy-to-read icons, and split screen take the guesswork out of reading your dive computer. Also, the XR-1 allows you to decide what information displays; now you can customize the display to include only the things you want to keep an eye on during your dives. (Click here for more details)

List price: $389.95 LeisurePro Special Offer Price: $199.95

* Prices as in July 2010, Please refer to the LeisurePro website for availability and current prices

Top 10 Scuba Fins

Noreen — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:13:15 +0000

Rated and reviewed by thousands of loyal LeisurePro customers as well users on the popular review site Buzzillions.com, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Scuba Fins, all available at LeisurePro.com with a best price guarantee.

1. ScubaPro Jet Fins

The ultimate Jet Fins made from high-quality rubber. The Jet Fin was original and still is the most popular fins for commercial and military use because of its very powerful propulsion.
Available at LeisurePro.com for $94.95*

2. Apollo Bio Fin Pro C-Series – with Stainless steel fin strap

Apollo was the first manufacturer to recognize the potential of Split-fin technology. Every major dive company now offers some form of split-fin. Some people feel that the more rigid blade makes it respond slightly quicker to direction changes and alternate kicking styles. It is an excellent choice for very strong kickers as the more rigid blade provides a stronger resistance and more traditional paddle fin feel.
Available at LeisurePro.com for $179.95*

3. Atomic Aquatics Split Fins

A radical new approach to diver propulsion. With the slightest kick, the split blade deflects to form a pair of wings that slice through the water with reduced drag, creating lift in the forward direction to propel you ahead. The Atomic Aquatics SplitFins virtually eliminate muscle strain, fatigue and cramping to enable you to swim longer distances against stronger currents.
Available at LeisurePro.com for $139.95 – $149.95*

4. Tusa X-Pert Zoom Open Heel Split Fins (SF-8)

Featuring an innovative hydrofoil design that produces forward motion (lift) with less effort, the Tusa X-Pert Zoom is made of new age elastic material with rigid reinforced double layered construction. The propeller-fin technology provides the ultimate performance & comfort.
Available at LeisurePro.com for $74.95*

5. AquaLung Slingshot Open Heel Fins

When someone says the word “slingshot”, most people gain mental images of something moving fast and adeptly. Those images are key to Aqua Lung’s new Slingshot fins.They will help you move through the water with speed and ease you never thought possible. The mid-foot joint increases the Slingshot’s flexibility, which will make each kick more efficient and comfortable, partially due to the fact it move the source of your kicks from the front of your foot to the entire leg.
Available at LeisurePro.com for $124.95*

6. Oceanic Vortex V12 Split Fins

Oceanic has taken the same technology behind the Vortex series and extended it to the world’s most efficient fin! The technological edge is achieved with the patented Nature’s Wing technology by splitting the blade to generate highly efficient thrust or lift like an airplane wing, while reducing the strain on the muscles of the leg and hips by allowing the water to drain between the dual blades.
Available at LeisurePro.com for $124.95*

7. Aeris Velocity X3 Open Heel Fins

The Velocity X3 accelerates with lightning speed as water comes into contact with the textured blade. Faster and more efficient, the Velocity X3 maintains comfort and control while enabling you to exert less effort, stress and strain with each stride.
Available at LeisurePro.com for $99.95*

8. Sherwood Kinesis Open heel Fins

The new Sherwood fins utilize the patented Optimal Pivot Blade (OPB) technology to increase kick efficiency, minimize fatigue and maximize acceleration. Effortless propulsion with optimum thrust.
Available at LeisurePro.com for $99.95*

9. Mares Avanti Superchannel Full Foot Fins

The perfect blend of power and efficiency Mares design is inspired by marine mammals. Channel Thrust technology maximizes the channeling of water and moves a much greater amount of water compared to other fins of the same size. The result is greater thrusting power with the same amount of effort.
Available at LeisurePro.com for $44.95*

10. Cressi Master Frog Fin

The first strap-on fin, moulded using the exclusive and patented Cressi system with 3 materials. The blade is made from strong polypropylene with unequalled reactivity, stringers and reinforcements are moulded from resistant copolymer, while the foot pocket is made from soft, comfortable thermo-rubber (elastomer). This is the favorite fin of instructors, professionals, technical divers, who find a propulsion tool without equals, ready to push ahead like a galloping horse even in the toughest diving situations.
Available at LeisurePro.com for $84.95*

*Prices as in May 2010, Please refer to LeisurePro.com for the correct current prices.

Get a Dive Computer for less than $150

Nevin — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:13:32 +0000

Looking for a great dive computer but would rather spend all that money on diving instead? Well the Aeris XR-1 Wrist Dive computer will help you do just that. Most dive computers are just too expensive with so many features that most casual recreational divers just starting out in this hobby wouldn’t ever use. Some of us just want a dive computer that will do its job without all the bells and whistles and costing us an arm and leg in the process.

Featured above is the Aeris XR-1 Wrist Computer available at LeisurePro.com

Aeris , a California based Scuba Gear company that was established in 1998, has quite a diverse product range and brings to us an affordable dive computer . The AERIS XR-1 is an ideal, entry-level user-friendly diving computer for those who prefer simple wrist-mounted computer gear.

The XR1 features large oversized digits on its display and a comfortable mix of graphics and text to make it easy to read; the computer is water activated and also features a variable ascent rate indicator, a user customizable interface, temperature display, 12 Dive memory Logging feature, Safety stop count-down timer and remaining dive time display. Most importantly the XR1 offers user-replaceable batteries, which allows the user to purchase and replace the computer batteries (Standard 3 Volt CR-2450 Battery) without having to ship it back to the manufacturer or authorized service center.

Aeris uses as its algorithm based off the Modified Haldanean / DSAT (Diving Science and Technology) Database. In general, Aeris computers are more liberal than Sunnto (which lean towards conservative) and allow for longer bottom times on second and third dives while still remaining in the realm of safety.

The main advantages of the Aeris XR-1 are its ease of use, easy read display and great value for money as it offers you all the relevant features of a dive computer at a great price. We would recommend this for anyone looking for their first dive computer or as a handy spare second dive computer for your buddy.

Featured above is the Aeris XR1 NX Wrist Computer available at LeisurePro.com

Some of the main drawbacks of the Aeris XR1 are that it doesn’t support Nitrox Diving capability. Also the lack of a backlight and glow in the dark display is a shortcoming, even though the large digits compensate for this. Another drawback of this particular model is that there are no audible or visual/flashing warnings which are often a useful feature to have on a Dive computer. Aeris has recently though come out with the newer XR-1 NX which is similar to the XR-1 except that it offers Nitrox capabilities and sorts out some of the issues with the XR-1 and the XR-2 offers several additional features including a backlight.

LeisurePro.com currently has the Aeris XR-1 Wrist Dive computer at an incredible offer price of $149.95 for a limited time only, making this the best dive computer for under $150 available.

Scuba Gear: A Complete DrySuit Buying Guide

Noreen — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:16:31 +0000

Winter’s here, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up diving and wait for the temperatures to rise. Dry-suit up and dive on! Drysuits are an amazing piece of Scuba diving gear. No more shivers, chattering teeth, skin turning blue and the loss of feeling in your hands and feet on less than tropical dives. Dry suits as the name suggests keep you dry when you’re wearing them except for maybe your head and hands. They enable divers to make more and longer dives than using a wetsuit in temperate waters and not to mention the the option to experience rarer dive sites in cold waters.

Drysuit Styles
All dry suits are full length and cover the entire body unlike wetsuits which come in options of shorties and full length wetsuits. However, drysuits are available in different materials. Neoprene drysuits are made of the same material as wet suits, except they exclude water. Shell dry suits are the more popular versions that consist of two pieces. They are loose fitting suits that provide ‘double protection’ with an insulating layer of air between the two materials. The outer part of a drysuit is a waterproof shell made from materials like neoprene, foam rubber, or a hybrid of both while the second layer is an undergarment, also made of several materials including bunting, open foam ThinsulateTM that provides insulation.

Important Features in a Dry Suit

Watertight zipper: Originally developed by NASA to hold air inside astronaut space suits, dry suits have a these special waterproof zippers to keep drysuits dry. Commonly fitted across the back of the shoulders, drysuit zippers can also be placed diagonally across the front of the torso, on the side, or straight down the middle of the front or back. They’re the most expensive part of a dry suit, but the most important to keep water out.

Wrist/neck seals: Dry suits seal at the wrist and neck to keep water out. Made of neoprene or latex rubber, these need to seals need to fit snugly without cutting of circulation, but keeping water from going in.

Air Exhaust valves: As air forms the key layer of protection between the two shells, dry suits feature valves to release air that balloons out the suit as air in the suit expands on ascent. Some modern dry suits have valves so you can add air as you descend or release it as you come up to accommodates the pressure change. Due to this feature divers need not use a buoyancy compensator (or BCD) and buoyancy control differs from wearing a regular wetsuit.

Tips for Buying a Drysuit

Unlike a wetsuit, a drysuit should be a little loose fitting on the body so you can wear clothing in it comfortably or undergarments for extra insulation, but not too loose so the air bubble inside plays havoc with your trim and buoyancy. The wrist and neck seals however, have to be snug and tight enough to keep water out without cutting off blood flow.
Choose your undergarment when choosing your dry suit. That way you can try them both on.
Look for drysuits with thigh pockets. These are a good thing and provide the best place to store those needed small things that you want with you on your dive. Much easier to reach than the pockets of your BC.
Some suits feature suspenders which make it much easier to don and wear since they help keep the waist up where it needs to be rather than “baggy-ing” downwards.
Lastly, make sure the exhaust valve of the suit is in the proper place which is usually between the shoulder and elbow, pointing straight up when you hold your arm level with your shoulder. If it’s not in the right spot, then the air won’t escape adequately as it expands, which could prove dangerous during ascents.

*Products Featured above: Pinnacle 2008 Freedom Drysuit Unisex, Bare CD4 Men’s Pro Drysuit, Bare Nex-Gen Pro Dry Suit Mens Black. All available at LeisurePro.com

10 Rules of Buying Scuba Diving Gear

Noreen — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:17:58 +0000

Most likely if you’ve gone Scuba Diving a couple of times, you’re hooked and will be planning a lot of your vacations where you can dive some more. And sure, when you start off you can get away with just your basic mask, snorkel and fins while renting the rest, but how long do you plan on keeping that up. Let’s face it diving isn’t a cheap sport and add gear rental charges for every time you dive is not a lot of fun or smart. So, if you’re planning on diving long term, make a commitment to buy your own Scuba gear. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing choice . You can buy gradually, piece by piece working your way to a full Scuba diving kit.

Here are 10 Rules for Buying Dive Gear:

1. Get it right the first time. Look at buying Scuba equipment, as a one-time investment. Buy what you need and good quality gear the first time around. Don’t say, “I’ll start cheap and upgrade later,” because it will end up costing you more money in the long run.

2. Research before you buy. Don’t go in blind when you walk into a store. Read past user reviews, scope out all your options of styles, brands and features, so that ultimately you are ready to make an informed decision. This doesn’t mean not looking around in the store or deviating from what you know.

3. Don’t go strictly on recommendations or what your friend says. People in the diving World often have strong opinions on the brand/ manufacturer of their choice and won’t always be objective when suggesting what’s right for you. From ScubaPro to Oceanic or Mares to Tusa, diver’s play favorites and what’s great to them isn’t necessarily right for you.

4. Try, Try and Try. Try on the gear and sample its features before you buy it. If you’re buying Scuba gear online, make sure the website you purchase from has a long enough window for returns (like LeisurePro’s 60/120 days return policy), incase you’re not fully satisfied with anything about the piece.

5. Only buy the right size. Don’t buy gear that doesn’t fit properly, no matter how much you like it or have your heart set on it. Even if it’s just one size big or one size small, don’t convince yourself you can make it work. Fit is everything when it comes to Scuba equipment. From the right fins, buoyancy compensators to just a simple dive masks, the fit of your equipment underwater can influence things like- air consumption, buoyancy control, maneuverability and just plain comfort and enjoyment of the dive.

6. Purchase your equipment through an authorized dealer for that manufacturer or a reliable store like LeisurePro offering a an equal or better warranty service. Don’t skimp on the warranty or service agreements when it comes to buying equipment.

7. Invest in a dive computer. It will enhance your diving experience allowing you to dive deeper, longer and safer, if used properly. Dive computers are fast becoming a Scuba diving essential which no diver should be diving without.

8. Look for features you need. There’s no need to go overboard with extra features on any piece of equipment, just because it’s offered by the manufacturer. Stick to quality over quantity. While choosing, remember that fancier doesn’t necessarily increase safety or make it better than other pieces with lesser features.

9. Buy a Wetsuit. You will need it, no doubt about it. Trying on wetsuits can be an exhausting and frustrating struggle, but it’s very important to have one that fits perfectly so don’t give up until you find one. If you can put it on easily, it means it’s too big for you. A little struggle while trying it on dry is a sign of a good fitting wetsuit. At the same time it shouldn’t be so tight as to stop circulation at your wrists or ankles is it’s a full wetsuit.

10. Go with your instinct and feel. At the end of the day, no amount of research or recommendations should cloud your own judgment on what feels ‘right’ when you try it on. Shop when you have a lot of time to spare to make a decision and not when you have to rush of to somewhere else.

And lastly (yes, I know I said 10… but here’s one for good measure)- Make good use of the Scuba gear and equipment you buy. Happy Diving People!!

* Pictured Above- Mares Scuba Package #3

AquaViews 100: The Very Best Of Scuba Diving Equipment (Contd.)

Noreen — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:12:11 +0000

As part of our 100th post celebration on AquaViews a LeisurePro online Scuba Magazine, we’re bringing you the Top 100 Pieces of Scuba Gear & Equipment as rated and reviewed by thousands of loyal LeisurePro customers and Buzzillions.com users. If you’ve missed the first part to our extensive list of the most popular Scuba equipment including the Top 10 Scuba Regulators, Top 10 Buoyancy Compensators, Top 10 Dive Computers, Top 10 Scuba Fins & Top 10 Scuba Masks click here.

Continuing from where we left off here’s more of the very best Scuba Diving Equipment, all available at LeisurePro.com with a best price guarantee. (For any more details or the price of any of the products featured here click on the links.)

Top 10 Wetsuits

1. Bare 3/2 Velocity Progressive Stretch Full
2. Pinnacle Merino-Elastiprene 5mm Jumpsuit
3. Neo Sport 1mm Mens Neo Skin Jumpsuit
4. Pinnacle Spirit 3mm Shorty (Mens)
5. Henderson 3MM Mens Neoprene Shorty
6. Bare 3/2 Velocity Progressive Stretch Full (Women’s)
7. Henderson 3mm Titanium Hyperstretch Auqa Suede Shorty
8. Cressi Comfort Plus 5mm Women’s Jumpsuit
9. Scubapro Everflex Steamer 3mm Womens Jumpsuit
10. Akona Women’s 3mm Shorty

Top 10 Underwater Cameras

1. SeaLife DC800 Reefmaster 8.1MP Underwater Digital Camera
2. Vivitar Vivicam 8400 8.1MP Digital Camera
3. Sealife SL185 DC800 Pro Set Digital Camera
4. Intova IC800 Underwater Digital Camera 8MP
5. Sea & Sea DX-1G 10 Megapixel Digital Camera and Housing
6. Sea & Sea DX-1200HD UW Digital Camera
7. Ikelite Substrobe DS-51 SubStrobe Package
8. SeaLife DC1000 Reefmaster 10.1MP Underwater Digital Camera
9. Intova IC10 Underwater Digital Camera 10MP
10. Epoque EHD 800-Ai Underwater 8 MP Digital Camera & Housing

Top 10 Booties, Gloves & Hoods

1. Seasoft Sunrays 3mm Low Cut Boots with Zipper
2. Deep See 6.5mm Mens Safe Sole Boots
3. Blue Reef 5MM Mens Dive Boots with Zipper
4. Tusa Warm & Cold Water Glove “New Style” (DG-5000)
5. Blue Reef 2MM Sport Glove with Velcro
6. Bare 7-MM Cold Water Hood
7. Henderson 7-MM Titanium Hyperstretch Pull-On Glove
8. Pinnacle 7mm Merino-Barracuda Boot
9. Bare 7-MM Dry Hood
10. Pinnacle 5mm Merino Lined Hood

Top 5 Drysuits

1. Bare CD4 Men’s Pro Drysuit
2. Pinnacle Black Ice Unisex, Dry Suit
3. Pinnacle Freedom 2 Drysuit Unisex
4. Bare Nex-Gen Dry Suit 2007 Package
5. Apollo 4.0 EX Dry Suit Mens, Black

Top 5 Dive Lights

1. Underwater Kinetics Sunlight “C8 eLED” Dive Light with Pistol Grip
2. Underwater Kinetics Sunlight SL4 Dive Light
3. Princeton Tec NEW 337 Lumens Miniwave LED
4. Lazer-Stik Battery Powered Marker Light, Flashing
5. Aquatec Aqua Star LED Torch

Top 5 Dive Knives

1. Wenoka “Squeeze” Lock Titanium Knife, Tanto Tip
2. Blue Reef Deluxe 5″ Titanium Knife, Point
3. Atomic Ti6 Titanium Knife
4. XS Scuba Beta Titanium Knife Blunt Tip
5. Tusa Mini BCD Knife, Blunt Tip

Top 5 SCUBA Accessories

1. Akona Weight Bag (AKB944)
2. Seacure Hi-Flow Mouthpiece
3. Super Accessory Hanger for Gloves, Hoods and Boots
4. Suunto SK7 Add-On Compass for Cobra, Vyper & Gekko Consoles (end mount)
5. Aqua 36″ Quick Release Coil Lanyard with Brass Clip and SS Split Ring

AquaViews 100: The Very Best Of Scuba Diving Equipment

Noreen — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:59:02 +0000

Celebrating our 100 post here on AquaViews, brought to you by LeisurePro- The #1 store for Scuba diving and snorkeling equipment, we only thought it apt to share the Top 100 Pieces of Scuba Gear & Equipment out there today. Rated and reviewed by thousands of loyal LeisurePro customers as well users on the popular review site Buzzillions.com, we’ve compiled an extensive list of the most popular Scuba equipment under different category heads below, all available at LeisurePro.com with a best price guarantee.

For any more details or the price of any of the products featured here click on the links.

Top 10 Scuba Regulators:

1. Scubapro Uwatec Scubapro MK25/S600 Regulator
2. Apeks XTX200 Regulator
3. AquaLung Legend LX ACD Regulator
4. Sherwood SR1 Regulator
5. Aqualung Mikron Regulator
6. Aqua Lung Legend ACD Supreme Regulator
7. Mares Abyss 22 Regulator
8. Scubapro MK17/G250V Regulator
9. Oceanic Delta 4 FDX10 Diaphragm Regulator
10. Mares Proton Ice Extreme Regulator

Top 10 Buoyancy Compensators/ Buoyancy Control Devices

1. Dive Rite Transpac Harness
2. Zeagle Ranger LTD BCD with Ripcord System
3. Aqua Lung SeaQuest Pro QD + BCD with SureLock 4. Tusa Platina Evolution BCD
5. Zeagle Stiletto BCD
6. Aeris Contour Women’s BC
7. Seaquest Pro QD with i3 Technology BC
8. Mares Womens Kaila Scuba BCD
9. Sherwood Avid CQR2 BCD
10. Sherwood Luna BCD with CQR Weight Integration System

Top 10 Dive Computers

1. Sherwood CG7125 Wisdom 2 Dive Computer with Compass and Quick Disconnect
2. Suunto “Gekko” Air/Nitrox Wrist Computer
3. Suunto D6 Wrist Computer
4. Suunto “D9″ Hoseless Air/Nitrox Wrist Computer with Transmitter
5. Mares Puck Wrist Computer
6. Suunto Cobra Air/Nitrox Air Integrated Computer Console
7. Uwatec Aladin Smart Z Hoseless Wrist Air/Nitrox Computer with Transmitter
8. Mares Nemo Wide Wrist Computer
9. Aeris Manta Scuba and Free Diving Wrist Computer
10. Oceanic “Veo 250″ Air/Nitrox Dive Wrist Computer

Top 10 Scuba Fins

1. ScubaPro Jet Fins
2. Apollo Bio Fin Pro C-Series – with Stainless steel fin strap
3. Atomic Aquatics Split Fins
4. Tusa X-Pert Zoom Open Heel Split Fins (SF-8)
5. AquaLung Slingshot Open Heel Fins
6. Oceanic Vortex V12 Split Fins
7. Oceanic Caribe X Full Foot Fins
8. Aeris Velocity X3 Open Heel Fins
9. Sherwood Kinesis Open heel Fins
10. Mares Avanti Superchannel Full Foot Fins

Top 10 Scuba Masks

1. Scubapro Crystal VU Single Lens Mask with Purge
2. ScubaPro Frameless Single Window Mask
3. Cressi -Sub “Big Eyes” Black Skirt Mask
4. Tusa Visulator Mask (M-14)
5. Cressi-Sub “Matrix” Two Window Mask
6. Atomic Aquatics Frameless Mask
7. Atomic Aquatics Subframe Mask
8. ScubaPro Scout Two Window Mask
9. Genesis SM5800 Tri-View mask
10. Sherwood Mako Frameless 1 Window Mask

More of our Top 100 Pieces of Scuba Gear in AquaViews 100: The Very Best Of Scuba Diving Equipment (Contd.) – includes Top 10 Wetsuits, Top 10 Underwater Cameras, Top 10 Booties, gloves and hoods, Top 5 Drysuits, Top 5 Dive Knives, Top 5 Dive Lights & SCUBA Accessories.

Underwater Entertainment? – Try Waterproof MP3 Players

Noreen — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:01:22 +0000

Not completely entertained looking at the fishies and underwater landscape? Or Just tried of hearing your own bubbles spewing out of your dive regulator?

Well, now you can listen to your favorite tunes from Michael Jackson to Taylor Swift um, Pink Floyd all while you’re swimming, snorkeling or even Scuba Diving! Enter the Underwater MP3 Players or Waterproof MP3 Players. Yes, these amazing pieces of modern technology actually allow you to enjoy music underwater.

You listen to music while working out, jogging, cycling, driving…then why not while swimming?

To start with we have the and the Intova H2O Man G3 Waterproof MP3 Player and the Finis Waterproof Swim MP3 V.2, both waterproof up to 3m or 10 ft, it’s not exactly suitable for Scuba Diving but great for getting your groove while doing laps in the pool. The Intova Waterproof MP3 player takes an Micro SD card of 8GB maximum capacity and up to 10 hours playing time whereas the Finis SwiMP3 player can store 256 MB of music. The SwiMP3 uses bone conduction – when the device is placed on any bones of the skull results in the direct transfer of sound vibrations from the cheek bone to the inner ear – which provides the swimmer with exceptional sound clarity.

Another way to splash around while keeping the beats is by using a waterproof MP3 player housing just like underwater digital camera housings. Underwater housings like the H2oAudio S4-1A2 SV-iP4G come with a waterproof headset and silicon earplugs. They support different MP3 players like the Apple iPod. Again the H2o Audio MP3 player housing is submersible up to 10ft/ 3m making it suitable for swimming, surfing and snow/wake boarding.

Lover’s of the outdoors will love the underwater MP3 Player housing from Aquapac. The Aquapac Waterproof MP3 Player Dry Bag is a guaranteed 100% waterproof protection for your MP3 Player or new iPod. The housing is designed to be hands-free as it straps to your arm with a velcro armband allowing you the use of both your hands whatever your favored water activity is. The Best part of this housing is it’s guaranteed submersible to 15 feet (5 meters). However if you plan on using your player while swimming, snorkeling or other water sports you’ll need waterproof headphones, which Aquapac does make but it is sold separately- Aquapac 100% Waterproof Headphones. Although the headphones are tested to a depth of 10m/30ft it’s not suitable for depths beyond 10ft/3m where water pressure may cause hearing damage.

Music while swimming…that’s great! But what about Scuba diving where you dive below 10ft you ask?

There’s a housing out there for that too. H2o Audio’s new iDive300 waterproof case with speakers that clip to your mask strap or can be tucked under a dive hood are just the answer. Waterproof down to 300ft/90m underwater it’s deeper than you’ll be using it for recreational diving. Compatible for Apple different generations of iPods, the iPhone and iTouch, this is a great way of playing music and videos underwater. A fun toy or means of entertainment for divers on decompression stops or simply for recreational purposes, it does however have a drawback. The sound can carry a bit underwater and this might not be much to the liking of your dive buddy nor the fish. It’s also important to remember that, you should no way use these products if you aren’t comfortable with your diving skills and get easily distracted by new contraptions. Have fun but Always Dive Safe and respect the space you dive in.

*All products pictured above available at LeisurePro.com (*except H2o Audio’s iDive300 available at www.h2oaudio.com)

SCUBA Gear: Choosing a Buoyancy Compensator

Noreen — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:18:21 +0000

In a previous post we discussed the Basics of a Buoyancy Compensator, How it is used and Types of BCD’s. Buoyancy Compensators are among the most expensive pieces of equipment a diver uses. If you are taking the step to own your entire dive kit, you need to know exactly what you’re looking for and your range of choices out there.

Here’s a few points you must consider while choosing a Buoyancy Compensator or Buoyancy Control Device.

Fit
This is probably the most important, as recreational diving is pretty straight forward and you’re looking for comfort when you dive. If you have ever gone diving with a rental that didn’t fit well, either it was too loose or tight, you spend a lot of time wasted on adjusting which just takes out of the fun of the dive.

A BC that is loose, when inflated will ride up your arms and it also pulls your tank up to your head level making it uncomfortable to turn. You also tend to adjust a lot during your dive if that’s the case. A tight BC on the other hand can be more harmful than just uncomfortable. When inflated it can squeeze you and restrict your breathing.

So first thing, try the buoyancy compensator on and consider how it feels. Inflate it to see whether it feels tight then. Moves your arms and check if it’s constricting movement in any way. It should fit comfortably -not too tight across the shoulders, under the arms or around the waist. You should be able to move in it but the jacket by itself should not be able to slide on your body side to side.

Lift Capacity
Lift capacity is not as important a consideration for recreational diving, but it always good to know. It is typically determined by floating an inflated BC and adding weight to it until it sinks. An average lift capacity for a BC is in the 30-40 lbs. range. Most BC’s will have sufficient lift for the average diver.

When it comes to cave, wreck or technical diving and if you plan on carrying extra gear and more than one tank the lift of the BCD is more crucial and should be considered accordingly. Ask the expert at the dive store to determine the lift of the BC you’re looking at purchasing.

Pockets, Buckles, Velcro and More
It’s a good idea to check if the BC you are considering has sufficient pockets and that they are in a good place for easy access. Check the closures, whether buckles or zipper and the velcro that usually straps across your waist. Check that it comes with enough rings to attach your other equipment, if not you can add some on.

Weight Integration
Some of the more modern styles of Scuba BCD’s come with an integrated weight system which are essentially weighted to render your weight belt unnecessary. not needing the traditional weight belt can be a cool thing as you won’t have to worry if you forget your weight belt or of the weights sliding around when you dive.

What you do have to pay attention to is whether it can hold the weight you require for the type of diving you do as well as whether the weight can be easily released in case of an emergency. While you need one less piece of gear (a weight belt), they do cost a bit more than your regular BC. It maybe worth the little extra.

Air Dumps and Pressure Release Valves
Not a necessity or requirement but a feature that could be nice to have is an extra air dump. If it’s situated by your shoulder or near the bottom of the BC, for instance, you will be able to release air no matter what position you are in.

It’s more important to consider where your pressure release buttons on the BC are located and whether easy accessible.

Whatever style and feature on the Buoyancy Compensator, the fit and comfort is the most important. Hopefully these few points will make choosing the right BC easier for you. Take a look at the widest selection of diving gear and equipment at LeisurePro, including Buoyancy Compensators from the leading dive brands for the best choices.

Pictured products (top to bottom) Cressi Sub Travelight BCD, Zeagle 2009 Ranger LTD BCD, Mares Prestige BC With MRS Plus Weight Pockets. All available at LeisurePro.com