BORELLI CONSULTING: Recreational Equipment Reviews

New SCUBA Gear for 2007
28 May 2007

With spring having arrived several weeks ago, I've had that "go get in the water" itch. My wife (usual dive buddy) and I have been into the local dive shop several times. The itch is getting worse. I was in there today chatting with the owner / operator about some new gear that's been released for 2007 and it occurred to me that the readers might be interested in some of this stuff too. Bear in mind as you read this that I've not tried out this gear... yet. Four new products really caught my eye, and I'll not be able to afford them anytime soon!

The first product up is a new full face mask system from Ocean Reef called The Neptune Space Predator. The Predator is the newest addition to the Neptune Space line of full face masks. The primary material used in construction is an aluminum alloy compound called Ergal. The integrated second stage regulator looks pretty spiffy because the cover, adjustable knob (for ease of breathing) and internal trim screw are all made of that same Ergal material. The light gold color (not shown in presented photo) does harken back to the days of heavy gold-colored helmets and the arcane practice of disappearing beneath the sea for hours.

The framework is manufactured from stainless steel and uses six stainelss steel buckles to provide proper security and stability. In discussion with my local dive shop operator I was told that there are two primary reasons why a recreational diver may wish to use a full face mask system:

1) Because they are mildly claustrophobic and the feeling of extra open space around the face can alleviate some of that apprehension, and

2) For use with communication systems.

If you can afford the mask - and I've not been able to find a recommended retail price on this new face mask system - you may want to try it out just so you don't have to have the second stage stuck in your mouth.

Next itme is the Oceanic Datamask HUD (shown below). The DATAMASK contains a miniature liquid crystal display which provides you with critical dive data including: current depth, elapsed dive time, cylinder pressure, and dive time remaining. One thing I talked about with my local dive shop operator was the need to have a backup pressure gauge. The Datamask includes a hoseless pressure gauge which is very convenient. However, should that ONE piece of information be incorrect or unavailable for whatever reason, your dive is over. Have redundant systems. The other dive computer functions are comparable to other dive computers. What makes this one so cool is that it's available in your mask - so you don't even have to move your arm / wrist / hand to see any of the information. The dive data stored can be downloaded to your PC using Oceanic's proprietary software and a standard USB cable.

Our third item is the SeaQuest Pro QD i3 bouyancy compensating vest shown right. What makes the BC so cool is their new i3 controller for inflating or deflating your vest. I have to agree with their sales hype that it's the ultimate intuitive tool: if you want to go up (inflate) push the lever up. If you want to go down (deflate) push the lever down. When pushed down the lever opens all of the dump valves so that air can escape out of whichever one is pointed up. With one at either shoulder and one just above either hip you're sure to have at least one dump valve oriented correctly to vent air. The other three, although "open" according to the i3 won't allow water in due to the sealed valves SeaQuest calls "E-Valves". Bottom line is that air goes out, water doesn't come in. The controller is positioned so as to be convenient to the normal "at rest" position of your left hand while finning along. The BC itself has two weight pockets (one on either side - duh) with size appropriate capacities as well as a pocket for your Octopus regulator rather than a hook or other attachment that still leaves it out creating drag. For the things you need to attach (even if they do drag), SeaQuest provides six stainless steel D-rings. I've always kinda not trusted these controller things... I am old fashioned enough to enjoy pushing a button to inflate my BC and pulling on the inflation hose or lifting the inflator mouthpiece and pushing a button to release air. The new i3 technology has me thinking about trading up.

Our last item, shown below, is a new set of fins from Omega Aquatics. Called the Dynamic Scuba Fins, they are the first foldable fins. Fold? Yeah. I know. If it folds then what good does it do trying to push through the water? Well, it's like this...

The fins have a locking hinge mechanism (Aqua-Hinge) that locks the blade of the fin up or down. The blade, while not a split fin design, has a soft center section between two rigid side supports providing a web to funnel water across the front of the fin instead of around the sides. That means your kicking is more efficient that with standard fins. Splits may still be better... I'd have to compare them. Why a folding fin? Omega Aquatics seems to feel that such a device will make it easier and safer for divers to walk into or out of a diving area. Certainly this would make things easier for beach entries. If I ever get a chance to try them out I'll keep the readership apprised of their performance.

Out of these four items I think I'm most interested in the Datamask and the Pro QDi3 BC. Now if I can just figure out how to get myself one of each without ALSO having to get my wife one of each...

BE SAFE!

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Don't forget to check out our Tactical Equipment Review of Rob Pincus' book, "Combat Focus Shooting: Intuitive Shooting Fundamentals."

This week's Training Article, a discussion about the various training strengths and weaknesses of video games and "tactical" simulators.

For a listing of all reviews in chronological order, GO HERE.

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