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| Archives and Online Features : Gear Reviews |
Tropical: Scuba & Snorkel
By Mark Anders /photograph by Seth K. Hughes
2005 Dec (Vol. 7, No. 7)
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1) SCUBAPRO Premier Mask
The Basics: $83; double-seal, dual window lens mask
In Depth: The reason you’re underwater in the first place is to see the pretty fishies, so make sure you’ve got the best view by strapping on the Premier. The first thing you’ll notice is the fit. With the mask’s double-sealed silicone skirt and swivel strap it’s bound to fit most every face. Most importantly—the custom-cut, double-window lens design is like a big-screen TV, giving you a wider field of vision, especially down low for gauges. 619-402-1023; www.scubapro-uwatec.com.
2) Atomic Aquatics Z2 Regulator
The Basics: $429; brass construction and zirconium plated
In Depth: When you’re 150 feet below the water’s surface, your scuba regulator is the last thing you want to be fussing with. That won’t be a problem with the Z2. It breathes as smoothly as Atomic’s all-titanium T2 regulator, but this one’s made of brass and costs a grand less. The second stage is plated with Zirconium for added corrosion resistance. Though it’s the cheapest in the Atomic line, the Z2 will likely outperform other companies’ top-of-the-line regulators. 714-375-1433; www.atomicaquatics.com.
3) TUSA X-Pert Zoom FF-9
The Basics: $45; full foot, split fin; low turbulence
In Depth: Go faster and farther with less effort. That’s what Tusa’s newest full-foot fins offer. Relying on proven hybrid-fin technology, the lightweight FF-9 generates lift by creating a pressure differential both above and below the blade. The result: plenty of propulsion from light kicks. Though they can generate enough power for scuba, the FF-9 is best suited for snorkeling and freediving. 562-498-3708; www.tusa.com.
4) Sea & Sea DX-8000G
The Basics: $1,070; deep-water, high-speed digital camera
In Depth: Cement those bragging rights by bringing home photographic proof of that shark close encounter. With 8.24-megapixel resolution, the DX-8000G is setting the standard for underwater photography. The housing is sturdy and waterproof to 180 feet; the camera offers wide-angle to telephoto zoom and can be removed from the housing for dryland use. Best of all, the DX-8000G has minimal shutter lag (just 0.10 seconds), so you’re sure to catch the underwater action. www.seaandsea.com.
5) Oceanic Outrigger HLT
The Basics: $688; low-profile, rear-inflation buoyancy compensator with lumbar support
In Depth: A full-featured buoyancy compensator (BC) with a twist—the Outrigger blends the comfort and freedom of movement of a rear inflation BC with the improved float of a jacket-style BC. The key is a front bladder with 15 pounds of float that’ll have you face-up and perpendicular to the surface. It’s best for the diver who has everything. 510-562-0500; www.OceanicWorldwide.com.
Last Updated: Mar 7th, 2006 - 15:46:50
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