All of Apeks' XTX regulators feature a Reversible Venturi System (RVS), which allows regs to be converted from a right-handed hose configuration to a left-handed one. Moreover, the XTX range of regs incorporates the Diver Changeable Exhausts system (DCE), which gives divers the ability to switch between a small exhaust tee and a large exhaust tee. (A wider tee yields less bubble interference, especially useful for underwater photographers.) Apeks makes several of these "customizable" XTX regs, from the hardy XTX200, suitable for cold-water diving, down to the XTX20, more appropriate for warm-water diving.
[Via X-Ray ...
We drooled over Atomic's T2 Regulator over the past few months. We also hyperventilated over the $1400 price tag. However, did you know that Atomic has a Z2 reg -- similar to the T2, but much, much cheaper? Boasting many of the features found in the corrosion-free, titanium T2, the Z2 is made from from chrome-plated brass, stainless steel, and zirconium (hence the name Z2). Evidently, the Z2 breathes as easily as the T2, has a lifetime warranty, and is nitrox-compatible up to 40% right out of the box.
[Via ...
This weekend, I had to say goodbye to an old friend. My Dacor reg -- which has served me for the past 18 years -- finally gave up the ghost. According to my LDS, replacement parts are no longer available for it, and it seemed...well...time to move on. So I purchased a new reg: an Oceanic Alpha 8. I haven't gotten to test it yet -- I'm going diving this weekend, however! -- and I'm anxious to see how it performs.
For the past 18 years, I've carefully coiled my reg inside my BC and carefully placed my BC inside ...
Beuchat, a French company, recently released their new VX200, a high-end reg with an integrated anti-freeze system, and "new geometry of the expansion chamber for improved stability of the Venturi effect." The VX200 is more expensive than the VX80, which is often considered a "basic dive-school-type model." However, when John Bantin took both models out for a head-to-head, he discovered to his surprise that the VX80 "breathes perfectly." After a lot of rambling, some French, and a little philosophy about breathing nitrox 32 at 147 feet, the upshot is this: while the VX80 may be an "entry-level" product, it is ...
Halcyon Manufacturing has identified a very small number of Halcyon Explorer-40 BC's sold after July 2005 that could develop problems over time. In these few units it is possible that the over pressure valve (OPV) could ...
X-Ray Magazine has provided excellent scuba, photo, and marine news in their downloadable magazines since February of 2004. This weekend, they released their 10th issue. As usual, it’s completely free. Also as usual, it’s completely great: X-Ray is quickly proving itself to be among the best dive-related resources out ...
If you don't have the luxury of a large gear bag when you travel, saving space might be important to you. In that case, you might want to consider a folding mask. Although they don't feature a hinge that really "folds" them in half, folding masks are masks that lay down ...
Do you scuba dive with a bunch of shady characters? Do you feel uncomfortable leaving cash or other important documents on the boat when you get wet? If so, maybe the Aqua Roo is for you. Fashioned from abrasion-resistant ripstop double-coated nylon, the Aqua Roo is a fully submersible waistbelt ...
Most wetsuits are made from a few large pieces of rubber that are cut to resemble the human form. They are then stretched to fit a "person" and stitched together. Wetsuits made in this fashion often lack durability: the seams are stressed from holding together the large pieces of material that are stretched over a person's body. However, if ...
Olympus released their 7.5 megapixel Live View digital E-330 SLR this year to much hoopla. The first SLR camera to offer the ability for users to see an image on the LCD before the shutter is depressed, the E-330 is, well, revolutionary. Recently, Jeff Mullins, owner of Tulamben's Reef Wreck ...