Why does innovation in the dive-gear manufacturing industry matter? Of course, there have been some significant technological advances that made scuba diving safer—understanding the effects of water pressure on the body, refining the modern regulator and developing dive computers.

But not all innovations are pioneering, game-changing developments or products. Instead, a company that constantly innovates is one with a corporate philosophy that puts its customers first and maintains a manufacturing tradition that’s dedicated to quality.

Founded in 1976, IST started as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), producing high-quality masks and snorkels for well-known international brands, and then established its own brand, making products as IST Sports Corp. IST Sports researched and developed new dive gear, expanding its product line and never losing sight of its corporate mission to make quality gear at an affordable price. As IST’s mission statement says: “It is our promise to uphold our company’s mission, never be complacent, and to continually pursue and implement improvements.”

This corporate mission has paid off: IST Sports scuba gear has earned ScubaLab Testers Choice and Best Buy awards for its WS80 3 mm wetsuit, Dolphin Tech T-24040 dive light and MP110 mask.

Whether the innovations are small or game-changers, IST Sports believes in constantly improving. Here are six products that are the result of that philosophy:

1. T-60 Dive Light

Key Features at a Glance

• Runs on rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion or CR123A batteries
• Made from 6061-T6 lightweight aluminum material
• Patented built-in sliding cover provides protection when using the diffuser

A good dive light for low light conditions—such as cave diving or wreck and night diving—and helps keep you safe. This sleek, versatile 1,200-lumen compact torch (5.2 inches long) comes with a removable light diffuser and a sliding shade. The T-60's magnetic switch lets you easily cycle through four brightness settings—high, mid, low and SOS flash—with a simple twist. The torch’s aluminum housing is lightweight and rugged, and it is rated waterproof to 100 meters.

2. ProEar Mask

Key Features at a Glance

• Special tube and seal system automatically equalizes ear pressure as diver exhales into mask
• Prevents pressure-induced ear barotrauma
  • Enhanced underwater hearing and sense of direction • Watertight ear cups keep water out to keep ears warm and prevent infection
• Enhanced underwater hearing and sense of direction
• Watertight ear cups keep water out to keep ears warm and prevent infection

If you struggle with ear issues, you’ll want to give serious consideration to the IST ProEar Mask. It’s a standard, comfortably fitting face mask, but it has two protectors along the sides that fit over the diver’s ears. The tube system in these protectors works automatically as the diver exhales, making for easy equalization. The ProEar not only helps prevent inner-ear infections, it also helps to avoid more serious barotrauma to the ear. There’s a prescription-lens option, as well as an optional, specially designed hood to wear with this mask.

3. J-1900 Delta BCD

Key Features at a Glance

• 40 lbs. lift in a back-inflated bladder
• 2 stainless-steel D-rings
• K-style power inflator
• 16-inch military-grade corrugated rubber hose
• 2 quick-release weight pockets; max load 8.8 lbs. (4kg) each

An exceptional range of adjustment allows a single size of this back-inflation BC to fit most divers. Compact enough for easy travel, it has 40 pounds of lift to cover any type of diving. The integrated weight pockets are zippered at the top for easy loading, and ditch with a pinch of the buckles. The sternum straps slide vertically on adjusters for a precise fit.

4. AF3 Anti-Fog Gel

Key Features at a Glance

• Long-lasting, non-toxic, alcohol-free gel formula
• Biodegradable

The concept is simple: Anti-fog products prevent the condensation of water in the form of small droplets on a surface, which resemble fog. IST’s anti-fog gel protection is long-lasting—you most likely won’t need to reapply it when making multiple dives—and comes in a 1-ounce (30 mL) bottle.

5. AF4 Anti-Fog and Lens Cleaner

Key Features at a Glance

• Two-in-one formula has both an anti-fogger and lens cleaner
• Long-lasting, nontoxic, alcohol-free formula

Anti-fog treatments were first developed by NASA during Project Gemini, so it makes sense the dive industry would adopt the innovation for keeping dive masks free from fogging. Like IST’s gel defogger, this combo anti-fogger and lens cleaner uses a long-lasting, nontoxic, biodegradable formula and comes in a 1-ounce (30 mL) bottle.

6. WR3-F Glow-in-the-Dark, Multi-side UW Writing Slate

Key Features at a Glance

• Unique slate with elastic hinge allows extra writing space without losing compactness
• Attach to the forearm for streamlining
• Charcoal pencil prevents corrosion

Whether you are a scuba teaching professional or a recreational diver, you’ll love this compact (4.1 inches by 4.7 inches/10.5 cm by 12 cm) slate for communicating instructions, notes or even underwater emergencies. Best of all, if you’re diving at night or in low-viz conditions, this slate lights up, making it easy to locate and read.

To learn more about IST products visit istsports.com

Details

Phone: 909-622-9220

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.istsports.com