By Bill Kendig

Photography by Joseph Byrd

Mares She Dives! Rash Guard

With the summer dive season in full swing, it's time to break out the ultra-light exposure protection, like the new She Dives! short-sleeve rash guard from Mares. Made of 85 percent nylon and 15 percent spandex, this high-stretch, lightweight top provides cool comfort as well as protection-from the sun's scorching rays (30+ SPF), the scrapes and stings of marine life, and chafing from your BC. It looks pretty sharp, too. The blue fog color scheme and graphics are coordinated with the rest of the She Dives! collection of gear that is designed to be "beautiful to look at and even better to dive with." The rash guard is also available in a long-sleeve version. Contact: www.mares.com.

Scubapro MK2 Plus/R295

The new MK2 Plus/R295 keeps things simple. The first stage is a proven piston design with a single high-pressure port and four low-pressure ports, as well as Scubapro's Thermal Insulating System (TIS). The new R295 second stage is a compact, lightweight, classic downstream second stage with a modern look. The flexible purge is large and easy to access, and the fixed position VIVA (flow vane) prevents free-flow on the surface.

In the water, the MK2 Plus/R295 was a comfortable, dry and easy breather. The mouthpiece is soft with large tabs, allowing a relaxed bite. In inverted swimming positions, it remained dry and cleared with little effort after removal and replacement drills. Ease of breathing was good and while a breathing machine would be able to tell the difference between this and more expensive regulators, we couldn't. The R295 is also available as an octopus. Price: MK2 Plus/R295 $274. Contact: www.scubapro-uwatec.com.

Dan surface signal kit

When there's trouble on the water, getting noticed is the first step to getting rescued. You'll be hard to miss when you inflate this six-foot signaling tube. It comes in high-visibility orange and has a two-inch reflective stripe on one side. To inflate, just attach the valve to your BC inflator hose and tank pressure does the rest. And to increase your chances of summoning help in all conditions, there's a mesh pocket built into the tube that comes fully loaded with a Wind Storm safety whistle, signaling mirror and a chemical light stick. The tube rolls up neatly and securely with its own Velcro strap into a 7.5- by 3-inch package that you can clip to your BC or tuck into a large pocket. Price: $54. Contact: www.diversalertnetwork.org.

Apollo Bio-Filter

Nervous about rust, dust particles or trace amounts of oil that might be lurking in those old rental tanks? Breathe easier with the Apollo Bio-Filter. The device installs between your first stage and your primary regulator hose, and contains both an activated charcoal filter to remove contaminants and a moisture-replenishing wick to humidify dry air. When we tested it on the ANSTI machine, we found that it doesn't adversely affect breathing performance, but there are certain maintenance issues involved in the pursuit of squeaky clean air. The Bio-Filter has five user-serviceable O-rings that need periodic lubrication, and you'll need to remove the wick and allow the unit to dry completely at the end of your dive day. Apollo recommends a maximum depth of 130 feet and there are also limitations on using the filter with nitrox or mixed gases. Price: $199.99, includes one wick and two charcoal filters. Contact: www.diveapollo.com.

Divegear Boat Coat

The last time Scuba Lab reviewed dive parkas, the Divegear Boat Coat was one of our favorites, earning a Testers' Choice rating for its combination of comfort and features. Now the company has updated the classic apres-dive garment with a laundry list of improvements inside and out. One of the most noticeable differences between the old and the new Boat Coat is the nylon outer shell. The new version is softer, but still sheds water and shields you from wind, which is job one for any dive parka. Improved Velcro straps at the wrist, shock cords in the hood and a wind flap behind the zipper now make it easier to bundle up when conditions are less than ideal. Cold hands will find refuge in exterior pockets that are now lined on both sides with fleece-a nice touch-and close with Velcro. Inside, there's a higher grade of fleece lining and they added a cell phone pocket complete with its own Velcro closure. But the best part may be what didn't change: the price. Available in five sizes (small to XXL) and two colors (black or royal blue), the Boat Coat is still $150. Contact: www.divegearusa.com.

Body Glove EXO 7mm Fullsuit

Body Glove puts a slant on the new EXO 7mm fullsuit. The EXO starts with Future Flex (a super soft, flexible neoprene), lines the interior with Thermofiber (hollow fiber panels), and seals it with FluidSeal (a liquid seam tape that stretches). Superflex kneepads protect your investment and screened graphics on the shoulders keep your BC from slip-sliding away. An adjustable Velcro collar and interior key pocket top off the list of features. The Slant Zip entry is one of those ideas that just work. The angled placement is easy to operate and adds flexibility. The stretchy neoprene and the anatomical design make the suit easy to put on and they provide a snug fit. We found that Future Flex material is also resistant to Velcro and should stand up to attacks from your BC's cummerbund, keeping it looking new. Price: $395.99. Contact: www.bodyglove.com.