By Bill Kendig

Photography by Joseph Byrd

Mares M2 Computer

|||
|---|---|
| |
Simple to use, easy to read and loaded with a useful set of features, this new budget computer from Mares offers a lot of bang for the buck. It's an updated version of the M1 computer and it uses the latest version of the Mares-Wienke RGBM algorithm. The buttons have been repositioned on the M2 and the software updated for easier navigation. The memory can store up to 38 hours of dive profiles, and there is a simulator function that takes into account your nitrogen loading and the oxygen percentage of nitrox blends to help your dive planning or if you just want to play "what if?" Bonus: The computer runs on two AAA batteries that are user-changeable. We took the M2 for a test dive and found the bold numbers easy to read and liked the large ascent rate indicator bars and the automatic safety stop feature. Price: $300. Contact: www.mares.com.

Tilos Renaissance II Gearbag

|||
|---|---|
| |
The Renaissance II rolling dive bag is really two bags in one. The spacious front compartments actually belong to a detachable carry-on backpack. Faster than you can say "Mini-Me," you can unzip the backpack and head toward the security checkpoint. The Renaissance II's main compartment is reinforced on the back and the sides with hard plastic panels, and it's big enough for one set of carefully packed gear. The overall exterior dimensions are 29 x 20 x 9.5 inches, which meets current airline regulations for checked baggage. Measuring 23 x 13 x 7.5 inches, the backpack is a legal-sized carry-on bag. It comes with padded backpack straps and an expanding mesh compartment. The two zippered compartments have substantial cargo space--we were able to easily pack a complete regulator set, mask and snorkel and change of clothes. Price: $305.20. Contact: www.tilos.com.

Akona BC Pro-Kit

|||
|---|---|
| |
Dress up your Sherwood Scuba or Genesis Scuba BC with the handy extras found in Akona's BC Pro-Kit. Inside you'll find a compact halogen flashlight (batteries included), a mini-retractor with quick-disconnect clip for the light, a large retractor for instruments, the Akona 316 stainless-steel blunt-tip knife and an installation tool. All the components are specially designed to work with existing retainer straps and grommets on all post-2001 Sherwood and Genesis BC models for quick and easy assembly. Price: $100. Contact: www.akona.com.

Mares Trilastic 5/4/3

|||
|---|---|
| |
The Trilastic 5/4/3 wetsuit combines a blend of materials and thicknesses to offer comfortable and versatile exposure protection. The core area is protected by 5mm of neoprene with a smooth skin exterior to prevent evaporative cooling. Arms and legs are made of a more flexible 4mm stretch neoprene. Neck and cuff seals are 3.5mm smooth skin for easy entry and flow control. The Trilastic is very easy to put on thanks to the plush lining, stretchy arms and legs and slick, skin-in cuffs. Internal seams are smartly finished with spot welds, and the glued and blind-stitched seams assist smoothskin seals to keep water out. The Trilastic 5/4/3 is available in five men's sizes and six women's sizes. Price: $299. Contact: www.mares.com.

Aqua Lung Snap & Impulse 3 Snorkels

|||
|---|---|
| |
The Snap lives up to its name by snapping to attention when called to action. And when you don't need a breathing tube, it folds up into a small retaining clip and packs away in the smallest of BC pockets. The Snap is available in black or clear. Price: $39. The Impulse 3 is an improved, more streamlined version of Aqua Lung's innovative Impulse snorkel. It uses a two-valve system to direct water out of the tube. The first valve is at the top, where water slides down the walls of the snorkel to be diverted out. Water that gets past the first valve drains out through a purge valve below the mouthpiece. When you surface from a dive, the water starts draining immediately and all it takes to clear the snorkel completely is a light puff of air. The Impulse 3 is available in blue, silver, black/neon yellow, neon yellow, transparent red, transparent blue, transparent aqua and transparent neon lime. Price: $49 for the flex snorkel (shown); $47 for the nonflex version. Contact: www.aqualung.com.