July 2007

By John Brumm

Photography by Joseph Byrd

Oceanic Datamask

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| Oceanic Datamask|
Oceanic has been teasing us for years with the promise of a civilian version of the heads-up display mask it developed for the military. Good news: This spring the company delivered on the first round of beta-test units ahead of a planned full-scale release this summer. The better news: If you've been salivating at the prospect of a hands-free computer that provides at-a-glance data, the Datamask doesn't disappoint.

The built-in computer is a fully functional single-gas unit capable of handling nitrox mixes up to 50 percent. It comes with a transmitter for wireless air integration and is easy to program and navigate using two push buttons. Our demo unit was easy to read by glancing down and to the right, but was unobtrusive when our attention was focused outside the mask. In primary dive mode, the simple screen layout displays all the critical data you need: current depth, cylinder pressure, a nitrogen tissue-loading bar graph and safe dive time remaining. The surprising thing about the Datamask is how light it is. The silicone skirt has been sized to fit a wide range of faces, and the result is a mask that remained comfortable during extended pool sessions and over multiple dives. Price: $1,495.95. Contact: www.OceanicWorldwide.com.

Seasoft Flashlight Pocket

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| Seasoft Flashlight Pocket|
Just about all divers like carrying pocket lights, but not all divers have spare pockets to stow them. Seasoft's new flashlight pocket provides a pretty nifty solution. Measuring 6 inches tall, the pocket is made of rugged cordura nylon with a stiffener band around the mouth to maintain its shape. On back are a couple of loops for slipping over webbing, plus a retractor whose cord threads inside the pocket and clips to a Underwater Kinetics SL4 dive light. The loops let you mount the pocket on just about any strap or web belt (it will even fit on some cummerbunds). The retractor keeps the light secure in the pocket--even when you're in a heads-down position--and prevents accidental drops. It also acts as a guide so you can reholster the light without having to grope for the pocket. It's designed to hold UK's SL4 and SL6 dive lights, but will accommodate virtually any similar-sized flashlight. Price: $79.99 with a SL4; $49.99 without. Contact: www.seasoftscuba.com.

Scubapro Nova Scotia 6.5mm Semi-Dry Wetsuit

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| Scubapro Nova Scotia 6.5mm Semi-Dry Wetsuit|
"Best of both worlds" is an often-used phrase, but here's a case where it really applies. The Nova Scotia provides the plush-lined comfort, snug fit and excellent flexibility of a state-of-the-art, high-stretch wetsuit, plus it keeps water out almost as well as a dry suit. After climbing into our test model--a task made easy thanks to EverFlex stretch panels under the arms, behind the knees and in the crotch--we hit the water. After 45 minutes, we peeled off the suit to find ourselves bone dry from the waist up, with only spot-dampness from the waist down. The suit is glued and blind-stitched, uses a waterproof shoulder zipper and a first-rate Glideskin double-seal system. On wrists and ankles, the inner seals fold under against your skin, while the outer seals fold down over your gloves and boots, sandwiching them. The neck also features a Glideskin seal, plus a neck dam for sandwiching the lower edge of the included 6/3mm hood. The suit delivers excellent range of motion except in the shoulders where the rather stiff zipper track reduces flexibility somewhat. The Tatex kneepads are great. They look good and provide a lot of protection, yet don't inhibit leg movement. Price: $497. Contact: www.scubapro.com.

Kapitol Reef Snorkel

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| Kapitol Reef Snorkel|
The Kapitol Reef snorkel is different from most in that it separates inhaled and exhaled air into two separate channels--a wide outer inhalation tube surrounds a narrow inner exhaust tube. Inside the snorkel there's also a specially designed chamber that uniquely regulates exhalation pressure to counter ambient water pressure. According to the manufacturer, this design prevents inhaled air from mixing with exhaled carbon dioxide, reduces the natural tendency for inhalation muscles to fatigue and provides a more efficient delivery of oxygen into the bloodstream, resulting in a significant reduction of respiratory rate and anxiety.

As a working dive snorkel, the Kapitol Reef delivers a different breathing experience than traditional snorkels. This new design felt slightly harder to exhale through initially, but the real test will be if it helps people feel more comfortable and safer for longer outings in the water. The snorkel also creates a bit more hydro-drag underwater than some traditional snorkels due to its larger size. But it has a fluid shape and its clip holds it closer to the head than most. This snorkel forgoes a purge valve below the mouthpiece as the pressurized system directs all water to exit up and out the exhaust tube without any blasts. Tip: Instead of clearing the Kapitol Reef snorkel with a burst of air like you would a traditional snorkel, a slow, steady exhale while resurfacing provides the best results. This also reduces a telltale gurgling sound. On a traditional snorkel that sound would indicate that you can expect a wet breath, but on the Kapitol Reef snorkel it's more of an annoyance than an actual hindrance to dry breathing. (The manufacturer claims to have eliminated most of this gurgling, and hopes to eventually eliminate it all.) Bonus: the Kapitol Reef snorkel comes with an easy-to-use clip that will fit virtually all mask straps. Price: $89. Contact: www.kapitolreef.com.

UK 1127 Loadout Case

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| UK 1127 Loadout Case|
When it comes to protection, sensitive and expensive gear deserves to be coddled. The UK 1127, a mid-sized member of the Loadout Case line from Underwater Kinetics, is made of a special polypropylene resin blend with rigid reinforced walls. This durable, noncorrosive design is waterproof, shockproof and virtually indestructible. A pressure-equalization valve lets you easily open the case, even after a change in altitude or temperature. The lid itself is fitted with a neoprene O-ring, six stainless-steel twist-lock latches and molded loops to attach padlocks. The stainless-steel hinge pin is full-length and easily removable. When it comes time to heft, three spring-loaded handles pull out for gripping, then stow tight against the sides until needed again. The model we checked out measures 29 inches wide by 20 inches deep by 12 inches tall and comes with a pair of three-inch roller wheels and a retractable pull handle, making it easy to maneuver a heavy load through an airport. Available with or without pluck foam. Price: $466.20 with foam; $390.60 without. Contact: www.ukinternational.com.