December 2007

By John Brumm, Bill Kendig and Keith Phillips

Photography by Joseph Byrd

Over the past 12 months, in both Scuba Lab reviews and our Gear Bag new products column, we've covered approximately 182 individual pieces of gear ranging from cutting-edge dive computers and regulators to basic accessories. This month, we decided to look back and name a few of our favorites as selected by the staff of Scuba Diving.

BCs

The BCs we reviewed this year were a real mixed bag, ranging from ultra-simple, no-frills, jacket-style models to cutting-edge new designs. Here are some of the best new performers from our review, which first appeared in the April issue, and is now available online at www.scubadiving.com/gear/bcompensators.

Aeris Atmos LX

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Aeris Atmos LX|
Can't decide whether a jacket-style or a back-buoyancy BC best suits your diving style? Don't sweat it--go for an Atmos LX. This super comfortable hybrid BC delivers the buoyant lift benefits of both styles. The bulk of the air cell, which provides the majority of the lift, is positioned behind you and out of the way. The balance wraps around the waist area for comfort and stability on the surface. It's a nifty design that's complemented by a very efficient integrated-weight system. The weight pouches have stiff, contoured backs making for easier loading and are secured with a mechanical buckle backed up by Velcro. Large handles make ditching weights a snap. For an all-purpose BC, this is a winner. $539.95. www.diveaeris.com.
Mares Icon & Aliikai

||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|

| |

|
| Mares Aliikai| | Mares Icon|
The Icon, along with its female-cut version, the Aliikai, is a full-sized back-buoyancy BC that can handle the demands of temperate waters with ease, yet is well suited for tropical dive travel. Offering a semi-hard pack design, up to 40 pounds of lift and an MRS-Plus weight system that can hold almost as much in ballast, this full-featured BC will fit the bill for most dry suit divers. At the same time, if you want to head for warmer waters, the BC's Quick-Pak system lets you fold the BC into a neat, compact bundle for traveling. Soft padding, plush lining and a padded neoprene collar make this a very comfortable BC, while pre-shaped, pivoting shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap let you fine-tune fit. $525. www.mares.com.
DUI Delta Wings

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| DUI Delta Wings|
Here's a back-buoyancy BC for the whole family. The Delta Wings features a "one size fits all" design that will accommodate a 100-pound woman or a 250-pound man. All you have to do is make a few quick and easy adjustments, and you're good to go. Once you hit the water, you'll find the Delta Wings is a serious BC, with a circular air cell offering 45 pounds of lift and a bevy of heavy-duty D-rings, built-in retractors and stainless steel tank buckles. At the same time, its soft-pack design and padded backpad keep things comfortable, all without adding any inherent buoyancy. The integrated-weight pockets are easy to load, and ditch with a ripcord-style release. The BC also comes with an optional waist belt for non-weight-integrated diving. $638. www.dui-online.com.
Sea Quest Pro QD i3

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Sea Quest Pro QD i3|
Seven size choices, combined with contoured shoulders and swivel buckles, allow you to achieve a glove-like fit. The SureLock integrated-weight system is easy to load and even easier to deploy. Expanding gussets on cargo pockets increase their usability. These features alone would make for a pretty nice BC. But the Pro QD takes it up a notch with its i3 integrated inflation system. The i3 replaces the traditional corrugated inflation hose with a power inflate/deflate lever that is conveniently located on the front of the BC where your hand can find it every time. Lift the lever to ascend, press down to descend. It doesn't get any easier than that. $655. www.aqualung.com.
Tusa BCJ-6900 X-Pert BB

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Tusa BCJ-6900 X-Pert BB|
Compact and super comfy, the BCJ-6900 X-Pert BB is one of the most streamlined back-buoyancy BCs we've seen. Starting up front, you'll find virtually no bulk in the chest area. Around back, a three-dimensional air cell with spandex panels keeps everything tidy. Easy to rig, the BC's tank band has a unique cam buckle with a flat spot on it that provides a "half closed" position for a simplified lock-down. There's also a tank positioning strap--always a plus when rigging a weight-integrated BC. In the water, a low-profile inflator and three remote exhaust valves allow you to maintain pinpoint control of your buoyancy. Overall, it's a good all-round BC, and it packs up easily for traveling. $460. www.tusa.com.

Regulators

Our 2007 regulator reviews (primary regs in July and alternate inflator regs in August) showcased one of the most outstanding crop of new breathers we've ever evaluated. As a group, they earned more Excellent ratings on the breathing machine than any test group in recent memory. Several featured radical new designs and features, and some introduced new materials in order to improve comfort, performance and corrosion resistance. If you're in the market for a new regulator, now is a great time to buy. Here are some we consider standouts, but be sure to read both full reports at www.scubadiving.com/gear/regulators.

Atomic Aquatics ST1

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Atomic Aquatics ST1|
En route to earning a Testers' Choice nod in this year's review, the ST1 proved to be the latest in a long line of top-performing regs from Atomic Aquatics. It sports a balanced piston first stage with a body milled from 316 stainless steel, while the pneumatically balanced second stage features a valve body and lever made of corrosion-resistant titanium. It's loaded with all the performance goodies Atomic regs are famous for, plus adds a couple dollops of comfort by way of a well-designed mouthpiece and Atomic's Comfort Swivel. In the 2007 primary reg review, the ST1 also turned in the lowest work of breathing scores on the ANSTI machine and was named the "smoothest breather of the bunch" by test divers. $899; $939 w/sealed yoke or DIN valve. www.atomicaquatics.com.

Scubapro MK11/R395 & MK11/S555

||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|

| |

|
| Scubapro MK11/S555| | Scubapro MK11/R395|
Few regs offer this kind of breathing performance at such easy-on-the-wallet prices. Both of these breathers earned top honors in this year's reg tests--a Testers' Choice for the MK11/S555 and a Best Buy for the MK11/R395. The compact over-balanced diaphragm MK11 is the engine for both systems. It's a proven performer both on the ANSTI breathing machine and in the water. The main difference between the S555 and the R395 is that the former is pneumatically balanced and the latter is not. This makes the breathing on the S555 less hiccupy in alternate diving positions, but more expensive; the R395 is not as smooth in some dive positions, but cheaper. Take your pick. Either way, you walk away a winner. MK11/R395--$398; MK11/S555--$498. www.scubapro.com.

Mares Proton 12 Metal

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Mares Proton 12 Metal|
If you like your breathing performance in a compact package, you'll love the Proton 12 Metal. It's been one of Mares' best-breathing balanced diaphragm regulators for years, and is still going strong. What's new about it? The first-stage Tri-Material valve is now made of brass and two different polyurethane compounds for longer life and better performance. It comes with Dynamic Flow Control, a dedicated low-pressure port that increases airflow to the second stage. Size-wise, the Proton second stage is about as compact as they come. Its all-metal construction reduces dry mouth and makes it well suited for cold-water diving, and its Vortex Assisted Design second stage doesn't require user adjustments, which means all you have to do is breathe. Lightweight, compact, smooth breathing and easy to use: What's not to love? $450. www.mares.com.
Atomic Aquatics SS1

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Atomic Aquatics SS1|
While designed to replace your octopus, the breathing performance of this backup rig just may tempt you to replace your primary reg. Compact, lightweight and built to last, the SS1 is made with either 316 stainless-steel or titanium components in a fiberglass-reinforced nylon body. It features Atomic's "Seat Saving Orifice," the same one used in Atomic's primary regs, to maintain peak performance over time. With large control buttons and a soft oval purge cover, the SS1 is easy to use, either as a power inflator or backup reg. It also comes with threaded adapters so you can remove it from your BC for cleaning and storage with your primary reg. With all those features and chart-topping breathing machine performance, it was a 2007 Testers' Choice. Stainless--$249M; Titanium--$370. www.atomicaquatics.com.

Sherwood Scuba Gemini

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Sherwood Scuba Gemini|
The Gemini is a new star among alternate inflator regs, and for good reason. This backup breather turned in some of the best ANSTI breathing machine scores in August's review of inflator regs. In fact, it was only one of two units tested that was able to survive all four of our breathing machine tests, and in real-world use, test divers reported it breathed as well as some primary regs. It also does a great job as a BC power inflator, thanks to a slim profile and diver-friendly buttons that make ascent control smooth and easy. All in all, a well-deserved 2007 Best Buy. $200. www.sherwoodscuba.com.

Apeks XTX50 Status/XTX200 Status

||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|

| |

|
| Apeks XTX50 Status| | Apeks XTX200 Status|
The XTX50 Status and XTX200 Status from Apeks are the first regulators to feature a built-in electronic intermediate pressure gauge that indicates if the pressure is "HI," "LO" or "OK" before every dive. The electronics also track the date and hours of use and tell you when it's time for routine servicing. Digital envy aside, these are top-performers, with slightly different versions of an over-balanced, environmentally sealed diaphragm first stage (the larger XTX50 first stage sports a rotating hose turret; the XTX200 first stage is more compact); excellent breathing adjustment knobs and ratcheted venturi levers. Both regs dive dry, have comfortable mouthpieces and feature reversible hose configurations. XTX50--$847; XTX200--$990. www.aqualung.com.

Computers

Like everything else that runs on microchips, dive computers are getting smarter, faster and more functional at a head-spinning pace. The 10 machines we put to the test in June's Scuba Lab review of new dive computers (see: www.scubadiving.com/gear/divecomputers) all performed admirably and set a new standard for what to expect from a data-cruncher. Since then, several new computers have hit the market that raise the bar even more. Here are some of our favorite state-of-the-art models.

Aeris Manta

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Aeris Manta|
The Aeris Manta (and its nearly identical twin, the Oceanic Geo) is an easy-to-use wristwatch dive computer you'll enjoy wearing above water almost as much as below. It's a fully functional dive computer with air, nitrox (up to 50 percent), gauge and free-dive modes. Even though the display is small, good-sized numbers and an intuitive display make critical dive information (depth, no-decompression time, bottom time and a nitrogen-loading bar graph) easy to read on the main screen. But the best feature may be its reasonable price--$429.95. www.diveAERIS.com.

Mares Nemo Excel, Nemo Sport, Nemo Wide

|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|

|
| Mares Nemo Excel|
| |
|

| |

|
| Mares Nemo Sport| | Mares Nemo Wide|
The entire Nemo family of dive computers from Mares is making a big splash in recreational diving, and impressed both our Scuba Lab test divers and the Scuba Diving staff. The recently released Nemo Excel wristwatch computer is elegance with an edge. Thanks to the well-machined stainless steel and black matte case, you'll feel comfortable wearing it anywhere above or below water. As a dive computer, it's nitrox-capable for mixes up to 50 percent and offers gauge and free-diving modes. It also uses the Mares-Wienke RGBM micro-bubble algorithm, which now includes deep stop procedures ($600). The Nemo Sport is another wristwatch computer that will earn you admiring glances from divers and nondivers alike. The Sport can be set for air or nitrox mixes up to 99 percent, but doesn't offer free-dive or gauge modes. It uses the Mares RGBM Sport Algorithm with deep stop capability, and in our 2007 Scuba Lab review, this computer impressed test divers with an intuitive display and a competitive retail price ($450). Sporting a 2.15- by 1.4-inch display with a 170-degree viewing angle, the Nemo Wide wristmount computer displays all the data you need in big, bold digits. It's also easy to use, with four intuitive control buttons that let you scroll between functions, settings and alternate screens. It's even easy to maintain, thanks to a user-replaceable battery. The Nemo Wide can track dives on air or nitrox mixes up to 50 percent and offers a lot of computer for the price ($550). www.mares.com.

Uwatec Galileo Sol

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Uwatec Galileo Sol|
Released just this fall, the Galileo is the coolest new computer we've seen this year and it's loaded with so many features that your pulse may quicken just putting it on--and you'll know that thanks to the built-in heart-rate monitor. It offers wireless air-integration with as many as four high-pressure transmitters (up to 4,350 psi). It tracks three nitrox mixes up to 100 percent, and calculates true remaining bottom time, which takes into account a combination of factors, including tank pressure, breathing rate, depth and upcoming decompression obligations. Its memory lets you store your most recent 100 hours of dive information, and its logbook stores six pages of information for each dive, including two graphical charts. As if this wasn't enough, the Galileo has the coolest, most useful digital compass we've ever seen on a dive computer. This could be love. $1,980. www.scubapro.com.

Aeris Elite T3

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Aeris Elite T3|
The Elite T3 (and the similar Oceanic VT3) is one of the most feature-rich computers we tested in 2007. It's capable of reading up to three transmitters and tracking three different nitrox mixes per dive. It also has the unique Buddy Pressure Check feature, which allows you to keep tabs on another diver's gas supply. The screen is easy to read and three push buttons offer easy setup and navigation through all settings and menus. While the T3 and VT3 offer all the same functions, their displays (particularly when it comes to bar graphs for ascent rates, nitrogen loading and oxygen loading) are different. Both are easy to read, but the T3 holds a slight edge in our staff's opinion. $689.95 (computer only); $999.95 with transmitter. www.diveAERIS.com.

Oceanic Atom 2.0

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Oceanic Atom 2.0|
The Atom 2.0 Atom wristwatch computer (as well as its clone, the Aeris Epic) comes loaded with all the features most divers will ever need, including a wireless air integration system that lets you track three different nitrox mixes (up to 100 percent oxygen) on a single dive. If you're more Rec than Tec, you can use up to two transmitters and the unique Buddy Pressure Check function to monitor the gas supplies of other divers. It operates in air, nitrox, gauge and free-dive modes, and for a compact watch unit is remarkably easy to read. Price: $689.95 for computer; $999.95 with one transmitter. www.OceanicWorldwide.com.

Oceanic DataMask

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Oceanic DataMask|
If you've been salivating at the prospect of a hands-free computer that provides at-a-glance data, the wait is over. Built right into the frame of the Oceanic DataMask is a fully functional single-gas dive computer 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. Underwater, just glance down and to the right and a 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. Sweet. $1,495.95. www.OceanicWorldwide.com.

Exposure Suits

Nothing takes the fun out of diving faster than a case of the chills. That's why it's important to invest in top-quality exposure protection. While our May review covered only the newest 3mm wetsuit designs (see: www.scubadiving.com/gear/wetsuits/GR_wetsuits_11_tropical_wetsuits), we also featured a number of exceptional cold-water suits in the Gear Bag column. Here are a few of our favorites.

Body Glove EX3

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Body Glove EX3|
The basic black exterior of the EX3 hides a profusion of features that make this one sweet suit. There is plenty of insulation with this all-over 3mm full, but there is also plenty of stretch built in. Flex panels are placed in the arms, down the legs, at the back and knees for optimal mobility in this anatomically cut suit. Knees are well protected with a generous covering of supratex kneepads. Vapor Lock construction (glued and blind-stitched seams) brings it all together while Glideskin lined wrist, ankle and neck seals cut down on water transfer. Bottom line: The EX3 is a nice suit at a very reasonable price. 3mm--$197.95; 7mm--$257.95. www.bodyglove.com.

Henderson Aquatics InstaDry Gear

|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|

|
| Henderson Aquatics InstaDry 7mm suit|
| |
|

| |

|
| Henderson Aquatics InstaDry 3mm shorty| | Henderson Aquatics InstaDry Gloves/Boots|
When you travel as much as the staff of Scuba Diving, you really start to appreciate the quick-drying properties of the Henderson InstaDry line of wetsuits and accessories. Not only is the gear noticeably nicer to climb into each morning of a dive trip, it's also dry enough to pack next to your clothes when it's time to fly home. The seams on all InstaDry gear are glued and blind-stitched, and the smooth, anti-microbial Black Gold lining provides a skin-to-skin fit. The suits are available in 3mm (shorty and full), 5mm and 7mm versions and offer nice extras like a spine pad, O-ring ankle and wrist seals and an adjustable skin-in neck seal. The boots feature a custom-designed sole for superior wet traction; the gloves offer extraordinary dexterity. It's serious gear for serious divers, and in our view, worth every penny. 3mm suits--$316.48 to $495.48; 5mm suits--$547.64; 7mm suits--$579.68; Boots--$83.16 to $88.20; Gloves--$45.22 to $48.88; Hoods--$73.96 to $83.14. www.hendersonusa.com.

Akona Quantum Stretch 3mm

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Akona Quantum Stretch 3mm|
For comfort and flexibility, it's hard to beat this 3mm full suit from Akona. It puts the block on water with glued and blind-stitched construction, GlideSkin seals at the wrists, ankles and neck, and a flow-foiling flap guarding the zipper. It's made from a four-way stretch neoprene that conforms to your body for an easy, flexible fit. There's a reinforced pull loop at the zipper's base and the kneepads--while modest--are flex- ible and durable. Another nice touch: A coating material on the shoulders prevents your BC from shifting while worn and eliminates stretching when hung up to dry. $180. www.akona.com.

Mares Trilastic 8-6-5

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Mares Trilastic 8-6-5|
If you're tired of all the hassle, bulk and buoyancy that a two-piece suit entails but still need the warmth, then the Mares 8-6-5 Trilastic wetsuit is the answer to your prayers. Its large back-entry zipper and Sapphfire plush lining allow the suit to slide effortlessly over the skin, which simplifies donning and doffing. Wrist, neck, and ankle Sapphfire Skin seals keep the warmth in and cold water out and various thicknesses of soft, supple neoprene offer a range of motion that rivals many thinner suits--8mm flexible, skin-out Tri-Core neoprene covers the torso, more flexible 6mm neoprene wraps the arms and legs, and 5mm skin-in neoprene forms the neck, wrist and ankle seals. All seams are glued and blind-stitched. Shoulders are covered with an anti-skid coating to keep the BC from sliding, and this same material is used to protect the knees. A skin-in zipper flap creates an efficient seal and minimizes water intrusion, plus offers some spine padding. $350. www.mares.com.

Bare Sportswear 3/2 Velocity Full

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Bare Sportswear 3/2 Velocity Full|
You're practically guaranteed to find a friendly fit with the redesigned Velocity 3/2. Start with Bare's Progressive Stretch design, which incorporates three materials with differing elasticity, and then make it available in 16 men's and 13 women's sizes. The new contour neck is sealed to prevent scooping and gaskets stop flow at the wrists and ankles. Extra comfort and flexibility are provided by the Lumbare-X-Tender panel integrated in the back of the suit. The arms and legs are made of thinner 2mm neoprene, making the Velocity ideal for the warmer end of the tropical spectrum. For cooler climes, they are also available in 5/4 mm and 7/6mm thicknesses. 3/2mm--$199.95. 5/4mm--$269.95. 7/6mm--$299.95. www.baresportswear.com.

Scubapro Nova Scotia 6.5mm Semi-Dry Wetsuit

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Scubapro Nova Scotia 6.5mm Semi-Dry Wetsuit|
So you're a tropical diver trapped in a cold-water world? The Nova Scotia 6.5 provides excellent flexibility and keeps water out almost as good as a dry suit. The plush lining, snug fit and state-of-the-art EverFlex stretch panels under the arms, behind the knees and in the crotch area make donning and doffing easy. The suit is glued and blind-stitched, uses a waterproof shoulder zipper and a first-rate Glideskin double-seal system like those found on dry suits. 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, and the Tatex kneepads provide great protection without putting a kink in your kick. $499. www.scubapro.com.

Fins

When Scuba Lab reviews fins, we go all out. This year's fin test, hosted by Capt. Don's Habitat in Bonaire, was no exception, requiring 12 test divers and five test supervisors. Over the course of a week, we gathered objective performance data on the speed, thrust and maneuverability of 18 new fin designs. We also had multiple test divers provide their opinions of the fit, comfort, features and ergonomic performance based on real-world use. The complete results are now available online at www.scubadiving.com/gear/fins/2007fintest_18_new_fins, but here are some of the top performers that impressed our staff.

Oceanic Viper

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Oceanic Viper|
The Viper proves you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a great fin. This kicker is designed light and comfortable from a winning combination of materials, all at a winning price. A soft rubber foot pocket supported by a thick rubber heel strap abuts an oversized blade made with a combination of resilient rails and stiffening panels that flank a soft rubber center. This combines for a comfortable fin that delivers respectable speeds and thrust while excelling in tight cornering maneuvers. There isn't a kicking style this fin doesn't embrace, and in this year's fin tests, it was one of only two fins test divers rated Very Good in virtually every ergo category. $89.95. www.oceanicworldwide.com.

Mares Avanti Superchannel Fullfoot

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Mares Avanti Superchannel Fullfoot|
A 2007 Testers' Choice, this super-kicker delivered chart-topping performance when it came to speed, thrust, maneuverability and reef side kicking pleasure. Delivering lots of acceleration for just a little effort, and it's as nimble as an octopus tearing through eel grass. The Avanti Superchannel makes good use of Mares' Channel Thrust Technology, a system that directs water flow over the blade via a smart combination of soft rubber channels interspersed with flexible technopolymer stringers and flanked by a pair of side rails. Comfortable, flexible and fast, with a price tag sure to make you smile. $70. www.mares.com.

Mares Quattro Excel

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Mares Quattro Excel|
If you like to stay on the cutting-edge of fin design, the Quattro Excel is your fin. It uses Mares' Channel Thrust Technology, which combines flexible thermoplastic rubber channels with Technopolymer stiffening stringers to control water flow for efficiency and power, and the flexible Optimized Pivoting Blade design, which maximizes both stability and efficiency in all kicking styles. The design provides a stiffer, more "traditional" feel than most other modern fins, and it delivers a good bit of thrust, making it an attractive choice for divers who do not want to compromise power in any conditions. Bonus: The fins come with Mares' new ABS-Plus buckles. $180. www.mares.com.

Apollo Sports Bio-Fin Pro C-Series

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Apollo Sports Bio-Fin Pro C-Series|
For close to a decade, we've seen the Bio-Fin Pro change colors, blade stiffness and heel straps. But one thing has stayed constant: Year after year, in test after test, the Bio-Fin Pro has consistently proven itself to be one of the fastest, most powerful, most maneuverable and most popular fins in our tests. This year was no exception. A 2007 Testers' Choice, it comes in high-vis white with Apollo's outstanding C-Series spring straps. The 100 percent rubber construction makes for a heavier fin, and with the spring straps, it's a bit pricey, but according to our test divers, they're worth it. $270. www.apollosportsusa.com.

Atomic Aquatics Smoke on the Water

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Atomic Aquatics Smoke on the Water|
A 2007 Testers' Choice winner for its near-perfect blend of power and agility, this fin not only delivers serious performance, but it looks cool doing so. Named for the smoky transparent panels on its long split blades, the fin burns the competition for sheer speed and acceleration, plus it has no equal when it comes to pegging the thrust meter. Down on the reefs, it's nimble and responsive to minor course corrections, and its firm rubber side rails provide stability with all kicking styles. Uniquely designed spring straps with oversized finger grips make donning and doffing a breeze. Simply put: This is an all-around great fin. $249. www.atomicaquatics.com.

Lights, Knives, Masks & More

As we demonstrated in our January review of dive knives and our September review of dive lights, these two categories of gear have undergone a renaissance of late. The rusty dive sword of yesteryear has been replaced by a new breed of smaller, lighter cutting tools with sharper edges and superior corrosion resistance. And dive lights now use power-regulating circuitry, high-watt LEDs and intense HIDs to crank out more light and provide longer burn times than ever before. Check out these staff favorites, then see the full reviews online at www.scubadiving.com/gear.

Dive Lights

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| UK C8 eLed Plus (A), UK SL4 eLed (B), Princeton Tec Torrent Xenon (C)|
UK C8 eLed Plus -- (A) The new C8 eLED plus combines two 5-watt high-intensity LED bulbs to produce a strong focused beam. UK has developed a "through the lens" heat sink that keeps the bulbs cool and burning brighter underwater. A locking switch offers high and low power options for extended burn time (up to 10 hours), and the light comes with a pistol-grip handle, lanyard and eight C-cell batteries. All this and a low MSRP made the C8 eLed Plus a 2007 Best Buy and Testers' Choice. $169.99. www.underwaterkinetics.com.

UK SL4 eLed -- (B) The SL4 eLED hides shyly in your BC pocket, but comes out blazing with a beam that's as bright as many primary lights. This is the perfect light for the traveling diver who needs a bright spotter light by day and a compact primary by night. Ergonomically, this 2007 Testers' Choice light is as small as you can get while housing four C-cell batteries, and it fits nicely in the hand. $76.99. www.underwaterkinetics.com.

Princeton Tec Torrent Xenon -- (C) The Torrent Xenon was the brightest pocket light we tested in 2007 and earned a Best Buy rating with its powerful rush of light and low MSRP. The center spot is focused and strong, perfect for pinpoint illumination. It comes with a lanyard, eight AA-batteries, and is protected with a double O-ring seal. A nice locking thumb switch prevents accidental activation, while the lens is guarded with a rubber cover. $44. www.princetontec.com.

Dive Knives

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Spyderco Salt Series (A), UK Remora Ti (B), UK Blue Tang Ti Drop Pont (C), TUSA FK-850 X-pert (D)|
Spyderco Salt Series -- (A) These compact folding knives slide into any BC pocket and use H-1 stainless-steel blades for sharp, corrosion-free cutting edges. They can slice through almost anything this side of metal wire and come in a variety of blade designs. $77.95 to $89.95. www.spyderco.com.

UK Blue Tang Ti Drop Pont -- (C) You can't go wrong with this traditional leg-mounted dive knife, which features a rust-free titanium blade and multiple cutting edges. The comfortable, contoured handle provides an excellent grip, and the locking sheath is both secure and offers one-handed release. Also available with a blunt tip. $121. www.underwaterkinetics.com.

UK Remora Ti -- (B) Small but mighty, the serrated titanium blade on this compact emergency cutter easily hacked through the toughest cutting jobs we threw at it. The knife/sheath combo is only seven inches long, so you can mount it to your BC, a hose or web straps for quick-draw deployment. $84. www.underwaterkinetics.com.

TUSA FK-850 X-pert -- (D) Every inch of this 420 stainless blade is designed for cutting, plus it's got a stiletto point that's downright lethal. The blade is balanced by a contoured handle with blade guard that's comfortable and safe. Bottom line: This is one of the best all-round knives we've seen. $55. www.tusa.com.

Spare Air 300

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Spare Air 300|
The original bailout bottle system is still going strong, proof that a good idea never goes out of style. The Spare Air 300 unit holds 3 cubic feet of air and comes in a fluorescent yellow nylon carry holster that mounts almost anywhere. With a Spare Air your emergency air supply is always on--just clear, breathe and go. Each unit comes with a fill adapter that lets you transfer air directly from your main tank in seconds for easy filling. $299 (nitrox model, $320). www.spareair.com.

Mares X-Vision Liquid Skin Mask

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Mares X-Vision Liquid Skin Mask|
The new X-Vision LiquidSkin mask from Mares is so soft it's hard to know where your face ends and the mask begins. A new silicone skirt molding technology mixes two different silicone compounds for superior sealing and comfort. Bonus: The new Ergo buckles are secure and easy to adjust. $95. www.mares.com.

Atomic Aquatics Medium-Fit Frameless

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Atomic Aquatics Medium-Fit Frameless|
The Atomic Aquatics Frameless mask was such a hit that divers were soon asking for a smaller version--and they got it. The new Medium-Fit Frameless uses the same large UltraClear single lens, surrounded by a soft silicone skirt (black or clear). The only difference is the size of the skirt, about a quarter-inch narrower than the original. $99. www.atomicaquatics.com.

Akona AKB176 Carry-on Roller Bag

||||
|---|---|---|
|

|
| Akona AKB176 Carry-on Roller Bag|
This well-built bag was clearly designed with traveling divers in mind. It features a main compartment big enough to hold enough shirts and shorts for a few days, and a front pocket that accepts an optional regulator bag. Your mask and dive computers can find friendly folds to hide in and your laptop gets its own padded sleeve with easy side-panel access. A small top pocket keeps tickets and toiletries TSA-ready. You'll move through security so fast you might just forget your shoes. Price: $120. www.akona.com.