April 2008

By John Brumm

Photography by Joseph Byrd

Aqua Lung Slingshot Fins

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| Aqua Lung Slingshot Fins|
This new-generation foot rocket is loaded with cutting-edge design features, most notably the adjustable silicone Power Bands that connect the foot pocket to the rubber-reinforced thermoplastic blade. According to Aqua Lung, this unique system takes the strain off the toes and the top of the ankle during the kick stroke, and also creates a more efficient transfer of power from foot to blade. But that's not the end of the story. The power bands lock into a choice of three power positions, from super stiff to super flexible, enabling you to adjust your speed-to-effort ratio at will.

We started our test dive in the most flexible setting and the Slingshot delivered jack-rabbit acceleration. It turned on a dime with absolutely no strain on ankles or feet. And it was fast--we measured it at just over 2.1 mph on our digital speedometer, similar to the pair of Apollo Yellow split fins we used as a comparison. Switching to the middle setting, we were able to maintain speeds of 2.1 mph, but felt a bit more feedback, similar to what you'd find with an Atomic Split Fin or a Mares Volo. In the third setting, the stiffness and immediate feedback were on par with traditional paddle fins. The fins weren't as nimble in the turns, our top speed dropped to 1.75 mph and the effort had our calf muscles barking like junkyard dogs. Clearly, the power bands make a difference, giving the fin a wide range of performance characteristics.

Slightly negatively buoyant in fresh water, the Slingshot fins each weigh about two-and-a-half pounds, which makes them a tad heavier than top-tier thermoplastic paddle fins, yet lighter than top-tier all-rubber splits. The fins sport a good nonskid pattern and a comfortable foot pocket. Adjusting the Power Bands is easy, you can do it on the surface or at depth, even while wearing gloves. The generic buckle/strap system is functional but nothing to write home about.

Bottom Line: The Slingshot is comfortable, maneuverable, flexible and fast, and its multiple kicking characteristics are like having three fins in one. Assuming the moving parts withstand the test of time, this is one killer kicker. The Slingshot is available in small, regular and large/extra-large, in three color combinations, and it comes with a mesh carrying bag.
Price: $219. Contact: www.aqualung.com.

Zeagle N2ition Computer

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| Zeagle N2ition Computer|
It took us a minute to "get" the name of the N2ition, but that's the only thing that gave us pause about this user-friendly nitrox computer. An expansive screen, big, bold data digits, handy screen prompts and a trio of control buttons take any confusion out of navigating the options and settings. Three-color bar graphs provide at-a-glance tracking of ascent rate, nitrogen loading and oxygen exposure, but what makes the N2ition versatile is its ability to handle two nitrox mixes on a single dive. You can program it to calculate your status on a 21 to 50 percent mix for your bottom work; 21 to 99 percent mix for decompression.

The N2ition uses a Modified Buhlmann algorithm (12 tissue compartments) that previous tests have shown to be one of the more conservative algorithms on the market. The N2ition also offers two additional levels of conservatism with its Safety Factor feature. At depth, the N2ition's primary display provides crucial depth and no-decompression limits in big, can't-miss digits at the top of the screen. Just below in smaller digits you get dive time and nitrox data presented in an uncluttered layout. A push of the left button switches mixes. Push and hold the right button and you get the alternate screen providing temperature, max depth and dive time. After the dive, the computer switches into Surface Mode as soon as you leave the water, immediately giving you time of day, desaturation time and surface interval time without having to cycle through the system to find it--a real plus.
Price: $399; optional PC download kit (Windows only) is $160. Contact: www.zeagle.com.

Tilos Epic 3/2

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| Tilos Epic 3/2|
Constructed of 3mm Ti-stretch neoprene on the torso and 2mm Super Stretch neoprene on the arms and legs, the Epic is an ultra comfortable warm-water suit. You'll find triangle stitching around the wrists and ankles and flat-seam stitching everywhere else. The suit features a smooth-skin chest panel to prevent evaporative cooling, O-ring wrist and ankle seals, and a Glideskin adjustable neck seal. Our favorite feature is the Tatex kneepads; they're thick and spongy, cover a lot of knee and shin area, yet are so flexible they don't inhibit leg movement in the least.
Price: $175. Contact: www.tilos.com.

Akona AKB618 Executive Diver

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| Akona AKB618 Executive Diver|
Whether you're earning frequent flyer miles on a business trip to Cleveland or burning them on a dive trip to the Cayman Islands, you'll want the Executive Diver carry-on at your side. Not much larger than a standard laptop bag and weighing in at only three pounds empty, the Executive Diver sports three zippered compartments, each full of handy pouches, sleeves and mesh pockets. The main compartment has a padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop, plus pockets for CDs, a battery charger and assorted files. There's ample room for clothes and your personal dive gear--regulator, gauges, dive computer and even a spare mask. That leaves the smaller compartments for quick access to items like a liquids bag, an iPod, cell phone and airline tickets. The Executive Diver has a carry handle on top and it comes with a padded shoulder strap. Best of all: Each compartment is designed to be accessible while the bag stays slung on your shoulder, making it easy to access your laptop and liquids bag at the security checkpoint without having to set everything down.

Price: $75. Contact: www.akona.com.