TUSA Scores Big in ScubaLab Testing
TUSA scores high accolades in ScubaLab's recent testing, with their HyFlex Zoom fin, Solla fin, Zensee mask and Reef Tourer snorkel. These products were praised for their performance, comfort and innovative design features, highlighting TUSA's commitment to quality in diving equipment.
TUSA HyFlex Zoom Fin—Testers Choice
ScubaLab tested the Tusa HyFlex Zoom scuba fin. Offering easy kicking and a travel-ready design, it was ScubaLab’s Testers Choice for split fins.
ScubaLab tested fins at Alexander Springs Recreation Area in Central Florida. The fins were evaluated in several performance categories, including efficiency, power, acceleration and comfort.
The HyFlex Zoom utilizes a pre-angled blade and a flexible material to enhance the low-effort kicking offered by the split blade design. “So easy to kick,” was typical of test diver comments while using this fin. The snappy blade moves pretty well, scoring good for acceleration.
Test divers were pleasantly surprised by its balance of thrust to effort. “These get about 60 percent the speed of typical paddle fins with little effort. After that there’s no point in kicking harder,” one test diver observed.
Flutter kick is effortless and efficient. Frog and maneuvering are better than expected for a split fin, but not by much.
The foot pocket and blade and be disassembled using a hex key for travel or to swap out for a different blade. A favorite of test divers, the HyFlex Zoom is ScubaLa ‘s Testers Choice for split fins.
This advanced new split fin features six “gills” on the wing-shaped blade surfaces to help generate lift and propulsion like a propeller for high power with easy effort. A newly designed bungee strap and heel cup provide optimal comfort and power, and the strap has an easy five point adjustment for a custom fit. Available in seven color options.
$199 | tusa.com
TUSA Solla—Best Buy
ScubaLab tested the TUSA Solla scuba fin. Offering powerful performance at a competitive price, it was ScubaLab’s Best Buy for paddle fins.
ScubaLab tested fins at Alexander Springs Recreation Area in Central Florida. The fins were evaluated in several performance categories, including efficiency, power, acceleration and comfort.
The Solla impressed test dives with a combination of efficiency and lightweight comfort. “Feels noticeably smaller” and “hardly feel ‘em” were typical test diver comments, which may have more to do with the fin’s neutrally buoyant construction and hydrodynamic design than its actual 24-inch-long dimensions.
The fin earned very good scores across the board but really shines with the flutter kick. “Crazy fast and easy kicking,” is how one test diver described it. “Top speed is fast and low effort,” another diver observed.
Test divers felt the fin accelerated quickly and provided good propulsion for very little effort. The sizing seems to run large, but the foot pocket is very comfortable. It is equipped with an adjustable bungee that makes it very easy to get the fin on and off.
The Sola was ScubaLab’s Best Buy for paddle fins.
Related Reading: Best New Scuba Gear May 2024
The Solla combines Tusa’s history of innovative fins with today’s advanced materials and design to deliver exceptional power and comfort. Designed with Tusa’s patented 20-degree blade angle, the Solla has an anatomic multicompound foot pocket for enhanced comfort and power transfer. The reinforced three-channel blade fine-tunes performance in all kicking styles.
$149 | tusa.com
TUSA Zensee Mask—Testers Choice
ScubaLab tested the TUSA Zensee mask. A favorite among test divers with a wide view and a comfortable, watertight seal, it was ScubaLab’s Testers Choice for single-lens masks.
ScubaLab tested masks in the field at Alexander Springs Recreation Area in Central Florida. ScubaLab evaluated masks in several performance categories, including overall comfort, field of view, ease of strap adjustment, effectiveness of the skirt seal and how easy the masks were to clear and equalize.
The Zensee’s frameless design puts the large lens right up against the eyes for an expansive field of view. It earned the top score in its category for field of view. “Very wide, clear view,” was how one test diver described it. A few test divers noted that in bright sun, the lens can project a reflection along the skirt, which may be distracting. The upgraded Zensee Pro features a UV 429 anti-reflection lens treatment.
The mask skirt seems stiffer than some of Tusa’s other masks, but it is still very comfortable, and the silicone is smooth and soft against the skin. Test divers scored it very good for comfort. The combination of a stiffer skirt and a narrow internal volume helps the mask clear very easily and provides a stable seal in current.
One of the most impressive things about this mask is that even with its extremely wide profile, it provided an effective seal on all our divers and earned the top score for dryness in our test.
Picked overwhelmingly by test divers as a favorite, the Zensee was ScubaLab’s Testers Choice for single-lens masks.
Related Reading: Your First Set of Scuba Gear: A Buyer's Guide
The Zensee brings years of Tusa’s research and innovative development to the company’s first frameless mask. Incorporating Tusa’s 3D Synq Technology, a unique built-in fitting ring seals to all face shapes and sizes. A proprietary low-friction skirt at skin-contact areas ensures superior comfort and fit. An elastic fabric strap allows for easy adjustment while keeping the mask snug and secure.
$119, $169 (Pro version) | tusa.com
TUSA Reef Tourer Snorkel—Testers Choice
ScubaLab tested the TUSA Reef Tourer snorkel. This simple snorkel offers great performance and was a favorite of test divers. It was ScubaLab’s Testers Choice for open-top snorkels.
ScubaLab tested snorkels in open-water conditions at James H. Nance Park on Florida’s Atlantic coast. It evaluated snorkels in several performance categories, including dryness, ease of breathing, comfort and the security of the mask attachment.
With very good scores almost across the board, this simple snorkel impressed test divers with its overall performance and comfort. Its soft, flexible construction allows it to fold for easy stowage in a BC pocket, which makes it an attractive option for those who don’t like to wear a snorkel attached to their mask during their dive.
The large attachment slides easily along the length of the snorkel and multiple test divers described it as “super easy to attach.” The mouthpiece can be rotated around the bore of the tube to fine-tune the fit. It scored very good for comfort, but some test divers felt the mouthpiece was a little small, especially the bite tabs.
The snorkel scored very good for dryness and air delivery, and good for ease of clearing. Simple, effective and comfortable, this unassuming snorkel was a favorite of test divers, with great performance. The Reef Tourer was Scubalab’s Testers Choice for open-top snorkels.
