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We reviewed the Icaro Wing recently and it found favour. This is its technical diving brother. The Icaro Tech has a dual-bag that provides a maximum buoyancy of 25kg, and is said to be ideally suited for either twin tanks or a single. Three dump valves make it easy to use and a lightweight backplate of aero-spec alloy makes it convenient for travelling. Available in three sizes, it costs £449. There is an optional integrated-weight system (not shown).
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Tempest 6mm Pro-Dive boots are available in a range of seven sizes at around £30 a pair. They are designed to work well with the Mistral semi-dry suit. The suit is made of cosy 6.5mm neoprene and features long wrist and ankle seals that are claimed to eliminate flushing. It has a diagonal front zip with an internal underseal and an integrated hood - just the job for a wintry Red Sea or the Mediterranean in summertime. The Mistral is available in six sizes at £130.
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This is a smart new nitrox computer made by Seiko in Japan, and branded under the Italian Cressi-sub banner. It allows switching between two mixes during a dive to speed up decompression, and uses a Buhlmann ZH-L8 algorithm modified by Randy Bohrer to account for possible micro-bubble formation. Mix No 1 can be up to 50% O2 and Mix No 2 can be up to 99% O2. A big, easily read display and simple menu-driven functions operated by three push-buttons should make this a favourite among those who want to keep things simple.
It is available in a choice of different trim colours to help reduce confusion between different owners on the aft decks of dive boats. £298.
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You've seen the oil-filled Smart Pro and the Smart Tec. Now here's the Smart Z - like the Smart Tec, it is a hoseless nitrox-integrated computer that works with a radio transmitter attached to the regulator first stage. The technology ensures that there can be no interference from other dive computers used nearby. The difference is that this model is suitable for
use with a single mix during the dive and is thus much simplified. You can adjust maximum ppO2 parameters between 1.0 and 1.95 bar, and gauge mode is available to a maximum depth of 120m. As with all Smart computers, there is a choice of five levels of micro-bubble suppression as well as none at all. The Smart Z comes bundled with Smart Trak software for downloading your dives and customising your computer.
It should appeal to many leisure divers, and costs £649.
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Thanks to the use of three different materials combined in these fins, and the exclusive variable geometry claimed, this fin is said to provide top power combined with lightness. The outer edges of the blades use a material called Cristalflex that is shaped to channel water effectively, and they certainly look aggressive. The underside of the foot-pocket has anti-slip rubber and the newly designed strap buckle has an unusual push-lock. Available
in three outer blade colours and four sizes, XS to L, Manta Fins cost £69.
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These new fins from the long-established manufacturer Beuchat signal a new phase in the marketing of the French brand in the UK. They have a business-like paddle-fin design with unique vents and a long foot-pocket. Available in S, M, L and XL sizes, they cost around £50, or £35 for the slipper version. This is one of a range of products we expect to see prominently in shops with the change to a new, proactive distributor.
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This piece of emergency equipment is double-ended, with an LED lamp at one end and a bright signal repeater-strobe at the other. The LS-3 uses three AA batteries to power the LED torch for up to 24 hours or the strobe at around one flash per second. Rated to 40m and fitted with a lanyard, it should be there ready for action when you need it. Price is £23.
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Female, and want to make a statement? This T-shirt will do it for you. Available in large and skinny fit in small and medium, it costs £17.
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