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With all the features of the highly rated TX50 and ATX50 regulators, the XTX50 is the latest offering from British manufacturer Apeks. Available to be rigged either right- or left-handed (by an Apeks qualified technician), Apeks now gives you the chance to alternate between a compact exhaust-T and a larger one that diffuses exhaled bubbles away from your face. There is also significant improvement in the materials used and the cosmetic finish of these regulators. Derived from the dry-sealed turret, the first stage uses standard-size medium-pressure ports throughout and is rated to 300 bar. It is suitable for use with nitrox mixes up to 40%, and oxygen versions are available. It costs £327 or £449 complete with XTX40 octopus rig from Apeks Marine Equipment.
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New from America, this is the latest in fins that employ a pivoting blade design. The Sherwood Kinesis is available in three colours at around £70, but the Kinesis EX has a more robust flex for those who want to push on more effectively and is available in tekkie black at around £80 per pair. These fins are available from Sea & Sea in sizes S, Regular and XL.
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Uncannily similar to the top-of-the-range Suunto D9, the slimmer D6 is a gas-switching two-mix nitrox per dive computer that is not gas-integrated, and costs conveniently less. Expect
to get all the features that any full-function diving computer provides, plus deep-stop options and a built-in digital compass, in a wristwatch format. It has the same post-dive logbook functions including dive profile as its bigger brother and costs £475. Interface and Dive Manager software is £67 extra.
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We've come a long way since dive shops refused to sell reef hooks in the mistaken belief that they might be used to damage the coral. They are now seen as an essential item of equipment for those diving in strong currents and their correct use has a beneficial effect on reef health. This one is available from a number of retailers bearing the Mike's brand and is called a Rock Hook out of political correctness. It has a quick-release karabiner for attaching to a convenient D-ring and around a couple of metres of strong line. It costs £13.
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The Bravo low-profile wing has a built-in urethane middle wall that provides two separate compartments within one sealed envelope.
By simply adding a second hose assembly and over-pressure valve, it becomes a dual-compartment system. This is the story of this wing. It can be used with a metal backplate with twins or as a travel-wing without. It has a variety of harnesses with or without break points, and Custom Divers says it can be used in conjunction with almost any rebreather. Prices start at £288 according to specification.
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Hoping for the best but prepared for the worst? The Beaver EAR Face-Mask (£9.95) could be an important aid if it ever comes to efficient delivery of artificial ventilation as a first response to an emergency. Concerned that it's too big to carry about with you? The Beaver EAR Face-Shield (£3.95) can always be used to protect the person administering AV from possible infection from the casualty. Contact Beaver Sports about it.
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This is a barrier treatment for skin intended for use in industry, where hands might come into contact with paint, glues, oils or other toxic or grimy pollutants. The coating doesn't wash off but disappears over time as you slough off dead skin cells, so it also works for those who regularly subject their skin to sea water and the elements. You may well dive with bare hands but that's no reason to go unprotected. It's non-toxic and the boss of the company that makes it swears by it when he goes diving. 50ml costs £7 and 150ml costs £13.50 inc. p&p. Quote DIVER when ordering and the company says you'll get two for the price of one. The smaller size should more than do for a two-week dive trip.
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It's always nice to dry off with a big fluffy towel after a dip in the briny, and these Sea Dog towels are available in three different designs at £24 each from Markat.
This laser-printer paper is said to be 100% waterproof and to resist crumples and tears, so that print-outs last much longer. This makes it more suitable for use in damp conditions than ordinary paper, and a cost-effective alternative to plastic and laminated prints when you want to take a DIVERWreck Tour out on the RIB. There are two types available: one for laser and one for inkjet printers. A pack of 25 sheets costs £15.
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