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Scubapro may be famous for its highly sophisticated piston-type regulators but this MK17/X650, expected to arrive in May, is of a diaphragm design and is targeted at those who dive in fresh, cold water. It has heat-exchanging fins which reduce the chance of ice creeping over it and is combined with the X650 high-flow-rate second stage.
Scubapro 01256 812636
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The Canadians know about cold water, and this drysuit is made in Canada. Not only that, but it can be supplied as a package that includes a titanium hood with tightening zip, neoprene socks, and tough US Marine-grade boots. It's of a diagonal-zip front-entry design in what is said to be a very durable bi-laminate material. Internal suspenders, flex panels where they are needed and a reportedly easy-to-zip neck dam (for integrating the hood) adds comfort, while Velcro cuffs protect the wrist seals. There are two matrix pads rather than pockets. The Traveller backpack included in the package also has room for your undersuit. Price is £1010.
SDS Watersports 0114 2488688
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Not everyone uses a diving computer. Some divers prefer tables, but they're not as good as a computer at keeping track of where you've been and what you've done. This little gizmo called the Sensus Pro can do that, however. It's not a computer but it will log your dive, and the profile can be downloaded easily to a PC, Mac or Palm device later. Think of it as a black-box device - it's a data recorder that will record 100 hours of dive info and is rated to 152m deep. It is said to run for up to 10 years on its lithium-cell battery. Price is £79 including interface download cradle, but not the USB lead illustrated with it.
Underwater Explorers 01305 824555
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The super-teutons are coming! Built in Germany, this range of tough underwater lights was the first to embrace HID technology. The range of HID and halogen lamps is now extensive and includes big fish-fryers such as the 12V 28W HID Silverline MX8 HID (£505) and the 12V 35W HID Blackline D1c 4.0 (£589), two of the company's most popular products in Europe. Rated to 32 bar pressure, they should go deep enough for any diver.
Snooba Travel 0870 1620767
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Older divers will look back with nostalgia at the days of the original twin-hose regulator. But it had a single-stage mechanism and breathed like an asthmatic ant. No wonder everyone now uses two-stage regulators. However, the twin-hose did provide the advantage of putting the exhaled bubbles behind you. This new Mistral regulator is a two-stage, twin-hose regulator that meets EN250 coldwater performance criteria. It puts both stages behind the diver's head, together with those bubbles. You can combine it with a standard octopus rig and all your other hoses too. It costs £460,
Aqua-Lung UK 0116 2124200
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Recent improvements to the popular Oceanic diaphragm regulator include dry-regulator technology, which the manufacturer says allows you to rinse your regulator without the dust-cap in place! The upgraded second stage has breathing-resistance adjustment by the diver, adjustable venturi switch and a patented dynamic adjustment said to maintain even inhalation effort at any depth. The medium pressure hose is equipped with a large ball-joint designed to make hose routeing as comfortable as it can be. £285.
Oceanic SW 01404 891819
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With an Iridium anti-misting coating similar to that supplied with Oakley sunglasses, and a black skirt that effectively excludes peripheral light, this mask should be ideal for divers who use cameras. The yellow filter effect helps render the view in a more natural colour and it's claimed to filter out harmful UV radiation too. Expect to pay about £40.
Alpha Distribution 01709 515157
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New from Apeks, this any-way-up regulator second-stage can be supplied either for use as an octopus-rig with your existing regulator or in conjunction with an Apeks first stage for use by technical divers with stage tanks. Its configuration should take the hassle out of regulator changes while under water, and Apeks claims that it performs as well as its highly thought-of siblings. £103.
Apeks Marine Equipment 01254 692200
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