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New from Atomic, the lightweight titanium T2 regulator is rated for use with nitrox up to 40%. It has a compact balanced-piston-type first stage with the unique Atomic seat-saving orifice designed to stop the valve-seat being engraved during periods of non-use, and a pressure-balanced second stage with automatic depth-related performance control, as well as a cracking-resistance-adjustment knob, as on all other Atomic regulators.
Because its metal parts are titanium, this regulator must be dedicated to nitrox use or re-cleaned after being used with conventionally supplied compressed air. The second stage has a thermal heat-sink front cover, an extended exhaust T, a "luxury" mouthpiece and, for comfort, a swivel-joint where the medium pressure hose is connected. Price to be announced.
Typhoon International 01642 486104
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How often do you find yourself in the wet conditions found on boats, wishing you could keep something dry? It may only be your towel, or it could be your wallet and car keys, or a complete change of clothes, or even your phone or digital camera.
Aqua-Quest has a range of dry bags made of simple coated rip-stop nylon sacks. They are closed using Velcro and then rolled down and fastened with a strap and pinch-clip. They take up no space when not in use but have proved so durable that even the military is said to have supplied them to squaddies who want to keep their powder dry in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The bags come in a range of sizes, including one designed to take a hand-held GPS or Marine VHS unit. They range in size from 5 litres (£9) to 90 litres (£18), come in blue, yellow or black, and are equipped with D-rings to allow them to be lashed down when needed. We are told that they can even be brought into play as impromptu lifting-bags.
Aqua-Quest, www.aqua-quest.co.uk
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Got yourself a wool-lined wetsuit? The Pinnacle Polar was highly praised when it was tried and tested by this magazine. Now there are boots and gloves to go with it, and yes, they are lined with the same knitted Merino wool material. The gloves have been tested on the preceding pages and the boots come in UK sizes 4-13 and cost £30.
Airsub International 01404 890196
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Lost something in the harbour? The Sea-Searcher Recovery Magnet was devised to find keys, tools or even outboard motors that might have been dropped overboard. It is said to be able to lift up to 64kg. Nauticalia says its strontium ferrite core is magnetically powerful enough to be used to find even rusted items such as guns and swords, and reckons more than half a million are in use with police, navies, rescue forces and pleasure-boaters. The price includes 10m of floating rope. Keep it away from compasses and anything electronic! £25
Nauticalia 01932 244396
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Anyone who has them will tell you they are the way to go - we're talking about stainless-steel spring fin-straps. However, up to now they have been expensive, and in many cases you needed to take a saw and a drill to your favourite fins to fit them. Enter Beaver - it says its Easy Spring Fin Straps can easily replace commonly fitted buckles. They come in four sizes from S to XL and cost £16.95 per pair.
Beaver, www.beaversports.co.uk
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Matching the exclusive regulator already featured last month, for the co-ordinated diver who wants something special Mares can supply a Limited Edition Morphos Metal BC (£500) and matching Mares Quattro Excel Metal fins (£145 per pair). Fewer than 100 units of each are available through six selected dealers.
Blandford Sub-Aqua 01923 801572
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New masks for economy-minded divers from Procella include the blue Tempest Pro-Dive (£24) and the green Levanto Pro-Dive (£25). Both are based on familiar existing designs from other manufacturers that have proved popular with divers.
Procella 01530810112
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Following its successful umbilical diving light, JMD Technologies introduces two new anodised aluminium hand-lanterns, which have modern ni-mh battery packs and high output, low cost xenon bulbs. The 50W Model 1 has a burntime of an hour from its 12V power-source and weighs around 1.5kg in air. The smaller 20W 6V Model 2 weighs around 1kg and provides a burntime of 75 minutes. Both are rated watertight to 150m. They cost £200 and £160 each respectively.
JMD Technologies, www.jmdtechnologies.co.uk
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This 11cm long tool combines a stainless-steel blade with a versatile LED torch that flicks out at the touch of a button. Other functions include scissors that do seem to work, and slot and cross-head screwdrivers. They are precision-made to last a long time in marine conditions, says Nauticalia. £45
Nauticalia 01932 244396
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