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Apollo AV PDV
The latest Apollo diver propulsion vehicle is depth-rated to 70m and can run for up to 100 minutes, thanks to its uprated-voltage lead-acid battery. This is double the run-time of the previous model, and if that is not enough, there is a nickel-metal hydride extra-cost option, too. A battery-life indicator is a new and useful feature to help you get back to where you started. A variable-speed controller and a ride-on (hands-free) saddle are further additions designed to take this popular ABS-made DPV into a new league. The variable-pitch propeller can be adjusted three ways to fine-tune its performance for individual users. The DPV costs from £1395 from CJ Evans International.
• www.apollo-europe.com
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Atomic Vision masks
The Atomic Vision Frameless mask uses an optical-quality, distortion-free UltraClear glass plate, said to give exceptional clarity of vision and high light-transmission compared to the tempered float glass used in other masks. It is available with a choice of clear or black silicone skirt and strap, has squeeze-to-adjust buckles and affords a good fit for a mask that is sold as hydro-dynamic, low-volume and leak-free. The lens shape was computer-designed to maximise upward, downward and side-to-side vision.
The Atomic Vision SubFrame mask offers similar advantages but is also claimed to be the most indestructible two-window mask ever - and so durable that the maker offers a lifetime warranty against frame breakage. Its secret is a metal frame moulded directly below the surface of the silicone rubber skirt, which also eliminates the need for a bulky plastic external frame. The twin-lens retainer is of stainless steel and the mask can be supplied with either UltraClear glass or precision ground optical lenses, in a range of half-dioptre increments from 1 to 8 dioptres, suitable for older divers. UK retail prices to come - expect to pay £60-100.
• www.atomicaquatics.com
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TUSA White & Tri-Ex fins
Popular TUSA SF-8 split-blade fins are now available in startling black and white at £99 per pair. For those who want to complete the white effect, there is also a TUSA mask, the low-volume Splendive II (£47) and TUSA Platina HyperdryII self-draining snorkel (£24) to match (below). Importer CPS Partnership also tells us that it has been inundated with orders for the pink corset worn by the girl featured in its ads for its TUSA TriEx fins. It wants to make the point that these TriEx fins (right) are available in six other colours apart from feminine pink, as well as sizes XS to XL. TriEx fins cost around £47 per pair.
• 01424 442663
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Glo-Toob FX
Adopted for military operations, these compact electronic light-sticks have been upgraded to give seven different programmable modes including equal flash; beacon strobe; slow strobe; SOS; throb; constantly on; and constantly on at quarter power. The 12V battery is said to be good for between 30 and 80 hours of use, depending on the mode selected, and a claimed depth-rating of 3500m should render these devices pretty well indestructible. Available in a range of three colours, they cost £21.95 each, direct from Glo-Toob.
• www.glo-toob.co.uk
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Scubapro Everflex gloves and boots
These 5mm wetsuit boots have a very stretchy style to remove the need for a zip, and a new-style rubber sole. With toe and heel cap, they are available in a range of sizes from 5 to 12. Made from the same super-stretchy neoprene as the Everflex suits, the gloves are available in two alternative thicknesses of material. They have a smooth silverskin lining designed to make them easy to don. The boots cost £30 and the gloves £24 (3mm) or £27 (5mm)
• www.scubapro-uwatec.com
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SeaVision UltraVision mask
This mask is part of what is claimed to be the finest mask system available. Supplied with an anti-fog coating that avoids steam-ups, and magenta-tinted lenses designed to go a long way to restoring natural colours in shallower water, the SeaVision UltraVision is now available with prescription lenses for both those who are long- or short-sighted. The cost of prescription lenses varies but starts from £90, while the masks cost from around £32. They are available from the Norvil Group.
• 01452 510176
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ReefNet SubSee magnifying glass
Did you see the pygmy seahorse? The new obsession with the minutiae of life found in the sea is all very well, but without eagle eyes or a good magnifying glass you might be left in the dark on fashionable muck-dives. Because water is far more dense than air, the efficacy of a normal magnifying glass is reduced under water. This powerful lens (+10 dioptres) is designed for the job, and is achromatically corrected to avoid optical distortion. It is small enough to keep in a BC pocket, and comes with a lanyard to stop you dropping it. It costs around £50 from ReefNet.
• www.reefnet.ca
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