February 2007

By John Brumm

Photography by Joseph Byrd

Sherwood Scuba Gemini

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No other piece of dive gear has to combine form and function in quite the same way as an inflater reg. Think about it: You've got to cram two very different products--an ergonomically correct power inflater and a comfortable, reliable backup regulator--into a streamlined package, all without compromising any area of performance. For a textbook example of how it's done, look no further than the new Sherwood Scuba Gemini. This sharp-looking unit lies nice and flat against your BC shoulder strap, and when you reach for the inflater controls, your hand falls naturally into place with your index finger on the inflate button, and your second and third fingers resting on the larger deflate button. We found it very easy and intuitive to use both barehanded and with gloves. As a regulator, the Gemini is an easy, dry breather in virtually all positions, yet is tuned tight enough to avoid free flows when in standby mode. The mouthpiece is comfortable, the purge function efficient, and the hose assembly is flexible enough to handle a variety of air-sharing scenarios in the optimal buttons-up position. We hope you never have to use the Gemini in a real emergency, but if you do, its features and performance should help you make the best of it. Price: **$200**. Contact: [www.sherwoodscuba.com](http://www.sherwoodscuba.com).

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Princeton Tec Torrent LED

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Weighing in at 13 ounces and measuring seven inches long, the Torrent LED dive light is an ideal size for stashing in a standard BC pocket. Throw the switch and you activate a Maxbright 3-watt LED bulb that is enhanced by some clever optics to produce a concentrated blue-white beam of light with a more-than-respectable EV reading of 6.8. Built to last with an impact-resistant Xenoy housing, the Torrent LED also has a well-designed magazine that simplifies loading the eight AA batteries that power the beam. There's even circuitry that prevents dimming as the batteries weaken. But those are two features it may take you some time to appreciate, considering each set of batteries will give you a substantial 30 hours of burn time. Price: **$64.99**. Contact: [www.princetontec.com](http://www.princetontec.com).

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Sea Quest Latitude XLT

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The original Latitude BC, released back in 2004, was a basic jacket-style BC at a great price. The new Latitude XLT still carries a pretty reasonable price, but now offers a number of noteworthy upgrades. Our favorite is Sea Quest's Xtra Lift Technology (XLT), essentially an expansion gusset that's built into the lower edge of the bladder. As you add air, the bladder expands along the bottom but not along the top. Sea Quest also replaced the old BC's velcro-secured integrated-weight system with its proven Sure-Lock mechanical system, which we found easy to load and easy to ditch. The new version also has an easy-access Octo-Pocket to corral your backup reg. Double the hose and slip it into the pocket from the top. This keeps the octo close and in sight. When you need it, simply pull up on the octo, and the hose slips free. Other upgrades: the Latitude XLT's cummerbund overstrap is now adjustable (and removable), a sternum strap is now standard, and there's a nice molded lift handle integrated into the rigid backpack. In the water, the Latitude XLT offered a stable ride at depth, sufficient lift and efficient buoyancy control. The standard version comes with only one remote exhaust valve, located on the right shoulder. If you're a fan of head-first descents, it's worth the extra $9.50 for the optional, lower-right rear valve that screws onto an already installed (but capped) valve orifice. Price: **$450**. Contact: [www.aqualung.com](http://www.aqualung.com).

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Scubapro MK11/S555

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The new MK11/S555 regulator is known at Scubapro headquarters as the "all-rounder" for its combination of simplicity, features and performance. The new balanced diaphragm MK11 first stage is similar to Scubapro's MK17, but without the dry ambient chamber. This makes the MK11 more compact and relatively lightweight for a chrome-plated brass unit. Bonus: The MK11 has an external intermediate pressure (IP) adjustment that your reg tech is going to love. The S555 balanced second stage features a comfortable, orthodontically designed mouthpiece and an easy-to-use soft purge cover. The only adjustment is the VIVA (Venturi Initiated Vacuum Assist) dive/pre-dive switch to tame free flows. The first and second stages are linked by a new "superflow" hose that is constructed with Kevlar fiber reinforcements to make it a tad thinner and more flexible than standard hoses. According to Scubapro, the hose also has a larger inner bore to increase airflow. In the water, the MK11/S555 simply delivers the goods. It's a smooth, dry breather in all positions and we look forward to putting it to the test in the next Scuba Lab regulator review. Price: **$489**. Contact: [www.scubapro.com](http://www.scubapro.com).

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