June 2007

By John Brumm

Photography by Joseph Byrd

Scubapro Twin Jet Max

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| Scubapro Twin Jet Max|
Scubapro's next-generation split fin has evolved from all-rubber construction to a dual-compound design, resulting in a lighter, but stiffer, blade that Scubapro says increases thrust. The fin's open-heel foot pocket design is new, too. Made of a soft, comfortable compound, the pockets are sized and shaped to accommodate today's beefier dive boots. Plus the soleplate has been extended to provide more platform for the boot to press against, adding additional oomph to the power stroke. On our initial dives with the fin, we found it to be pretty spry when kicking in turbo-mode, and we can't wait to give it a full test in Scuba Diving's 2007 fin test. Available in red, blue, yellow and graphite. Price: $219. Contact: www.scubapro.com.

Apeks XTX200 Status

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| Apeks XTX200 Status|
It's been said that mechanical regs have become so darn good that, from here on out, any major improvements will require a leap into microelectronics. Well, here we go. The new Apeks XTX200 Status is a powerhouse breather with an environmentally sealed, over-balanced diaphragm first stage and a pneumatically balanced second stage that you can use in either a right- or left-handed configuration. But this reg offers something extra. Beneath a small LCD display on the top cap of the first stage there's an electronic sensor that tells you if the first-stage intermediate pressure is "HI," "LO" or "OK." There's also a built-in calendar function that tells you when it's time to get normal, routine service. Price: $990. Contact: www.aqualung.com.

UK C8 e-LED Plus

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| UK C8 e-LED Plus|
A couple years ago the engineers at Underwater Kinetics ratcheted up the performance of their C8 dive light with the introduction of the C8 e-LED, which delivered a longer burn time. Now they've taken it up another notch with the C8 e-LED Plus. While the ABS battery case, locking switch and pistol-grip handle remain pretty much the same, the light head on the C8 e-LED Plus uses a dual-power electronic circuit and two 5-watt white LEDs to produce a powerful 10-watt beam. But what's really interesting is UK's proprietary through-the-lens heat sink that dissipates heat to the water, enabling the light to run cooler and brighter. At depth we found the C8 e-LED Plus able to crank out a smooth-patterned yet super-white hot spot.Price: $169.99. Contact: www.ukinternational.com.

Henderson Thermoprene 7mm

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| Henderson Thermoprene 7mm|
The Thermoprene 7mm is proof-positive that you don't need deep pockets to be comfortable diving temperate waters. Henderson claims this new neoprene offers 75 percent more stretch than standard neoprene, and we believe it. This is very supple material, which enables you to don and doff the suit with ease, and then enjoy excellent range of motion both while gearing up and after you hit the water. Featuring glued and blind-stitched construction, the suit includes a self-sealing spine pad over the zipper to minimize water seepage. Wrist and ankles are rolled nylon. The neck has a nylon-backed raw-cut collar with an adjustable neck tab. Price: $233.95. Contact: www.hendersonusa.com.

O'Neill 24-7 Hoodie

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| O'Neill 24-7 Hoodie|
On a typical week-long tropical dive vacation, a diver probably spends no more than three or four hours underwater each day. That means most of your vacation time is spent on the surface, more than likely baking in the sun. You need to protect yourself from those burning UV rays, but the tropics are no place to wear a standard long-sleeve heavy cotton sweatshirt. That's where O'Neill's 24-7 Hoodie comes in. Lighweight and breathable, the Hoodie is made of a quick-drying nylon/poly/spandex composite. Designed to be worn in or out of the water, it provides a comfortable, protective layer between you and nature's harsher elements. In both men's and women's sizes. Price: $49.95. Contact: www.oneill.com.

Aeris Goby Mask

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| Aeris Goby Mask|
Some divers like their masks large and airy, others prefer a low-profile mask that puts the faceplate close to the eyes, like the Goby. Coupled to a lightweight frame, the Goby's tempered-glass lens sits close to the face to maximize the angle of view and minimize the effort required to clear. The super-soft clear silicone skirt is comfortable and provides plenty of light. Available in five colors, including Aeris' new translucent ice blue. Price: $69.95. Contact: www.DiveAeris.com.