May 2004

ZEAGLE TRAVEL SYSTEMS

When you're packing ultralight, it's tough to beat Zeagle's line of travel systems. The company has managed to squeeze an entire scuba outfit, starting with your choice of either the Scout, Escape or Zena back-buoyancy BC, plus an Envoy regulator with octopus, a Navigator console with pressure gauge, depth gauge and compass, a mask, a snorkel, and a pair of Teleoz fins, into a rugged travel bag measuring 14" x 23" x 6". And get this: It only weighs about 15 pounds. The bag has both a suitcase-style handle and backpack straps, plus a zippered inside pouch for stowing small items and a large outside pouch. It's an easy, all-in-one system, although we'd trade the Teleoz fins for a pair of Sporasub Variant Comps, which fit perfectly into the pack when disassembled. $1,149 for the Scout system, $1,269 for the Escape system and $1,299 for the Zena system.

MARES HUB CENTURY

Everything is connected in the HUB (Human Underwater Breathing) system. It's an integrated high-lift BC with a built-in mechanical release weight system, an Airtrim pneumatic inflation/deflation system and a specially designed balanced diaphragm first stage. Supply hoses are routed through the BC's innards for a streamlined profile and dedicated compartments hold the Proton second stage as well as the optional octopus and gauge console. The entire system weighs about 12 pounds and comes with a fold-down carry handle that stows in the hard, molded backpad. $1,299.
XS SCUBA METRO GLOVE

Yeah, we know some exotic dive locales frown on gloves, but we frown on finger cuts. When you gotta have protection, these featherweight gloves have a lightly textured palm to protect against scrapes. $14.95.
PRINCETON TEC TRAVEL PACK

One box with two lights--the Miniwave II for night diving in clear water and the Tec 40 for poking around in crevices during the day. Included are a coiled lanyard and a retractor for attaching the lights to your BC. $84.99.
MARES MORPHOS PRO

New for 2004, the lightweight Morphos Pro zips up into a neat cocoon-shaped package that takes up about half the space in your dive bag as a conventional jacket-style BC. It comes fitted with Mares' popular Airtrim pneumatic inflate/deflate system. Traveling divers will like the integrated weight pouches and armchair buoyancy. $599.
SEAQUEST PASSPORT

Born for wandering the world, this new jacket-style BC stows compactly into an integrated mesh bag that folds into the lower backpad when not in use. The weight pockets hold 20 pounds of lead and the BC provides 16 to 44 pounds of lift (depending on size). You want more? OK, the BC can actually be rinsed and dried while stowed in its mesh bag. Sweet. Available in six sizes. $349.
SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEMS SPARE AIR 170

Super compact, this 1.7 cubic-foot bailout bottle weighs only one-and-a-half pounds full and stows just about anywhere. $299. We recommend the optional Travel Pack ($10), which includes O-rings, protective caps and instructions on flying with a Spare Air.
DAN POCKET GUARDIAN FIRST-AID KIT

Everything you need to play doctor in a compact, airtight pack. $20.

STAHLSAC CALYPSO CARRY-ON BAG

This large but legal-sized carry-on bag features two roomy main compartments fitted with zippered sleeves and pouches for small items. $119.95.
1. STAHLSAC BAHAMA BRICKS
These handy mesh containers keep things organized inside your bag. $7.95 to $13.95.

2. AQUA LUNG MICRA ADJ
The Micra ADJ is just about the smallest and lightest second stage around. Coupled to the Titan first stage, it only weighs about two-and-a-half pounds, but it's an easy breather and extremely comfortable. $469.

3. ATOMIC AQUATICS SS1 TI
This inflator/reg breathes better than many primary-use regulators and only weighs about six ounces. Better still, it detaches from your BC's corrugated hose so you can pack it with your regulator and gauges. $349 ($229 for stainless steel).

XS SCUBA LOGBOOK DRY POUCH

This clear vinyl pouch has a fold-over opening and Velcro security straps. There's even a slot for your C-card. Available in two sizes. $10.95 or $15.95.
XS SCUBA 2MM TITANIUM BEANIE

Save heat without a lot of bulk. $17.95.

1. HENDERSON INSTA-DRY 3MM CORE WARMER
A unique approach to wetsuit manufacturing allows both the inside and outside of this suit to dry within minutes. $179. Also due out in 2004 are 3mm, 5mm and 7mm jumpsuits.

2. DEEPOUTDOORS NEUTRINO
A minimalist, weight-integrated back-buoyancy BC designed for traveling, the Neutrino uses a trapezoidal strap system for a very snug fit. The single rear bladder sewn directly onto the harness is wide at the bottom, but tapered at the top for a streamlined profile. The weight pockets use a mechanical security system backed up by Velcro, but you can remove them and simplify the system even more. $575.

3. ATOMIC AQUATICS T1X
The T1x is one of the most comfortable and easy-breathing regulators ever tested by ScubaLab. Full titanium first and second stages result in a super lightweight package (1.75 pounds)--plus it comes with its own padded regulator bag (not shown). $1,596.

4. SPORASUB VARIANT COMP

Powerful in the water, compact in your dive bag. Foot pockets separate from fin blades to create a travel package only 23 inches long, but when assembled they provide a full 36 inches of finning fun. $159.
5. TEKTITE TREK 6000 A removable pistol grip makes it easy to pack, and its xenon bulb and jeweled reflector make it bright enough for night diving. $49.95.

1. DAN PACK BY STAHLSAC
A functional daypack with cavernous upper and lower compartments and special pockets for a DAN resuscitation mask and first-aid kits. Compression straps control the load, while breathable back padding keeps you comfy. $75.

2. AKONA AKB394 TEC PACK
It's like you're wearing nothing at all. This lightweight day pack has contoured shoulder straps, a back panel made of a breathable air-mesh material, plus adjustable sternum and waist straps. An internal mesh sleeve is specially designed to hold an optional 2.5 liter hydration bladder. $70.

3. O'NEILL PSYCHO W/D PACK
We went crazy for this wet/dry backpack. A multi-sized pouch system accommodates everything from clothes to computers and a separate waterproof "psycho sac" isolates soggy stuff. Excellent sternum and waist straps, along with an air-mesh backpad, make for sweat-free toting. $80.

WHITES TROPICAL EXPLORER DRY SUIT

A packable warm-water suit with flex panels in the waist and above knees that improve range of motion. A dam protects the latex neck and wrist seals from sun and abrasion damage. The GravGuard overlay material on the lower legs prevents sand from entering your booties on shore dives. $799.
DUI 30/30 DRY SUIT

This new lightweight breathable dry suit is great for long duration repetitive dives. The 30/30 (named for the latitude range the suit was designed for) has a supple feel and a diagonal front zipper for easy entry. An external waist strap enables you to cinch up for a more streamlined fit. $1,398.