Adventure Bound - SCUBA Gear Review

As Seen on TV

Season 4 now showing on TVS Sydney & Channel 31 Melb, Bris, Fremantle & Adelaide.

Sydney: Thurs 8:00pm
Melbourne: Tues 8:00pm
Adelaide: Thurs 7:30pm
Fremantle: Sat 7:30pm
Brisbane: Mon 7:00pm

Shop

Buy Adventure Bound DVDs Buy Outcast Apparel Buy Adventure Bound Apparel Adventure Bound Video Downloads

List All Products
Product Search Advanced Search
Download Area
Show Cart
Your Cart is currently empty.

Membership Login

Syndication

Get the latest Adventure Bound news direct in your news reader!

DVDs - Now On Sale

Shane's Recipes

Home

SCUBA Gear Review

Written by Neil Tedesco

Saturday, 27 January 2007

Mares SCUBA Gear

To a beginner SCUBA diving is a daunting prospect, and that's before you even consider learning about the gear and making a decision on a purchase. As an underwater photographer the situation gets even more complicated as often even having one free hand is a luxury, so things like easily adjusting my buoyancy without having to move my arm or shoulder too far became important, not to mention an easy breathing regulator to alleviate getting puffed out underwater from pushing a large waterproof camera housing around the place.

BCD

The BCD I chose was the Mares Dragon AT with the Air Trim buoyancy regulator system, there are a couple of things I really like about this BC the first being the Air Trim itself. Like most divers I learn t to dive using a BC with a standard inflation hose that hangs over the

Mares Dragon AT RHS

left shoulder, at first the Air Trim felt strange but after a couple of dives you realize just how easy it is to use and locate with your hand. Even the tiniest amount of adjustment is simple to achieve and the exhaust valve is super responsive once your depth exceeds approx 1.5 meters. One thing I immediately noticed is that this BC does not fill with water; the valves are sealed and only expel air. Another great feature is the dump valve positioned over the right shoulder, when at the surface this valve immediately empties the BC for a quick decent. I like to get down nice and quick to maximise my bottom time. Other features such as the back padding, cylinder back plate, integrated weight pockets and overall construction are just as you would expect from Mares, comfortable, slim and durable.

The only thing I would request of the manufacturer is to include an expander fold in the pockets of the BC as they are quite slim and really only good for things like Cray and Abalone measures, I would like to be able to squeeze a few more things in there.

Regulators and Computer

Mares Assembled Reg Set w/ Airlab Computer

My regulator set comprises of a Mares Airlab Computer, V32 first stage, Proton Metal second stage and a Proton Occy, I expected the Proton Metal to deliver air effortlessly even at depth and I was not disappointed but I was pleasantly surprised with the performance of the Proton Occy. Often while Cray diving I use the occy as the hose is longer and I struggle to tell the difference between the two at depths less than 20 meters. One thing I immediately noticed about the Proton Series of regulators is that the exhaust valves expel the bubbles to the side very effectively instead of in front of your mask, especially when you are stationary. The Airlab delivers all of the necessary information in easily readable size and contrast even in low light conditions; its construction is surprisingly robust with a solid resin internal block housing the electrics and has so far withstood some real banging around on rocks without a cage. One thing I particularly like is the scrolling mode that relies on a single button, easily operated even with 3mm gloves on.

Fins

Volo fins are simply awesome, effortless and comfortable. They may not deliver the same amount of power as a stiff fin with a tall rail running down each edge but they certainly generate enough speed to keep me happy and most importantly I don't ever get cramps in my calves. Maneuverability is more important for me as a photographer so I don't think I will be changing any time soon.

Wet suits

As most of my diving happens here in Victoria I always planned on buying an Isotherm Semi Dry Suit, I had borrowed one from a friend once and immediately fell in love with the toasty feeling even mid winter with water temps hovering around 10 degrees. I am glad however that I was talked into a Mares Tri-lastic 753 as flexibility and comfort goes hand in hand. I still think the Isotherm is warmer but for days of 15 degrees and above you won't feel the cold in a Tri-lastic. The Isotherm relies on the water sealing on all openings to stop the flow of any cold water through the suit whereas the Tri-lastic fits snugly all over delivering the desired warmth but also comfort and flexibility. Once again the only thing I would ask of the manufacturer is to include a hood that does not have the frilled neck lizard design, I find it is too tight to tuck into the neck; a nice snug short one that slightly overlaps the neck of the suit would be fine.