Long Term Test

BEUCHAT AQUABIONIC

Mark Evans: We were awaiting delivery of the Aquabionic fins when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, so obviously their arrival was delayed. However, since we put the fins in as the New Arrival in the last issue, there has been a switch - the brand-new Aquabionic II fin, a fresh redesign of this innovative product, is now ready to ship (once this pandemic has passed),so we will be reviewing the Aquabionic II as soon as we are able to get a test pair. www.beuchat-diving.com

INFORMATION

Arrival date: April 2020

Suggested retail price: £135

Number of dives: 0

Time in water: 0 hrs 0 mins

XDEEP FRAMELESS MASK

Mark Evans: COVID-19 put paid to me getting in the water with the xDeep mask, as all diving I had planned was immediately curtailed. In the meantime, let’s just have a look at the mask itself. I like the large nose pocket, which is easy to grab wearing gloves, and the silicone skirt, which is stiff where it needs to be, but soft against your face. www.xdeep.eu

INFORMATION

Arrival date: February 2020

Suggested retail price: £60

Number of dives: 0

Time in water: 0 hrs 0 mins

MARES GENIUS

Mark Evans: The Genius has not got wet recently due to global events, but over the 30-odd dives we have done so far, one thing particularly stood out. There is nothing worse than wrist-mounted computers sliding around on your arm as you dive, butthe Genius has an antislip pad on the back which holds it firm against your wetsuit or drysuit. www.mares.com

INFORMATION

Arrival date: August 2019

Suggested retail price: £711

Number of dives: 32

Time in water: 30hrs 50 mins

SCUBAPRO G2

Mark Evans: The G2 comes in a neat zippered storage case with a little carry handle, which contains the computer itself, the download cable,heart-rate chest monitor and elasticated strap, and wireless transmitter for hoseless air-integration. www.scubapro.com

INFORMATION

Arrival date: December 2019

Suggested retail price: £759

Number of dives: 4

Time in water: 3 hrs 55 mins

APEKS VX1

Mark Evans: No diving with the Apeks VX1 for a while, but everyone who has tried it over the test period has been mightily impressed. It is just so comfortable. It is one of those masks that when you wear it, it instantly feels familiar - it is currently my go-to mask. I like the Stormtrooper white, but the black version is also cool, and the brand-new gunmetal grey version that is due shortly - along with matching RK3 HD fins - is also very eye-catching. www.apeksdiving.com/uk

INFORMATION

Arrival date: September 2019

Suggested retail price: £69

Number of dives: 68

Time in water: 66 hrs 55 mins

BEST DIVERS ALDEBARAN TORCH SET

Mark Evans: No diving for the Aldebaran torch set, so let’s have a look at what you get for your £300. This is a wellspecced set-up from Best Divers for the money, and the torch itself comes with the lantern-style handle, a charging dock for the batteries, allneatly packaged up in a zippered, padded case to keep it safe when stored or in transport. www.bestdivers.co.uk

INFORMATION

Arrival date: March 2020

Suggested retail price: £300

Number of dives: 3

Time in water: 2 hrs 20 mins

ROHO X-FLEX SOLO

Mark Evans: We look forward to doing a Test Extra on the RoHo X-Flex Solo when the COVID-19 pandemic has run its course and we are able to get a test product in the water. www.roho.co.uk

INFORMATION

Arrival date: July 2019

Suggested retail price: £829

Number of dives: 0

Time in water: 0 hrs 0 mins