Each issue, the Scuba Diver test team bring you the latest product and equipment releases from the dive industry. Cannot wait for the next edition? Keep up-to-date with all the latest gear news and reviews by heading over to the Scuba Diver YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/ScubaDiverMagazine
MARES ERGOTRIM GUARDIAN AND GRACE SLS BCDS | SRP: £674
Over 20 years ago, Mares was the first scuba manufacturer to introduce an alternative buoyancy system called Airtrim. This high-functioning power inflator was one of the most-innovative designs in BCD history, and many other equipment manufacturers quickly followed suit, however, none compared to the performance of the pneumatically balanced Airtrim. Although the Mares Airtrim is still the pioneer in power inflators, it has remained unchanged for many years. Over the past several years, Mares has been hard at work engineering, not just a ‘restyling’ of this vital product, but a new system altogether. The Ergotrim is a revolutionary concept that will bring the BCD market to a new era. The Mares Ergotrim incorporates Airtrim 2.0 technology into an ergonomic configuration with pneumatic deflation. A rocker switch lies on top of the inflate and pneumatic deflate buttons to prevent operation at the same time and facilitate smooth airflow. Divers can use the Ergotrim to deflate the BCD no matter their diving position and inflate it at a 40% higher flow rate than original Airtrim. The new Ergotrim also features a traditional oral inflation button - a quick-release clip allows you to quickly disconnect the system from the BCD for oral inflation use. However, one of the most-exciting features is that the Ergotrim is conducive to scuba instruction. Dive pros can use the Ergotrim in the standard position while teaching to demonstrate skills to their students, and then put it into the lower position when pleasure diving. The Mares Ergotrim is now available on the Guardian and Grace BCDs, which are typically well-specced jacket-style units, with SLS integrated weights. www.mares.com
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FOURTH ELEMENT TIDAL ROBE | SRP: £169.95 First there was the Storm poncho, and now there is the Tidal Robe. Made from recycled material, this fullzip Tidal Robe has been built to keep the warmth in and the elements out. Tested by hardy ocean users, this super soft fleecelined robe, with handwarmer pockets and an adjustable hood, is perfect for keeping cosy after time spent in the water. Use it to warm up after a session in or on the water, or to cover up between dives. This robe is fully fleece-lined for after-swim warmth and is made using approximately 50 recycled plastic bottles. It is available in vibrant orange and a more-muted green. www.fourthelement.com
APEKS HALO | SRP: £114 The Halo spool is the latest addition to the Apeks Lifeline Spool family and is a true innovation in the diving market. The large diameter of the Halo fits perfectly in the hand and allows simple, controlled deployment of the DSMB, and rapid line retrieval, even when wearing thick gloves. Once the DSMB is launched, it is extremely comfortable to hook three fingers through the Halo and ‘hang’ on the line to keep the marker buoy upright on the surface. Like the Apeks spools, it is made from anodised aircraft-grade aluminium, it comes with a stainless steel boltsnap, and the orange, high-visibility line is sewn instead of tied to increase strength. www.apeksdiving.com
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