January 2008

Photography by Joseph Byrd

Henderson Thermoprene Wetsuits

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| Henderson Thermoprene Wetsuits|
Divers looking for the comfort and convenience of a top-quality, high-stretch wetsuit at a reasonable price are going to love Henderson's new line of Thermoprene dive suits. Available as a 3mm shorty in a short-sleeve/back-zip design and a long-sleeve/front-zip design, as well as 3mm, 5mm and 7mm jumpsuits, they provide the kind of flexibility, quality and durability you'd expect from the Gucci stuff, but at prices more in line with what you'd pay for standard neoprene.

According to Henderson, Thermoprene is a high-quality neoprene with 75 percent more stretch than standard neoprene. This enables you to don and doff the suit with ease and enjoy an excellent range of motion. Thermoprene incorporates a low-pilling outer fabric that stands up to velcro neck tabs and abrasion from BC cummerbunds and shoulder straps. All suits feature glued and blind-stitched seams (a construction method usually reserved for pricier suits) and come with a self-sealing spine pad over the zipper. The jumpsuits also come with abrasion-resistant Freedom Flex kneepads.

To round out the Thermoprene line, Henderson also offers a full line of Junior Diver suits with all the same features--and an even better price--plus 5/3mm and 7/5mm hooded vests. All in all, the Thermoprene line offers lots of choices in quality thermal protection for not a lot of money. Adult suits are available in men's (XS-3XL) and women's (4-14) sizes. Junior suits are available in sizes 10-16. Prices: 3mm shorty (short-sleeve/back-zip), $109.95; 3mm shorty (long-sleeve/front-zip), $125.95; 3mm jumpsuit, $198.95; 5mm jumpsuit, $243.95; 7mm jumpsuit, $266.95; 5/3mm hooded vest, $89.95; 7/5mm hooded vest, $100.95. Junior Diver suits: 3mm, $123.95; 5mm, $156.95; 7mm, $174.95. Contact: www.hendersonusa.com.

Mares Origin Sport AT

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| Mares Origin Sport AT|
The concept: Incorporate Mares' advanced MRS-Plus integrated-weight system and its high-end Air Trim power inflate/deflate system onto a basic jacket-style BC, and offer it at a not-so-high-end price. The result: Mares' new Origin Sport AT.

This jacket-style BC features durable Cordura construction and a unique shoulder adjustment system. If needed, the shoulder straps can be anchored about three inches farther up on the shoulders, increasing range-of-fit for each size. This can be a real plus for divers who switch from cold-water exposure suits to much thinner tropical wetsuits. The BC offers lots of lift (32 to 52 pounds, depending on size) and carries only about a pound of inherent buoyancy. But the truly head-turning item on the Origin Sport AT is the Air Trim. This pneumatic inflate/deflate system forgoes the corrugated hose for a two-button control pod mounted on the left side of the jacket--the top button adds air, the bottom button dumps it. The system uses tank pressure to simultaneously activate exhaust valves on the left shoulder and the right rear so you can vent air in virtually any position. It's a cool system, and now you don't have to fork over your inheritance to own it. Price: $475. Contact: www.mares.com.

Zeagle Surface Signal Systems

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| Zeagle Surface Signal Systems|
A lot of companies make surface signaling tubes, but Zeagle has added a new twist with its Quick Deploy Signal Systems. Each includes a seven- by 60-inch Deluxe Signal Tube that's fluorescent orange in front and neon yellow in back for maximum visibility. The tube features an oral inflator, an over-inflate pressure valve, and a duckbill valve opening so you can fill it at depth with a regulator. Plus, it sports a brass attachment snap and your choice of either a three-inch stainless steel thumb reel with 65 feet of high-visibility Dacron line, or a lightweight 3.25-inch thumb spool with 115 feet of nylon line, all packed in a mesh pouch that hooks to your BC for convenient stowage. Price: Quick Deploy System with lightweight spool, $107; with stainless-steel reel, $167. You can also buy a Deluxe tube separately for $49.95 or a Standard Tube for $29.95. Contact: www.zeagle.com.

Tusa SF-5x Platina Plus Fin

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| Tusa SF-5x Platina Plus Fin|
Right out of its plastic bag the SF-5x raises admiring eyebrows. Available in two versions, the standard SF-5x and the somewhat stiffer-blade SF-5xT, this is a smart-looking fin that conjures up memories of classic fin designs, but its multi-compound urethane construction is purely tomorrow's technology. Called the Hybrid Blade System, this multi-compound approach frames the fin with a pair of rigid urethane side rails and a spear-shaped center strip. Tusa ties these together with soft urethane panels to create a blade that's stiff, stable and cuts through the water at a pretty good clip. The short, snappy blade is easy to control in corners and when maneuvering in tight places. Both versions have soft urethane foot-pocket uppers, stabilizing soleplates and an effective nonskid pattern for better traction on wet decks. Both versions are equipped with Tusa's patented buckle and strap system; however, the SF-5xT model is also available with Tusa's TA-80 spring straps. Price: $199; $269 for the SF-5xT with spring straps. Contact: www.tusa.com.