Photography by Mitch Mandel

Gear Reviewed

| REGULATORS BUOYANCY COMPENSATORS DIVE COMPUTERS FINS WIDE-VIEW MASKS | HIGH-STRETCH 3MM WETSUITS DIVE LIGHTS 5MM & 6MM DIVE BOOTIES BOAT BAGS |
Our job is never done. Month after month, we take the dive industry's latest and greatest gear to task in laboratories and on remote reefs. We poke and prod, push and pull, disassemble and dissect. When the smoke clears, the equipment that stands out above the rest can wear the coveted Testers' Choice title.

In each issue of this magazine, you can count on Scuba Lab to make every effort to gather reliable objective and ergonomic data so we can draw conclusions about the performance of gear in specific categories. This isn't easy, and it doesn't come cheap. But that's OK, because we're the only dive magazine to go to these lengths to provide our readers with useful, truthful information about scuba equipment.

The following pages highlight our Testers' Choices for 2003. We also showcase some of the models that earned Testers' Choice in 2002. They are still in production and available at your local dive store.

REGULATORS

This past summer, we strapped 24 of the industry's newest regulators to a computer-controlled breathing machine in Florida for three days, then took the regs into the depths off California with our test team for another three. More than 1,750 data points were recorded in the lab. Another 1,350 data points were collected from the in-water portion of the testing, plus several pages of tester comments. Here are the eight easiest breathers from the tests.

Top Picks

ATOMIC AQUATICS B2

The B2 was the top reg in our tests--it received perfect simulator scores and the highest total score in our in-water testing. An easy breather in all positions and the only reg that earned an "excellent" for dryness. $699

APEKS ATX100

This reg delivered the lowest across-the-board work of breathing in our testing. The first stage is "over-balanced," and the second stage adjustment knob actually makes a difference in breathing resistance. Dry and comfortable. $649

APEKS ATX40

The ATX40 was the top performer on the breathing machine with its "over-balanced" first stage and balanced second stage. It breathes dry and smooth in all positions. $469

DACOR Eagle Pro DPD

The Eagle Pro DPD is lightweight, compact and dives like a dream. Dynamic Flow Control provides consistent breathing performance at all depths. The positive-click dive/pre-dive switch is clearly marked, so there's never a question of which mode you're in. $399

OCEANIC 02 Tech

This reg was designed specifically for mixed-gas diving. The green and yellow second stage and modified first stage are assembled in a clean room to qualify for use with 100 percent oxygen. Available with a DIN valve only. $425

POSEIDON Xstream Dive

The Xstream Dive is a unique regulator designed with continuous positive pressure. A smooth, dry breather in awkward positions, even upside down. The compact second stage is very comfortable, and exhaust bubbles vent off to the side. $655

ZEAGLE Envoy

This was the only reg in its price class to earn perfect simulator scores, and it also delivers among the best in-water performance. An easy and extremely dry breather in all positions. $299

ZEAGLE Envoy Deluxe

It's similar to the Envoy, but made even better with a resistance adjustment knob that allows you to tune it to diving conditions. The Envoy Deluxe earned perfect simulator scores, breathes great in the water, and is dry and comfortable. $349

What to Look for in a Regulator

> External work of breathing of 1.5 J/L or less at the depths you dive.

> The best performance and range of features in your price category.

2002's Top Regulator Picks

Last year, we put 69 regulators to the test. Here are the top performers:

> APEKS AT20

> AQUA LUNG Legend, Legend LX, Titan & Titan LX

> ATOMIC AQUATICS M1, T1x & Z1

> GENESIS SCUBA Atlas

> INTERNATIONAL DIVERS Seaira Spirit Flowby

> IST SPORTS Proline R20 & R10

> MARES MR12 Axis & Proton

> SCUBAPRO MK2 Plus/R190, MK16/S550, MK25/S550 & MK25T/S600T

BUOYANCY COMPENSATORS

This year, Scuba Lab tested two oft-overlooked categories of BCs: those designed specifically for women, and traditional, jacket-style, non-weight-integrated models. Two teams of divers thoroughly evaluated 17 women's BCs, and our testers don't put up with design shortcomings that men often shrug off, especially when it comes to fit and comfort. They came up with six clear favorites. Our traditional jacket-style, non-weight-integrated BC tests proved that there's still a strong argument to be made for keeping it simple. Out of 13 models evaluated, four were top performers, proving that when it comes to BCs, less can sometimes be more.

Top Picks: Women's BCs

DACOR Elite

Big performance at a small price. This jacket-style weight-integrated BC has a unique "over-molded" backpack design that provides interior comfort and exterior durability. The power inflator is the right size for a woman's hand. Weight system uses squeeze buckles backed by Velcro. $419

DUI Aurora Classic

One classy jacket-style BC, with velvet-finish padding, especially in the back/lumbar area, a neoprene neck roll and finished edges throughout. There are even two built-in stainless-steel retractors. With DUI's highly touted Weight & Trim 2 ballast system. $538; $478 (without ballast system)

GENESIS SCUBA Athena

Light as a feather, yet well-padded and loaded with adjustments for a snug fit. Its "Mini-Pac" offers the benefits of both hard and soft backpack designs. Very stable at depth. Easy-to-operate power inflator. Jacket-style. Weight-integrated. $430

MARES Ariel

The best of both worlds--a traditional jacket with an expandable rear bladder creates a stable ride. Responsive power inflator is designed to fit a woman's hand. Special shoulder swivel buckles vastly improve strap routing. Weight-integrated. $499

OCEANIC Isla QLR

This BC just feels good. Weight-integrated, jacket-style BC with high-cut hips and padded shoulder straps. A streamlined power inflator fits perfectly in smaller hands. One of the easiest weight-ditch systems available. $479

SHERWOOD SCUBA Luna

Heavenly. With an air cell and cummerbund cut to conform to female curves, and a "Half-Pac" backpack that offers soft pack comfort with hard pack stability. Responsive power inflator. Jacket-style, weight-integrated. $450

Top Picks: Traditional BCs

DACOR Rav

Penthouse performance at a bargain-basement price. A unique "over-molded" backpack design that is both comfortable and stable. Duroskin exterior protects BC from diving's hard knocks. Pocket is large and easy to access. $249

MARES Vector Origin

Few frills, but lots of performance. Excellent power inflator. Stable at depth. Minimal padding but no body squeeze since the bladder inflates away from the body. Lightweight and comfortable. $299

SCUBAPRO Glide 500

Scubapro's most basic BC. Featuring felt lining throughout, wide shoulders with lots of adjustment and curved lumbar support. Extremely stable at depth. Huge pockets are easy to access. With a molded carry handle. $335

SEAQUEST Pro

The best-fitting BC of them all. Excellent swivel buckles optimize shoulder strap routing. There's padding in back as well as on the shoulders. The BC inflates away from the body, eliminating squeeze. Very stable at depth. $425

What to Look for in a BC

> Correct fit in the middle of its adjustment range while wearing your exposure suit.

> Preferences in buoyancy location (jacket-style with buoyancy beneath the arms, or back-buoyancy) and weight systems (integrated or non-integrated).

> Buoyant lift--in your size--that matches your particular diving style. In general, 12 to 24 pounds for tropical divers, 20 to 40 pounds for temperate water divers, and 40 to 80 pounds for technical divers.

2002's Best Weight-Integrated BCs

Weight-integrated BCs are becoming more and more common on dive boats these days. Scuba Lab didn't test weight-integrated BCs in 2003, but will be reviewing them in the March 2004 issue. In the meantime, here are the top performers from the 2002 reviews--all are still on the market and are great choices.

> AQUA LUNG Malibu RDS and Maverick RDS

> GENESIS SCUBA Phantom

> OCEANIC Flex QLR

> SCUBAPRO Classic Plus

> SEAQUEST Balance, Black Diamond, Pro QD and Pro Unlimited

> SHERWOOD SCUBA Avid and Freedom

> ZEAGLE Concept II Pro

DIVE COMPUTERS

Dive tables have become about as rare as double-hose regulators and horse-collar BCs. If you don't own a dive computer, you're cheating yourself out of bottom time. The following 14 models were tops in our testing this past winter, including four air-integrated, nine non-air-integrated, and one that'll go either way. Over the years, the bar has been continually raised (we'd like to think at least partly due to our gear reviews), and each and every one of these computers more than meets the challenge. Numbers and icons are bigger than ever, ways to program personal options have become no-brainers, and best of all, useful features have become the rule, not the exception.

Top Picks

AERIS Atmos 1

For divers on a budget. Has all the important functions, but is light on features. Comes with a large screen and green-yellow-red bar graphs. $279.95

AERIS Atmos 2

Compact and low-profile, the Atmos 2 is loaded with features. Big numbers and multicolored bar graphs make it easy to track data. Nitrox-capable and has a screen guard. $409.95

AERIS Atmos AI

Streamlined air-integrated computer. Large horizontal screen, huge primary digits and makes generous use of graphics and green-yellow-red highlights. Reads tank pressures in increments of 10 psi up to 5,000. $739.95

CRESSI-SUB Archimede

A full-featured wrist-mounted computer. Has a well-designed screen with prompts that show you exactly which mode you're in. "Safety Factor" adjustment allows you to add an extra level of conservatism. $438, wrist (also available in console versions)

DACOR Darwin

Super user-friendly and packed with features. Powered by a pair of AAA batteries, the backlight can be programmed to stay on throughout the entire dive. Visual and audible alarms and scratch-proof screen. $329, wrist; $399, console

MARES M1

Similar to the Darwin, but without color highlights. Calculates deco stops down to 80 feet. Wrist, $359; console, $449

OCEANIC Versa

An intuitive design for divers on a budget. Uses graphic displays and three-color bar graphs, and big and bold digits. Light on features, but easy on the wallet. From $285

OCEANIC Versa Pro

A feature-loaded version of the Versa. Programmable backlighting and a flashing LED light that's synched with a disarmable audible alarm. Nitrox-capable. Screen cover is replaceable. From $429

OCEANIC DataMax Pro Plus 2

Air-integrated with a big vertical screen, big numbers, and lots of color highlights to increase readability. Tank pressure is displayed up to 5,000 psi in increments of 10. From $735

SCUBAPRO/UWATEC Smart Pro

Its unique algorithm takes into account diver behavior to increase safety. With its own padded storage bag and SmartTrak software with infrared PC interface. $638

SCUBAPRO/UWATEC Smart Com

Same as the Smart Pro, but air-integrated. Reads tank pressure to 4,350 psi in increments of one. Desat time and time to fly are calculated instead of using a standard countdown. $896, standard hose; $910, quick-disconnect hose

SHERWOOD SCUBA Wisdom

An air-integrated computer with one of the most intuitive displays available, including generous use of bar graphs. Prompts make it easy to know what mode you're in. Tank pressure is displayed to 5,000 psi in increments of 10. $780

SUUNTO Vytec

This hoseless air-integrated computer is a favorite among "techies." It uses an RGBM algorithm that tracks both dissolved and free gas. Reads tank pressure to 5,000 psi in increments of one. You can switch between three nitrox mixes during the course of a dive. $759; $1,249 (with transmitter)

TUSA IQ-600

Housed in a big shock-resistant rubber casing. The IQ-600 makes use of color highlights and features unique bar graphs that don't leave you guessing which mode you're in. It can be adjusted so that on a two-tank dive, one tank can be programmed for air and the other for nitrox. $468

What to Look for in a Dive Computer

> A price tag that fits your budget.

> Features most important to your diving needs.

> An algorithm that offers either liberal or conservative computations, depending on your diving style.

{mospagebreak} FINS

For the second year in a row, a dozen seasoned Scuba Lab fin testers gathered in the Caribbean to evaluate 30 of the slickest foot rockets on the planet. This year, in the warm waters off Cozumel, our testers spent mornings conducting speed and slalom tests, and afternoons subjecting fins to the rigors of recreational diving. It was a tough job, but our team--with 125 years of collective diving experience and almost 7,000 dives under their weight belts--were up to the task. Here are their favorites for 2003.

Top Picks: Adjustable Fins

APOLLO SPORTS Black Bio-Fin Pro

The original split fin, and still a performance leader. The fin racks up the fastest speeds in both flutter and frog kicks. In the turns, it digs right in and provides excellent control. $190

ATOMIC AQUATICS SplitFin

A real speedster on the slalom course and pretty fast flat-out too. Longer-than-average blade doesn't fold up on you in a power stroke like some other splits. Nimble in the tight spots and super stable. Best buckles around. $189

ATOMIC AQUATICS Liquid Blue

Identical in shape to the original Atomic SplitFin, but made of a softer thermoplastic rubber that makes the fin lighter and gives it a bit more snap. Delivers ear-bending acceleration, yet is very responsive on the reefs. $199

MARES Volo

The top-performing paddle fin. Uses the Optimum Pivoting Blade, a hinge-like design that maximizes thrust. This improves stability while decreasing muscle strain. Lightweight and comfortable. $169

TUSA X-Pert Zoom

Easily recognizable by the sharp downward bend of its blade, which generates a forceful response to a relatively moderate kicking effort. Fast, maneuverable and easy to control. $175

Top Picks: Full-Foot Fins

AERIS Velocity

Leader in real-world performance. This lightweight paddle fin seems to offer everything, from above-average blue-water kicking power to excellent stability. Great nonskid sole. It's even easy to put on and take off. $49.94

OCEANIC Caribe

Simply awesome. A rocket on the straightaways and fast in the corners. Lightweight and nimble, this is a great open-water fin and an even better reef fin. Paddle blade has a pliable center panel. $49.95

OCEANIC Vortex V6

Much lighter than most split fins, stiffer too. The fastest full-foot split fin. Highly maneuverable, especially in tight spots like inside wrecks. $79.95

MARES Plana Avanti

Tre Fastest full-foot around, and a top performer in real-world diving. The blade is designed with a three-channel "avanti" system. Stabilizers control side-slipping. Comfortable foot pocket. $59

SCUBAPRO Twin Jet Black

Maneuverability is this split's middle name. When cruising reefs, it's a stable fin, delivering good acceleration for chasing down that must-get photo. $121

What to Look for in Fins

> Proper fit: Your foot should fit snugly inside the pocket with no binding.

> Size: Smaller divers should use smaller fins.

> Stiffness: Less-stiff fins allow for greater diversity in the strength of the diver.

WIDE-VIEW MASKS

Masks are your windows to the underwater world, so you want them to provide the most expansive view possible. Recently, manufacturers have managed to make that view wider and wider. This year, we got our hands on 31 wide-view models and put them to the test. Some masks achieve their broad views by using side windows; others by moving the window closer to your eyes. We tested both types for volume, and peripheral and vertical vision. We also looked at features, including special materials, lengths of skirts and strap adjustment fittings. We tested them in the water and out. Here are our top choices.

Top Picks

AQUA LUNG Mythos

Looks tiny, but the view is huge. Low volume plus an excellent horizontal view. Pointed lenses improve downward vision too. One of the lowest-volume masks we've ever tested. $79

AQUA LUNG Tyke

Nearly as small as the Mythos. Offers a very good horizontal view. Open-work frame combines with clear skirt for an efficient, minimalist design. $75

DEEP SEE Spectra

Squarish front windows provide an expansive, comfortable view. The downward view is excellent. Strap adjusts easily. $45

H20DYSSEY Glacier 3

Frameless design folds compactly for traveling. Flat glass side windows are embedded in the skirt to enhance horizontal vision. $49

MARES X-Vision

Frame shape zigs outward to maximize the sideways view, then zags downward for more downward vision. Low volume too. A very compact mask. $79.95

MARES X-Comfort & X-Stream

Same frames, different skirts. They both have heart-shaped front windows that improve vision both to the sides and downward. Clear skirts provide some extra view. $59.95

OCEANIC Prizm

Beveled side windows eliminate the traditional corner post. Good vision along both horizontal and vertical planes. A wide, soft skirt and easy strap adjustment. $59.95

PROMATE Swift

Folds flat for easy packing or to tuck into a BC pocket as a backup mask. Large, square front window gives excellent side and downward views. $49

SHERWOOD SCUBA Magnum

Offering not only expansive front and side windows, but another pair of windows in the lower skirt that enable you to see your weight belt and clipped-in console. $79

TUSA Visualator

Huge front window delivers outstanding vision both horizontally and vertically. The large, soft skirt is super comfortable. $75

XS SCUBA Fusion 2

Top visibility through the front window, and that doesn't count what you can see through the side windows. Also available are a version with purge and one for smaller faces. $65

What to Look for in a Mask

> A mask skirt shape and length that enables you to achieve a good seal on your unique face.

> Either low volume, which is low profile and easier to clear, but can be slightly claustrophobic to some, or high volume, which typically makes for a bulkier mask, but may offer side windows and viewing ports to maximize the view.

> A purge for divers with facial hair or who just have trouble getting and maintaining a seal on their mask.

HIGH-STRETCH 3MM WETSUITS

The days of diving in a rigid rubber suit are over. Today, the key to maximizing comfort while retaining heat is elasticity, and each of the following nine super-pliable wetsuits all allow you to bend, squat, turn and literally reach for the sky, without the slightest hint of resistance. The secret to this flexibility is found in the wetsuit material. Whether called Hyperstretch, Super Stretch, Ultraflex, X-Flex or Pyrostretch, they make some of the most flexible, comfortable wetsuits in the diving world.

Top Picks

BARE Velocity Full Suit

Hydrostretch panels provide great flexibility. Wrists and ankles have rolled-edge O-ring seals using Bare's Glideskin gasket-type material. $139.95

CAMARO Genesis 3 (not pictured)
Standard neoprene combined with high-stretch Microskin-X-Tend panels around the waist, in back and behind the knees. Skin-out chest and back panels speed drying times. $275

HENDERSON Titanium Hyperstretch Jumpsuit

The original high-stretch wetsuit and the most comfortable suit Henderson makes. Unique four-way stretch neoprene provides excellent range of motion. 3mm, $249.95; also available in 5mm and 7/5mm versions

OCEANIC Titan 3.0

Twenty-three separate panels double-glued and blind-stitched provide very good range of motion as well as comfort. With a slick titanium lining. $189

O'NEILL 3000X Full Suit

With a skin-in neck seal and O-ring Glideskin rolled-edge wrist and ankle seals. The suit is easy to get in and out of and has resin ink screened kneepads. Flat-lock stitched. $219.95

PARKWAY 3.2 Pyro-stretch Full Suit

Made of high-stretch titanium neoprene that also is compression-resis-tant. With Sharkskin-in seals, molded rubber kneepads and a key pouch. Comes in a wide range of sizes. $265

SEAQUEST X-Flex 3.2

Primary panels are 3mm for warmth, while 2mm is used in the lower legs, shoulders and arms for additional flexibility. Wrist and ankle seals are rolled-edge, O-ring style. $225

TILOS 3.2 Super Stretch

Molded rubber kneepads reach down far enough to protect your shins. The suit material provides a great feel and total range of motion. Includes a key pocket. $280

XS SCUBA Men's Ti-Full Suit

A great basic suit for the budget-minded. Super Stretch panels increase comfort and flexibility. Skin-in neck seal is adjustable. Available in men's sizes only. $90

What to Look for in Wetsuits

> Fit, fit, fit.

> Neck, wrist and ankle seals that minimize water intrusion.

> Convenience features like zipper flaps that help seal out water, ankle zippers and durable kneepads.

{mospagebreak} DIVE LIGHTS

Dive lights--they make night dives possible and day dives even better. This year, Scuba Lab collected three dozen torches and put them through their paces. We darkened our test facility and aimed each light at a white screen. Using a digital light meter, we measured the maximum intensity at the brightest point of each hot spot, along with peripheral illumination and the quality of the light pattern. We then loaded and unloaded batteries, tested switches and switch locks, and took note of bulbs, burn times and additional features. The following 12 models really shined.

Top Picks: Large Pistol-Grip Lights

(A) UK Light Cannon 100

An extremely clean, bright, concentrated hot spot with lots of peripheral illumination. Its bluish-white HID beam is effective in virtually all diving conditions. $280

(B) IKELITE Super-8 RCD
This big bruiser is tops for night diving in clear water. Powerful medium-sized beam surrounding a large, uniform concentrated beam. In lantern or pistol grip. $90

(C) TEKTITE Trek 6000
This light delivers a wide, scorching hot spot with excellent uniformity. Great choice for night dives in clear water. Its size also makes it an excellent day light. $49.95

(D) PRINCETON TEC Shockwave II
Wide dual-output beam works best in clear water on high power, in murky water on low power. A lot of punch is packed into a compact torch. $71.99

Top Picks: Pocket Lights

(E) UK Sunlight SL6

Same as the SL4 but longer by two inches, with two more C-cells that produce more lighting horsepower for night diving. Especially effective in murky water. $52

(F) UK Sunlight SL4
Concentrated beam produces a powerful hot spot and good peripheral illumination. Compact in the hand, it stores easily in a BC for use while day diving. $39

(G) PELICAN MityLite 4AA
This little light produces a smooth, large hot spot. Stores easily in a BC pocket. Good backup light for night diving. $22.95

(H) IKELITE PCa Lite
A great little palm-sized light. The PCa delivers a small but fierce concentrated beam. Easy to use, even when wearing gloves. $30

(I) PRINCETON TEC Tec-40
Easy to store and use. Perfect light for poking around in holes or as a back-up night diving light. $18.99

(J) TEKTITE Trek 400 EX 40 LED
Traditional pocket light design with LED technology. Forty LEDs produce a cool beam for use as a primary day light or as a backup night light. $199.95

Top Picks: Mini-Lights

PRINCETON TEC (K) Rage and (L) Blast

Two gotta-have utility lights. Because they're so small, you can carry them in a BC pocket for whenever you need them. Rage, $12.99; Blast, $9.99

What to Look for in a Dive Light

> A light beam that matches the type of diving you do (bright and wide for clear water, moderately bright and narrow for limited visibility, etc).

> A size that delivers the goods, yet is convenient to hold, handle and store while at depth.

> Easy-to-use, reliable switches, as well as easy battery replacement.

5MM & 6MM DIVE BOOTIES

No gear goes overlooked in Scuba Lab testing, not even booties. In early 2003, we kicked the heck out of 20 dive boots in thicknesses of five to six millimeters. Our first look indicates that dive footwear has become much more substantial than the neoprene socks of the past. Today's boots have thick soles with no-slip treads, arch support, heel stabilization and more. Overkill? We don't think so. Truth is, old-fashioned booties provided little protection or comfort, especially on rocks. If you shore dive or dive from smaller dive boats, you'll definitely want to get your feet into the latest models. Here are six of the best.

Top Picks

BARE Ice Boot

A rugged boot. Stiff heel counter cups the heel and two layers of rubber cover the forefoot to provide better foot control and also fight chafing from the pocket. A tab is molded into it to keep the fin strap from sliding off. $49.95

DEEP SEE Orca Purge

Best for beach dives. Unique EVA mid-sole channels water to the heel. Uppers reach almost to the calf to minimize water exchange between booties and wetsuit. A silicone purge releases water after the dive, and a cover protects the purge on rocky terrain. $80

HENDERSON Hyperstretch Zipperless Boot

Comfortable, with an exceptionally stiff sole and heel counter to deliver great arch support. With an air-bubble "spring" under the heel like the kind you find in high-end athletic shoes. 3mm, $55.95; also available in 5mm and 7mm versions

MARES Avanti

For traversing shoreline rocks. Grooves in the sole let the boot flex when you walk without compromising sole stiffness. Exceptional arch support. Nice touches include a fin strap tab, a zipper pull and a finger loop behind the ankle. $59

SCUBAPRO Molded Sole Boot

Aggressive lugs on the sole and heel provide good traction climbing down the bluff to the beach. The side is stiff, and the heel counter and forefoot "rails" keep your foot well under control. Cushy inner sole. $69

SEASOFT Stealth

Serious dive boots with prominent lugs on the bottoms and lots of rubber in the sole. Heel and forefoot control are excellent, as is the arch support. The short zipper has been replaced with one that was used on Seasoft's discontinued Ti Pro boots. Of course, it's all black. $89.99

What to Look for in Dive Booties

> A stiff sole that allows you to negotiate rough terrain and cluttered boat decks, and climb ladders in comfort.

> Arch support to protect your feet from the weight of the gear load you're carrying.

> Fit--between foot and boot, and boot and fin. Make sure the beefier boots fit into your fin pockets.

BOAT BAGS

Few things will make your life easier than a bag that's large enough to haul a day's worth of dive gear to the boat, but small enough to fit inside your larger travel bag. The 20 boat bags reviewed in 2003 come in two styles: vertical backpacks and horizontal duffels. Backpacks offer dry pouches and are easier to carry, while duffels provide more carrying capacity and ease of loading and accessing your stuff. Depending on the fabric and construction, both styles can be either lightweight and foldable or a bit stiff. Any of these eight top models will get the job done.

Top Picks

AKONA AKB234 Deluxe Mesh Backpack

Wide mouth. Brass grommets. Side zipper lets you get to gear on the bottom without having to unload everything. The sternum strap is a nice touch. $48

AKONA AKB514 Mesh Boat Duffel

It's hard to beat this bag for pure carrying capacity. Three-sided zipper makes it easy to load. Nifty compression straps. $58

DEEP OUTDOORS Cabo Ultra

Lots of space, plus the roomiest dry pouches. Very comfy in backpack mode. Cinch strap has a special keeper. $50

DUI Duffel/Backpack Combo

Unique two-compartment design--one for wet stuff, one for dry. Huge carrying capacity. Backpack system includes waist strap. Wet compartment always sits lower than the dry one. $58

STAHLSAC Cortez Convertible Mesh Duffel

You probably don't have enough gear to fill this big boy. Made of tight mesh on top and fabric on the bottom. Folds compactly. Stowable backpack straps. $49.95

STAHLSAC WD16 Bonaire Mesh Backpack

Radio frequency-welded waterproof pouch. Padded backpack straps. With detachable mesh pouch for small items. $64.95

TILOS Deluxe Coated Mesh Backpack

This bag has it all, including a side zipper and roomy dry pouches. Using the sternum strap, it's one of the most comfortable bags in backpack mode. $50

XS SCUBA BG320 Deluxe Mesh Backpack

Unique outside dry pouch makes towels and T-shirts easier to grab. With a handy side zipper and padded, plush nylon backpack straps plus a sternum strap. $55

What to Look for in a Boat Bag

> On backpack-style bags, a side zipper, running vertically down the body of the bag, which allows you to access gear without unloading everything.

> On duffel-style bags, a three-sided zipper vastly simplifies loading and unloading. It also improves access of not only the main compartment but of any inside dry pouches.

> On either style, molded rubber side handles improve carrying control, and inside dry pouches need to be easily accessible even when the bag is stuffed. For more information on the gear featured in the Gear Guide, please visit the following web sites:

AERIS
www.diveaeris.com

AKONA
www.akona.com

APEKS
www.sea-quest.com

APOLLO SPORTS USA
www.apollosportsusa.com

AQUA LUNG AMERICA
www.aqualung.com

ATOMIC AQUATICS
www.atomicaquatics.com

BARE SPORTSWEAR
www.bare-wetsuits.com

CAMARO
www.camaro.at

CRESSI-SUB USA
www.cressisubusa.com

DACOR
www.divedacor.com

DEEP SEE
www.deepseeinc.com

DEEPOUTDOORS
www.deepoutdoors.com

DIVING UNLIMITED INTL.
www.dui-online.com

GENESIS SCUBA
www.genesisscuba.com

H2ODYSSEY
www.h2odyssey.com

HENDERSON AQUATICS
www.hendersonusa.com

IKELITE
www.ikelite.com

INTERNATIONAL DIVERS, INC.
www.internationaldivers.com

IST
www.istsports.com

MARES
www.mares.com

OCEANIC USA
www.oceanicww.com

O'NEILL
www.oneill.com

PARKWAY SCUBA
www.parkwayscuba.com

PELICAN
www.pelican.com

POSEIDON
www.poseidon.se

PRINCETON TEC
www.princetontec.com

PROMATE
www.promateusa.com

SCUBAPRO
www.scubapro.com

SEAQUEST
www.sea-quest.com

SEASOFT SCUBA
www.seasoftscuba.com

SHERWOOD SCUBA
www.sherwoodscuba.com

STAHLSAC
www.stahlsac.com

SUUNTO
www.suunto.com

TEKTITE
www.tek-tite.com

TILOS
www.tilos.com

TUSA
www.tusa.com

UNDERWATER KINETICS
www.uwkinetics.com

XS SCUBA
www.xsscuba.com

ZEAGLE
www.zeagle.com