Dive Shop - New Products

These new products can be found at your local dive store.

	aquaSketch Minno What is it? An underwater notebook/sketchpad/communication device created by a New York man who wanted to sketch marine life while underwater. The aquaSketch Minno is used by NASA in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab at the Johnson Space Center. It is small enough to be worn on the wrist, yet can hold up to 8 feet (2.4 m) of waterproof paper - vellum - that is printable, scannable and reusable. Rubberized knobs spool paper in either direction easily with one hand. The vellum is also available preprinted as dive logs, fish ID charts, photologs, lined or graphed. The frame is indexed in inches and centimeters. In addition, the photophorescent writing surface illuminates during night dives. Benefits to your diving: If you like noting the aquatic life or anything else you see while underwater, communicating with your dive buddy, or just jotting down a few thoughts, the aquaSketch Minno may be for you. A big plus is that all notes and drawings can be scanned into a computer for permanent storage. The vellum can then be erased using a standard eraser. For more information or to reach the nearest aquaSketch dealer, call (800) 282-1608.


	Cressi-sub's Ellipse Steel MC5 What is it? A regulator made of Cressi-sub's Ellipse second stage outfitted with a steel cap, combined with the brand-new MC5 diaphragm first stage. The first stage, having an "extremely moderate size and weight," the company says, encompasses a high concentration of technology. A new sliding cylinder of the poppet, made from a self-lubricating technopolymer, minimizes internal attrition and eliminates any possible oxidization that could alter the performance of the regulator over time. Another feature is a special assistance chamber that triggers a strong Venturi effect between the central diffuser and the intermediate pressure outlets. The hyper-balanced diaphragm mechanism not only maintains regulator performance when the pressure in the tanks changes and when diving deeper, but even improves performance in the notoriously most critical final phase of the dive, the company says. Benefits to your diving: Technological advances, coupled with lightweight design, make this regulator worthy of a closer look. For more information, or to contact the nearest Cressi-sub dealer, call (800) 338-9143.


	Henderson's Thermoprene Wet Suit What is it? A new Henderson wet suit crafted from a neoprene that the company says has 75 percent more stretch than standard wet suit material, high heat retention qualities, and is easier to doff and don than standard wet suits. The increased stretch is designed to improve diver comfort. The fabric's exterior is built to withstand friction, meaning it won't show undue wear from BC (buoyancy compensator) straps and weight belts. Available in 3-, 5- and 7-mm thicknesses. New cuts are available for men and women. Benefits to your diving: Divers want to stay warm and any wet suit that minimizes water seepage is worth checking out. The 3-mm wet Thermoprene accomplishes this by having seams that are both glued and sewn. The full-length jumpsuit models also have a self-sealing spine pad over the zipper to further limit water exchange and to provide a cushion against the weight of dive tanks. The "Freedom Flex" kneepads provide a strong exterior and greater mobility than typical molded pads, the manufacturer says. For more information or to contact the nearest Henderson dealer, call (856) 825-4771.


	Ikelite's LED PC Lite What is it? An underwater flashlight that uses high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, and is suitable for daytime and nighttime exploration. The PC comes with a lock on the on/off switch to prevent from accidentally turning on when stored and its 2.5-by-6-inch (6.5-by-16-cm) size makes it easy to stow in the pocket of your buoyancy compensator (BC). It comes in yellow, black, clear, blue and green colors, is rated to a depth of 300 feet (91 m), and uses four "C" alkaline/NiMH batteries. It's built for underwater use but above water can be employed for extended periods as well. Benefits to your diving: A compact, powerful and reliable flashlight is a good idea for any diver, and a must for those exploring the underwater realm at night. The qualities of the LED PC Lite, combined with Ikelite's long history of top-of-the-line lighting equipment, make this flashlight worth a look. For more information about the PC Lite or to contact the nearest Ikelite dealer, call (317) 923-4523.

	Scubapro's Dive'N Roll Bag What is it? A dive travel bag that the manufacturer describes as a "versatile multi-compartment wheeler with inline wheels and telescopic handle." It consists of three detachable elements: a wheeled suitcase, a travel gear bag, and a hip pack. The main compartment for dive gear comes with a hard-case bottom. A pull-out handle allows for smooth toting, and additional grip handles are found on the sides and ends. Two inline wheels help reduce wear resistance. Benefits to your diving: The qualities of good dive travel bags almost always involve adjectives like versatile, durable, compact and easy to maneuver. Those seem to be the selling points for the Dive'N Roll, which might make your life a whole lot easier getting to and from the airport or the dive boat. For more information about the Scubapro Dive'N Roll bag or to contact the nearest Scubapro dealer, call (619) 402-1023.