Miss Scuba goes to DEMA to See the Latest and Greatest Dive Gadgets with Girls in Mind
Szilvia Gogh talking about the newbattery heated undergarment with DUI president, Susan Long
Just when I thought I have seen everything possible divers can possibly come up with in relation to scuba gadgets, I ventured to the annual DEMA (Diving Equipment and Marketing Association) Show and found myself drooling over “I must have” hot new items.
The five day long event of the year for the dive professionals was hosted in Las Vegas. I like to go and educate myself on the trends in the dive industry, but it is usually quite hard to get me super excited. I own every piece of gear an up-to-date scuba instructor needs, and some. In the past 20 years I have been active part of dive history. Over the last decade I have upgraded from my first bright orange horse collar BCD to a weight integrated, back inflation travel size light weight BC. I watched the old school Scubapro Jet fins transform to split fins and most recently to their Seawing Nova. I used a pair on a movie set last year while filming cave scenes for Piranha 3D. Someone has spilled every color of the rainbow over the not so long ago all black wetsuits and now one can get her favorite neoprene outfit in orange, pink or purple.
Fads and trends come and go in the underwater world, like in any other aspects of our lives. Some rare gems however are going to battle with time and prove worthy to stay in my dive bag year after year. I was impressed. This year’s DEMA Show showcased several. I will share some of my favorite picks:
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X-TEK Scubapro BCD
In developing the X-TEK-line for professional divers, Scubapro was able to implement their years of experience in recreational and professional diving. __________________________________________________________________ |
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Atomic Aquatics COBALT COMPUTER
The Cobalt Diving computer is the first of a new generation of computers that are easy to use, intuitive and easy to read. The menu driven display is self-explanatory at every level and can be mastered in just a few minutes. This simplicity is in contrast to its powerful capabilities and the many advanced user functions available to those who wish to use them. Built in Lithium ion battery provides 40-60 hours of dive time and several years of service before needing replacement. Battery can be quickly recharged with the AC charger or slow charged by plugging into the USB port of any PC.
This slick, sexy computer is available now! Easy to see, simple to use. Love it.
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Aquastar Scooter
Not that I really need it... but it is just way cool and fun. AS1 Sea Scooter has been meticulously designed for underwater diving. It turns in almost its own length, has a self contained breathing environment (natural and comfortable to breathe), and provides excellent visibility and distortion free views. Twin motors provide both forward and up/down motion.
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Waterproof TAURUS COMBAT
The Taurus provides divers with the best of both worlds as it combines a snug fit with a Drysuit zipper with a stunning design. The Taurus provides warmth, protection, great performance all with the style and quality that Waterproof are known for. Features include an anatomical design, super stretch neoprene seals, inner plush lining and unique 3-Dimentional hard-core rubber Knee Guards to mention just a few. The Taurus bridges the gap between a Drysuit and a Wetsuit. Dry enough to keep the Diver warm in colder water, but with the snug fit of a high-class wetsuit. The Taurus facilitates longer dives in warmer environment and lower air consumption due to less heat loss.
I already own a Waterproof wetsuit (W1) made by this Swedish company and have to admit they thought of everything. This suit, just like my other is comfortable, warm, stretchy and last, but not least -stylish looking. It is available for shipping now. Not that I need a new suit... but. I want it.
http://www.waterproof-usa.com/ |
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OCEANA DIVE SHADES
DIVE SHADES® are the original dive flag polarized sunglasses. Their watersports sunglasses are designed exclusively for the scuba diving enthusiast.
I was super excited to find these sunglasses as an alternative to expensive designer shades I lost so many of on dive boats. They look stylish, sporty and provide the UV protection I need while jet-skiing, river rafting or on dive days.
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STAHLSAC
My all time favorite luggage are made by Stahlsac. I have been using their bags for years. I own the carry-on for non-diving trips, the one day local diving bag and another that I take for a week long liveaboard. Always have been a fan of the sturdy all black bags that don’t scream “I am a diver, steal me please!”
The handles are placed thoughtfully, so a short girl like me can easily lift the bag and put it in the car trunk. It has several compartments to organize spare gear. Love the big rigid wheels and that the telescopic handle offers three different level stops for comfort. There was nothing on their bags I wished would be changed, yet when I saw the streamlined versions of my loved bags at DEMA, they instantly made it to the top of my “Wish List”. The NEW bags start to ship February 2011.
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SOLA DIVE 1200
Light & Motion’s Sola Dive 1200 is one of the smallest, most powerful dive lights I have ever seen, therefore I fell in love with it instantly. The light offers a choice of spot or flood beams with three power settings. The Sola Dive 1200 comes with a built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery that powers the light for 70 minutes on the highest setting. Depth-rated to 300 feet, the Sola Dive 1200 is a powerful dive light for local dives, and is sized right for traveling. It's also factory sealed, and requires no o-ring maintenance or additional battery purchases. I love the fact that it seems like a light I can not break. __________________________________________________________________ |
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HOT ELECTRIC DRY SUIT UNDERGARMENT BY DUI
I have a comfortable and handsome black dry suit undergarment I can wear for any other outdoor activity, not just scuba. I hate very few things more than cold, therefore my search for pieces keeping me toasty while ice diving –never ends. The announcement of the NEW HOT Electric Undergarment made by Diving Unlimited International came out of blue. On second though, not exactly. DUI have been making amazing signature series dry suits for many years; always researching and expanding their repertoire of defense against freezing water.
This suit is not yet released, but I had a sneak peak at it at DEMA and looking forward to test it. Hopefully I can get my hands on one before my expedition to Antarctica in March 2011. __________________________________________________________________ |
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WEEZLE BOOTS
Cold feet are a major complaint of divers. Weezle boots use the same innovative materials as used in their undersuits.
I spent 12 hours diving in ice cold water in Alaska filming a movie recently and my feet were toasty the whole time. Quite unusual feeling for me. __________________________________________________________________ |
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SURFACE INTERVAL CLOTHING - FOR THE MALE DIVER
This signature design was inspired by the History Channel’s popular Deep Sea Detective co-host John Chatterton. The design incorporates over 30 years of Johns experience as a commercial diver. Based out of the New York area, the design sports a New York City manhole cover with two crossed hammers. Fixed in the center is a modern commercial dive helmet. Silver Foil highlights the helmets face plate and hammers. A distressed appliqué patch with the text “Surface Interval” is adorned across the back.
I got one for my dive buddy and can not get him out of it. Great design, nice material. Very unordinary. __________________________________________________________________ |