The Zeagle Zeus BCD, a Scuba Diving Equipment Review

Zeagle Zeus

2009 Scuba Lab Testers' Choice

The Zeus incorporates a unique streamlined zipper front panel for easy donning. The front panel has multiple D-rings for mounting accessories or other gear according to the user's needs. The standard bladder is a compact 24-pound lift, ideal for travel and warm water diving. The 20-pound capacity Zip-Touch weight system has double locking hook and loop with Zeagle’s easy grip release handle. Weights are easily added or removed through the large zipper opening.

The unique front panel and vest design of this BC allows you to travel light and pack up small while offering excellent support thanks to the unique corset-style front panel and dual tank bands. The harness offers multiple adjustment points, but once these are set, putting on and taking off the BC is as simple as zipping or unzipping the front panel allowing you to keep your adjustments just the way you like them from dive to dive.

A larger bladder, an additional rear weight system, and a generous size utility pocket are among the optional accessories available.

 

Unique streamlined zipper front panel for easy donning. Unique 4 way adjustment Multiple D-rings for mounting accessories or other gear 24 lb lift bladder Optional larger bladders available 20 lb capacity Zip Touch weight system Great for Travel Dry Weight: 6lbs Packs up small and flat

Click here for a printable Data Sheet.

Custom Sizing Available
Vest- Measure waist size		Shoulder -Measure shoulder to waist
XS	22"-28"	XS	10"-14"
SM	26"-32"	SM	12"-16"
MD	30"-38"	MD	16"-20"
LG	37"-47"	LG	20"-24"
XL	44"-54"	XL	24"-28"

Mares Abyss Scuba Regulator Package, A Diving Equipment Review

Mares Abyss 22 Scuba Regulator with Balanced Diaphragm The Mares Scuba regulator that has beaten every record and earned a reputation for performance and reliability. In addition to it's record setting performance it is equipped with the revolutionary new tri-material valve and the VAD system that provides for natural breathing. Award Winning: - Deep Solo Dive: -313m. Mark Ellyat, December 2003. - 101 Divers: South Africa 101 divers breathed simultaneously for 40 minutes from a single MR22 first stage at a depth of 1.4 m. - 25 Divers/40m: 25 Divers at a depth of 40m breathed simultaneously from an MR22 first stage for 10 minutes. Enjoy the versatility of Puck  Puck 2 Computer in an ergonomic console New gauge display for easy readability Multiple attachment loops for flexible attachment Dive console consisting of the Puck computer capsule and a compact easy-to-read pressure gauge with chrome-plated brass body. The shock resistant elastomeric technopolymer case has been designed with optimized angles and shape for maximum ergonomics. The central loop hook, added to the side and frontal soft eyelets, grants flexible attachment. Nitrox: Yes Bottom Time: Yes Alkaline Batteries: Lithium Battery Max Op.depth: 150m (492ft) Ascent Rate: Digital Fresh/Salt water: Yes Residual Nitrogen Clear: Yes Mares Prestige Octopus We aren't giving you a throw-away octo to make it sound like a good deal, we are giving you the quality difference.� Welcome to the tribe called K2! This schweeet Octo is a mid-size octopus with a stylish design, strengthened by the ultimate technologies to grant steady, natural and effortless breathing. Easy to use soft purge diaphragm with Mesh-Grid. Second Stage Weight: 198g We wont keep it from you, thanks for reading to the bottom, you can make this puppy your own for $799.97!  Click the links above or the picture.  Put in the comments field that you read this blog and we are throwing in a $44 regulator bag!

SeaLife DC-1000 Maxx Underwater Camera: A Review

Travel ready with everything you need for professional quality UW pictures

SeaLife has created the ultimate digital dive camera system which includes all the popular accessories and a 2GB memory card. The SeaLife DC 1000 Maxx is outfitted with the DC1000 camera, wide angle lens and two Digital Pro Flashes in a deluxe hard travel case. Dual flashes eliminate shadows by illuminating the subject from both sides. Light up the deep and capture spectacular underwater images with the brightest colors you ever imagined.

Set the camera to Ext Flash Auto mode for automatic exposure control with the Digital Pro Flash, resulting in vibrant colors and reduced backscatter. The Ext Flash Manual mode offers advanced UW photographers manual aperture and shutter speed controls.

Quick shutter response for fast action photography. Long lasting lithium battery for all day of diving. Automatic focus from 2" to infinity. Large format continuous video recording with sound. Depth tested to 200ft.�

With the Sealife DC1000 Maxx Kit you can take photographs as you explore the ocean world both above and below the water. This easy to use 10.0 Mega-pixel camera is good to depths of up to 200' (60 m). Of course it is also ideal for taking worry-free pictures in the rain, at the beach, or on the ski slopes.

The camera features a large 2.7" LCD screen. This allows precise framing underwater. When shooting underwater without flash the camera has 4 underwater white balance settings. One is for blue ocean water less than 25' (8m). The second is for blue ocean water deeper than 25' (8m). The third is for green water less than 25' (8m)and the last for green water deeper than 25' (8m) . With the Spy mode feature you can set the camera to automatically take photos in ten second, thirty second, one minute, or five minute intervals. By setting this up on a tripod and swimming away you can photograph very shy creatures.

The camera housing allows access to all camera functions underwater. The sure fire flash connection system holds your fiber optic cable in the perfect position so the flash will fire every time. The camera is part of a system that will nurture your creativity and allow expansion of your underwater photography skills.

The kit includes two Sealife SL961 external strobe. Dual strobes eliminate shadows by illuminating the subject from both sides. Since water absorbs the red and yellow light spectrum resulting in blue pictures, you need a flash to bring out the intense colors of the underwater world. It also reduces the backscatter problem that normally will occur when using a camera with a built-in flash.

When using the Auto Mode Setting, the strobe automatically adjusts the brightness for optimal image exposure. You can also shoot in manual mode. The strobe features variable flash control enabling you to dial the flash power up or down for better image exposure. Also included is a flexible, rubberized arm for easy aiming and a sure grip. This will allow you to position the flash for the best possible lighting.

One of the most important secrets to quality underwater photography is to to be as close to your subject as possible. For large subjects the included Sealife Wide-Angle Lens is extremely important. It will increase your field of view by 50%. You will be able to capture that 5' shark from 5' away or fit a group of divers into one frame. You can get as close as 12" to your subject to insure bright colorful pictures.

 

The Sealife DC1000 arrived from K2Scuba.com earlier than promised. It comes assembled and in a very sturdy travel case. Instructions are clear and the system is easy to operate. It helps to be aware of several differences between typical and underwater photography before you use the camera and strobes. (Sealife on-line info is a good starting place for the uninitiated.) I took the system on a trip to the Carribean for a week of diving and was delighted with the quality of the system! The U/W housings are excellent and durable. The video quality is super and you can switch between still shots and video underwater by simply changing a setting. The screen size is quite adequate. Overall, a great buy for a system used by a recreational diver. Linda Marie from Wisconsin

 

�

� Easy 1-2-3 graphic on screen guide takes the guess work out of setting up the camera for great pictures

�

� Sea mode with 4 UW color correction settings for blue and green water conditions at shallow or deeper depths

�

� Ext Flash Auto mode for automatic exposure settings when using one or two external strobes

�

� Ext Flash Manual mode for manual aperture and shutter speed exposure controls when using one or two external strobes

�

� Spy Mode - Spy on nature with automatic continuous shots at pre-set time intervals of 10, 30 seconds or 1 and 5 minutes

�

� Plus 11 Land modes - Automatically pre-sets the camera for the type of scene; Includes Anti-shake and aperture/shutter priority

�

� Expandability with Sealife wide angle lens

�

� Pocket-size removable inner camera

�

� Rechargeable lithium ion battery for extra long battery life

�

� Big shutter button and widespread controls for easy access, even with dive gloves on

SL961 Strobe

�

� Dual strobes eliminates shadows by illuminating the subject from both sides

�

� In Auto Mode the strobe automatically adjusts the brightness for optimal image exposure

�

� In manual mode you have a variable brightness control dial for better image exposure

�

� 60� angle of coverage

�

� Recycle time of 7 seconds (Full power)

�

� Up to 100 flashes with full power batteries

SL970 Wide Angle Lens

�

� Snaps easily on and off

�

� Changeable underwater

�

� Focusing as close as 12" (30cm) � � �

Fully rubber armored for shock protection. 1-year warranty covers the underwater camera and flash accessory.

Includes

SeaLife DC1000, 10 mp camera � (SL100)

2GB Delkin SD Pro Series memory

SeaLife Wide Angle Lens with Lens Dock � (SL970 + SL972)

(2) SeaLife Digital Pro Flashes - (SL961)

(2) NiMH Charger Sets - (SL190)

(2) Diffusers for Digital Pro Flashes

Buoyancy Weight (SL966)

Deluxe Hard case with special die cut foam for all components

SeaLife DC-1000 Maxx Underwater Camera: A Review

Travel ready with everything you need for professional quality UW pictures

SeaLife has created the ultimate digital dive camera system which includes all the popular accessories and a 2GB memory card. The SeaLife DC 1000 Maxx is outfitted with the DC1000 camera, wide angle lens and two Digital Pro Flashes in a deluxe hard travel case. Dual flashes eliminate shadows by illuminating the subject from both sides. Light up the deep and capture spectacular underwater images with the brightest colors you ever imagined.

Set the camera to Ext Flash Auto mode for automatic exposure control with the Digital Pro Flash, resulting in vibrant colors and reduced backscatter. The Ext Flash Manual mode offers advanced UW photographers manual aperture and shutter speed controls.

Quick shutter response for fast action photography. Long lasting lithium battery for all day of diving. Automatic focus from 2" to infinity. Large format continuous video recording with sound. Depth tested to 200ft.�

With the Sealife DC1000 Maxx Kit you can take photographs as you explore the ocean world both above and below the water. This easy to use 10.0 Mega-pixel camera is good to depths of up to 200' (60 m). Of course it is also ideal for taking worry-free pictures in the rain, at the beach, or on the ski slopes.

The camera features a large 2.7" LCD screen. This allows precise framing underwater. When shooting underwater without flash the camera has 4 underwater white balance settings. One is for blue ocean water less than 25' (8m). The second is for blue ocean water deeper than 25' (8m). The third is for green water less than 25' (8m)and the last for green water deeper than 25' (8m) . With the Spy mode feature you can set the camera to automatically take photos in ten second, thirty second, one minute, or five minute intervals. By setting this up on a tripod and swimming away you can photograph very shy creatures.

The camera housing allows access to all camera functions underwater. The sure fire flash connection system holds your fiber optic cable in the perfect position so the flash will fire every time. The camera is part of a system that will nurture your creativity and allow expansion of your underwater photography skills.

The kit includes two Sealife SL961 external strobe. Dual strobes eliminate shadows by illuminating the subject from both sides. Since water absorbs the red and yellow light spectrum resulting in blue pictures, you need a flash to bring out the intense colors of the underwater world. It also reduces the backscatter problem that normally will occur when using a camera with a built-in flash.

When using the Auto Mode Setting, the strobe automatically adjusts the brightness for optimal image exposure. You can also shoot in manual mode. The strobe features variable flash control enabling you to dial the flash power up or down for better image exposure. Also included is a flexible, rubberized arm for easy aiming and a sure grip. This will allow you to position the flash for the best possible lighting.

One of the most important secrets to quality underwater photography is to to be as close to your subject as possible. For large subjects the included Sealife Wide-Angle Lens is extremely important. It will increase your field of view by 50%. You will be able to capture that 5' shark from 5' away or fit a group of divers into one frame. You can get as close as 12" to your subject to insure bright colorful pictures.

 

The Sealife DC1000 arrived from K2Scuba.com earlier than promised. It comes assembled and in a very sturdy travel case. Instructions are clear and the system is easy to operate. It helps to be aware of several differences between typical and underwater photography before you use the camera and strobes. (Sealife on-line info is a good starting place for the uninitiated.) I took the system on a trip to the Carribean for a week of diving and was delighted with the quality of the system! The U/W housings are excellent and durable. The video quality is super and you can switch between still shots and video underwater by simply changing a setting. The screen size is quite adequate. Overall, a great buy for a system used by a recreational diver. Linda Marie from Wisconsin

 

�

� Easy 1-2-3 graphic on screen guide takes the guess work out of setting up the camera for great pictures

�

� Sea mode with 4 UW color correction settings for blue and green water conditions at shallow or deeper depths

�

� Ext Flash Auto mode for automatic exposure settings when using one or two external strobes

�

� Ext Flash Manual mode for manual aperture and shutter speed exposure controls when using one or two external strobes

�

� Spy Mode - Spy on nature with automatic continuous shots at pre-set time intervals of 10, 30 seconds or 1 and 5 minutes

�

� Plus 11 Land modes - Automatically pre-sets the camera for the type of scene; Includes Anti-shake and aperture/shutter priority

�

� Expandability with Sealife wide angle lens

�

� Pocket-size removable inner camera

�

� Rechargeable lithium ion battery for extra long battery life

�

� Big shutter button and widespread controls for easy access, even with dive gloves on

SL961 Strobe

�

� Dual strobes eliminates shadows by illuminating the subject from both sides

�

� In Auto Mode the strobe automatically adjusts the brightness for optimal image exposure

�

� In manual mode you have a variable brightness control dial for better image exposure

�

� 60� angle of coverage

�

� Recycle time of 7 seconds (Full power)

�

� Up to 100 flashes with full power batteries

SL970 Wide Angle Lens

�

� Snaps easily on and off

�

� Changeable underwater

�

� Focusing as close as 12" (30cm) � � �

Fully rubber armored for shock protection. 1-year warranty covers the underwater camera and flash accessory.

Includes

SeaLife DC1000, 10 mp camera � (SL100)

2GB Delkin SD Pro Series memory

SeaLife Wide Angle Lens with Lens Dock � (SL970 + SL972)

(2) SeaLife Digital Pro Flashes - (SL961)

(2) NiMH Charger Sets - (SL190)

(2) Diffusers for Digital Pro Flashes

Buoyancy Weight (SL966)

Deluxe Hard case with special die cut foam for all components

The Perfect Scuba Diving Drysuit: Pinnacle Evolution 2 Review

an anonymous and customer review of the Pinnacle Evolution 2 from Divers One

Just wanted to share my thoughts on my new drysuit, the Pinnacle Evolution 2 for anyone who was looking to buy one or was shopping around for a dry suit--

Diving the cold California waters last winter make me break down and get a drysuit--the ol' 7mm wasn't cutting it for Multiple daily dives
I am 6 feet tall and tip the scales at a lean 155lbs, and went with a size ML as said on the Pinnacle website. As far as options, I went with the neoprene socks (size 11, same as my regular shoe size) and they are a perfect fit. The rock boots are a size larger at 12. I also had a P-Valve installed. The suit comes with a 7mm hood, hose, suspenders, and storage bag. I also ordered the Pinnacle Evolution undergarment, size Large. Total time from order to delivery was less than 2 weeks.

First, what I don't like/would change...
Overall, the fit is very good. There is some extra material around the calf that creates some air space, but this might be because of my lean (skinny) legs/build. The extra space did not cause too much of a problem during my first couple of dives, but I want to try it with gaiters to see if it makes a difference. The suit is very stiff when dry, but loosens up nicely when underwater.
The Evo 2 does come with pockets--which are pretty small but functional. I was able to fit a backup light in one pocket and an SMB in the other. Larger pockets would have been nice, but I don't carry too much gear, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue. The Suit is not as form fitting as say the whites fusion, and you can definitely feel the extra drag and effort it takes to push through the water.
The stock pinnacle rock boots are very narrow, so if you have wide feet, you might want to try a different style of rock boot.
The wrist seals are thick latex which is good, but where they attach to the suit is a bit bulky, so adding gauges (wrist computer, compass, slate) takes some care/repositioning and effort.
The SI p-valve sticks out. it is not in the way, but it is not as low profile as some of the other models out there.

Now, what I like:

The Evo 2 is definitely a rugged suit-the cordura looks like it can stand up to a lot. it looks tough, and although I tend to baby my gear, it can hold up to some scrapes and scuffs. The wrist seals are very heavy latex--heavier than the DUI ones on the suit I was looking at.
The front entry, Telescoping torso, and ample space in the torso make it a breeze to put on and take off. In the water, the suit becomes much more flexible, making putting fins on, venting air etc an easy task.
From my experience, the Pinnacle size chart is a good measure of size/fit.
The Pinnacle Evo undergarment is VERY warm. it is a bit buoyant so extra lead might be in order, but for California diving it fits the bill. The moisture wicking aspect of the undergarment does its job perfectly.
The rock boots, while narrow, have laces that go far up the ankle, giving a good amount of support and security from feeling the air rush to your feet.

Bottom Line:
I am very happy with this suit. It has all the features/options I was looking for (pockets, front entry, warm neck collar, p-valve, relief zipper, vulcanized boots or neoprene socks, etc) and for the price, is a great deal. I was able to get the Suit, Undergarment, Rock Boots and Accessories for a lot less than a stock DUI TLS350. If you are in the market for a drysuit, give pinnacle a try. As I get more dives in this suit I'm sure I will have some more to say.

 

Now, for a limited time, K2 is throwing in an undergarment and hood for FREE with your purchase of your $1598 Pinnacle Evolution 2

 

Tech Stuff:

Fully self-donning front-entry drysuit

� Diagonal YKK-BDM front zipper with protective zipper flap

� Rugged 220 gram Cordura� exterior is strong and resists cutting and abrasions

� Cordura� material is cut on the bias, making material as strong as ever, yet more flexible

� Reinforced seat and knees stand up to the rigors of wreck diving

� Telescoping torso with elastic crotch strap aids in donning and allows for greater range of motion

� Standard pocket on each leg comes with Velcro� closure, grommeted drain hole, three attachment points, and elastic shock cord

� Si-Tech low-profile 360-degree inflation and exhaust valves

� Internal elasticized waistband and suspenders improve fit

and comfort

� Latex neck and wrist seals are of the heaviest grade available

for incredible durability, yet are extremely comfortable

� Standard boots are made of vulcanized rubber with 5mm neoprene insulation and are available in sizes 5 through 15

� Can be fitted with neoprene socks for no additional charge

� Includes carry bag, inflation hose, and drysuit hood and for a limited time, UNDERGARMENT OF YOUR CHOICE