In the previous post, we talked about the how choosing the right mask, thermal protection, and BCD, aids in your dive.
So to continue off, where we stopped last time, let's look at the rest of the equipment and how it helps you in your journey to become a better diver!
Regulators - Life support and your foremost requirement
From the invention of the "Aqua-lung" in 1942 by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Émile Gagnan, the advancement of the SCUBA regulator systems have taken a tremendous leap in what is capable underwater. From being able to dive to limitless depths to taking on conditions such as the icy cold waters of the arctics, we have come a long way with breathing technology. As we are already aware, breath control is a crucial factor in every single thing we do underwater. So let us look at how a better system, makes it better for you to perform. 1. Balanced and Unbalanced Systems - As taught in the basic classes, every diver is aware of the existence of the two systems, balanced and unbalanced regulators. Balanced systems are the sought after ones, as they provide performance even at greater depths and lower cylinder pressure. Due to the economical nature of the unbalanced systems, they are sought after for school uses, as the requirement for training purposes vary from a diver, who intends to do serious diving. In saying that, unbalanced systems are in no way dangerous to use or are bad performers. Their designs are such to keep the costs lower while providing adequate support to conduct its purpose. Having a balanced system for a diver means, you can be comfortably breathing air, at any depths, even under low cylinder pressure. Which means, you can have ample air supply even under strenuous conditions, strong currents or at great depths. Reduced breathing resistance from balanced regulator systems means, reduced breathing effort, which simply translates to better breath control. And, better breath control means, better air consumption rates, buoyancy control and reduced overall fatigue. 2. Air flow rate - Something that we, at SCUBAPRO, always expound are the flow rates of our first stage systems. Flow rates determine your air replenishment rate through your hoses at greater demands. So, to simply put, higher flow rates means, better breathability. Each person's lung capacity being different, we should consider the fact that, if a person or multiple people, who requires air in large volume at any time, should be able to breathe comfortably without stress and strain, at any given depth. Considering this, our first stages start at a flow rate of 2,800 - 3,000 Litres per minute (MK2 EVO), to the top MK25 EVO providing 10,000 Litres per minute.
How good is that 10,000 Litres per minute flow rate, you ask?
3. Piston and Diaphragm systems - For all sorts of first stages, the basic design breaks down to two types - Piston and Diaphragm. Piston first stages offer the highest performance, but they're open to the water and environment around you. Diaphragm, a close contender in performance, seals off the internals from the environment around it and is quite favourable in conditions that you want the environment to not interfere with your first stage, such as cold icy conditions or specialised diving in non-recreational fields. However, SCUBAPRO's XTIS (Extended Thermal Insulation System) now makes it possible for your piston first stage to perform flawlessly in cold conditions, as well.
4. Cracking Effort - A second stage's cracking effort is the pressure at which the valve opens up to provide you with the valuable gas. Why is the cracking effort an important factor? The higher the cracking effort, the harder for you to breathe. So why do different second stages offer different cracking efforts? To put it simply, it's a game of balance with the flow rate and pressure of the first stage, to stability underwater when it's in your mouth and when not, by preventing the second stage from leaking out air when not in use or in high currents, when facing against it. SCUBAPRO offers a variety of choices in systems, to the ability to customise and choose your own first stage to second stage combinations. Our lowest cracking effort second stage being the A700, providing a cracking effort of 1.1 inches of water, is effortless to breathe and it shows in your dive profile.
5. Low Pressure Hoses - A simple factor that aids the performance of your regulator system, that's quite often overlooked, is simply the Low Pressure Hose. A low pressure hose that has kinks, and not smooth on the inside, or collapses when bent, causes obvious air flow restrictions. And we don't have to tell you that air flow restriction underwater is the least desirable factor. SCUBAPRO hoses are kevlar bounded, with a large, smooth internal bore to make sure it does not collapse, get cut, or restrict air flow in any position, to make sure, you stay safe and sound at any situation, underwater! The crimp strength of a SCUBAPRO LP hose is 100 KG, making it extremely tough to break off as well. So dive worry-free and stress free, knowing you're protected!
6. Exhalation Effort - As important inhalation effort is, we must not forget that exhalation effort also plays a major role in breathing effort. With SCUBAPRO S620 TI having a 37% improved exhalation effort, makes it smoother than any Second stage built by SCUBAPRO. And improves one more factor for your work of breathing, improving your dive experience.
So to summarise it, a regulator system that breathes well, provides you with comfort, reduced fatigue, improved safety, reduced carbon dioxide build up, reduced effort in the dive. And thus, you can have a safer, better dive focusing on what's in front of you.
Check out our collection of regulators here.
Dive Computer - Planning to execution
A good diver knows to plan their dive and dive the plan. And all modern dive computers does just that, it helps you to plan and execute that dive in real time, by calculating the NDL (No Decompression Limit), with ascent rate, time, depth and temperature.
And a dive computer is that single piece of technology that has undergone so many iterations and improvements in a short period of time, that your current model might feel outdated the very next year!
With the revolutionary introduction of dive computers back in 1984 to the introduction of the the first Aladin from UWATEC in 1987, the changes in this span of 33 years is extensive.
The current computers provide so much information that you would wonder how you could've ever been diving without such handy information!
Among the many options available, we can break it down to Wrist style, watch type, consoles and HUD (Heads Up Display) computers.
In all of these, we'll focus on the below aspects to get the maximum out of your dive computer and understand how it will help you improve your dive.
Algorithm - A dive computer algorithm is its heart. It's main working principle and what controls how your dive looks like. Algorithm determines your profile based on various calculations from parameters such as depth, temperature, time, gas mix and additional options such as air consumption rate, heart rate and skin temperature. SCUBAPRO uses variations of ZH-L16 ADT (Zurich Limits 16 compartment Adaptive) algorithm, which is known to be quite liberal in the dive profile calculation with additions such as PMG (Predictive Multi Gas) and MB (Micro Bubble) suppression added to the higher end models. SCUBAPRO computers are designed to "learn" with your dive profile and provide a custom profile to add further safety into your dive, with an option called PDIS (Profile Determined Intermediate Stop).
Conservatism Settings - A good dive computer should have an option to control your conservatism levels based on personal preference. SCUBAPRO offers on all computers MB levels from L0 (being the least conservative) to L5 or L9 (being the most conservative), in certain models. Being able to choose your conservative levels makes sure that, in cases where you require an easier dive due to physical or mental reasons, your computer is ready to comply, reducing your worries.
Readability - Depending upon your comfort level, choose a computer that you are able to read the information effortlessly underwater. Bigger screens may be bulky to carry around or may feel outdated compared to the sleek looking watch style models that are offered. But remember, safety and comfort takes precedence before style. The quicker and easier you are able to read the information, the quicker your decisions underwater are, and you'll focus on what is there right before you.
User Friendly - A good dive computer is user friendly. Switching through options and understanding the computer options should be quick and effortless. Navigation and understanding of data is paramount in a user-friendly computer.
Air Integration - An air integrated computer is so common in the market these days, it wouldn't be surprising to see it becoming the standard in the coming years, as have dive computers become standard in dive education in the recent years. The previous iterations of air integrated computers were simply an added convenience feature to keep note of your air pressure. But with the modern algorithm adaptations, air integration has also become part of, what you will notice in various SCUBAPRO computers as Human Factor Diving, in determining your dive profile. Calculating your air consumption rate, your SCUBAPRO computer is able to determine your effort underwater and also give you the remaining bottom time (not the same as NDL), based on your remaining air. An added feature to dive worry free, knowing how much actual bottom time you have to prepare for your ascent.
Heart Rate Monitor - A heart rate monitor sounds fancy, is fancy. But the added safety feature of an HRM is unlike any other. Taking into consideration of your workload underwater, based on your heart rate, and also your skin temperature, the computer is able to consider your actual nitrogen loading into tissues based on underwater exertion. Human Factor Diving is currently the most powerful tool you have in the market to determine your decompression times. Have the safest dive possible, with your computer being able to read and react to every change in your body!
Multiple Gas mixes - The modern diver and dive education has made access to more technical fields of diving accessible to every diver. Being a better diver, also requires better education. As you progress in your levels, you would be introduced to different gas mixes (nitrox, trimix etc.) and multiple gas mixes at the same time (sidemount or technical multi tank dives). A computer that can handle multiple gas mixes and more than a single gas at a time adds to the ease of use and planning of your dive. Underwater switchability is an important factor of having multiple gases. Most modern single gas computers are Air or Nitrox, but not simultaneous usage. When choosing a dive computer, you can think of where you are planning to go to, as well. If you are going to further move forward, always invest in a multi gas dive computer.
Downloadable Logs - All modern SCUBAPRO computers are Bluetooth ready, to be download your logs into your phone and computer. How does your log help you become a better diver? As shown in the image below, at every point of your dive, your dive computer records every single thing you have done. At a later time, you can reassess your profile and understand why each of your actions happened, and how to improve them. A powerful tool, that even your instructor can look at and see where and what corrections can be made in your profile!
To summarise, a good dive computer's ability is information. Powerful levels of information that keeps you free of worries and gives you data to improve the way you dive! Check out our collection of Dive Computers here. Fins - Propulsion, control and much more
Movement underwater - quite different to anything else you're used to. You are no longer using the swimming techniques you learned for the surface. You are no longer using the skills and balance you are used to while running or walking on the land. The simplest job of your fin is just that - propulsion underwater. But there's more to it than meets the eye. The basic design of any fins in the market is focused on propulsion and how it achieves the feat. But with the modern fins, it can add to how much you're working underwater and your trim. 1. Fin design - The length and design of your blade, determines a lot of factor of your propulsion as well as effort needed. To talk about this in detail, let's look at two options here - SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova and SCUBAPRO Go Sport Fin. While the Go sport offers a traditional short singular blade design that offers comfort and power, the seawing nova takes a different approach in how it handles your "kick". Seawing Nova has articulated joints, longer blade, variable blade geometry with arced tips to aid in maximum power output to effort ratio, making it superior in how you move underwater with comfort, when compared to the traditional designs. Compare that to the SCUBAPRO Jet Fins, a traditional fin that has not undergone any changes since it's introduction over 50 years ago, with its focus purely on power and durability, and nothing else. A favourite choice among the veteran diver and professionals alike for its ability to handle any condition effortlessly. Each fins require fitness and skill to use, no matter what. But the idea that each fin design varies in its ability to provide and ease of use of the power it provides is what makes the biggest difference. A new diver will struggle using a Jet Fins while feel comfortable and at ease using a Seawing Nova, while the Go Sport will give an economical balance between the two.
2. Buoyancy Factors - Positive, neutral or negative? What form are you looking at for your personal trim factor. Buoyancy factors differ from person to person. Some might be top heavy, while some might find their legs to be rather negative, making the trim fiasco quite arduous without the frequent focus on it. Different fins, also comes with different buoyancy factors. To take examples again, we can look at Seawing Nova and Jet fins. Seawing Nova are positively buoyant and lightweight, while the Jet fins are negatively buoyant and heavy. Someone who has negative legs would find the Seawing Nova to be heaven-sent, making it easier to keep your legs up. And vice versa for someone with positively buoyant legged diver using the Jet fins.
3. Control and quick transitions - Adding to the lightweight factor and sleek design of the Seawing Nova, is that it offers a superior level of control underwater. With its hydrodynamic design and lightweight nature, you can transition from your positions quicker and control your leg positions effortlessly. Having a fin that can aid in switching your leg movements - vertically or horizontally, is an ability that helps you in achieving superior movement underwater. For instance, stabilising yourself in the neutrally buoyant position while taking a photograph.
4. Rigidity - Rigidity of the fin blade, determines how much power you get out of the fin. If you prefer pure power, you would opt for more rigidity in your fin blade. For instance, the Jet fins have the highest rigidity ratio of any SCUBAPRO fins. In saying that, SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova Gorilla fins, offers the same features as the standard Seawing Nova, but with added rigidity to it's blade, producing more power, when compared to its sibling.
The lower the flex, the better power you can get out of your fin.
5. Open Heel or Full foot - Depending on your dive destination, you may be able to use full foot fins. Full foot fins are simply without the added bulk of having to wear boots in the water. It is a choice of many in temperate waters. With varied options available in the market, it may be the fin of your choice as well, while considering the above mentioned factors. What the full foot lacks, however, is the ability to keep you warm due to the lack of the thick boots that are needed for Open Heel fins. And generally, the open heel fins are designed for more power as well. Generally, many diver prefer the open heel design for it's added comfort factor with boots and warmth.
To summarise, when opting for a fin, something that offers a balance of power to effort, ables you to add to your comfort level and control underwater and over the surface.
Check out our collection of Fins here.
Accessories - Never the frivolous, never the negligible
Safety - Simple and to the point, when talking about the major accessories.
The underwater world is full of mysteries as well as hidden uncertainties. Consider this, it is necessary to have at least the necessary safety accessories at hand, for a worry free dive.
Knife - A knife's duty is to simply get you out of "clingy" situations. There might be occasional fishing nets, lines or ropes that are present at the dive site, that you may need to navigate around of. And in a situation, where you need to free yourself from an entanglement, a knife becomes the saviour you need.
SMB (Submersible Marker Buoy) - An SMB is one piece of equipment you should never be diving without. In the ocean, an SMB can be deployed on the surface to help the surface watch spot you in any condition.
Reels or Spools - Reels or spools helps to deploy your SMB from at depths or simply use to help you get back to your starting point, with it attached to an anchor point and you reeling out. It is an added safety even in good conditions to a requirement in challenging conditions.
Torches - Dive torches not only are a requirement for a night dive, it also adds colour to the otherwise blue world. With various power ranges and sizes, torches also aid in spotting the clandestine marine life in the gaps of corals or rocks.
Personalised Gear - A great disposition of having personal gear is that you can make it even more personalised. Being able to identify you underwater and you being able to single out your equipment on the boat/shore makes the whole ordeal even more stress free.
To summarise, having accessories adds safety along with personalisation and freedom underwater.
Check out our collection of Accessories here.
Summary
The intention of having personal gear, that's tailored to you is having control underwater.
Of course, having the best of the gear doesn't automatically make you the best diver out there. The idea is to aid in your learning curve. To expedite the process by making sure you are stress free and comfortable to focus on what's needed from you.
Choose the right gear, keep practicing and learning. And the underwater world awaits you to share its pristine magic.