Gear Check Masks
Powerful view June 2007
Tusa’s new M-24 Powerview mask looks good inside and out. The low-profile mask fits snuggly against the face, providing a 30 percent
wider view than standard masks. To other divers, it’s twin-lens design presents a stylish image. Beyond good looks, though, is Tusa’s
engineering to create a durable, comfortable mask. Its reduced frame structure uses composite materials to lighten the weight while
providing protection against shocks. Tusa’s patented Round Edge Skirt enhances the grip and seal to the face, minimizing “bad mask days”
of pesky flooding. It’s 3-D anatomical strap can be adjusted to five different positions, further customizing the fit to a diver’s face. The
mask is available in nine colors ranging from clear to black silicone, which is preferred by underwater photographers to ease seeing images
in viewfinder screens. www.tusa.com or www.seaandsea.
Tusa’s new M-24 Powerview mask looks good inside and out. The low-profile mask fits snuggly against the face, providing a 30 percent
wider view than standard masks. To other divers, it’s twin-lens design presents a stylish image. Beyond good looks, though, is Tusa’s
engineering to create a durable, comfortable mask. Its reduced frame structure uses composite materials to lighten the weight while
providing protection against shocks. Tusa’s patented Round Edge Skirt enhances the grip and seal to the face, minimizing “bad mask days”
of pesky flooding. It’s 3-D anatomical strap can be adjusted to five different positions, further customizing the fit to a diver’s face. The
mask is available in nine colors ranging from clear to black silicone, which is preferred by underwater photographers to ease seeing images
in viewfinder screens. www.tusa.com or www.seaandsea.
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Oceanic masks dive data October 2007
Heads-up dive data displays are starting to show up in divers’ masks now that Oceanic is shipping its Datamask to dive shops. Just like
fighter pilots seeing flight data floating in a section of their goggles, divers see critical information about their dive in their masks. A
computer using a modified Haldanean algorithm can be set to track tissue loading with air or nitrox, and compute the time left to dive based
on depth, air consumption and remaining air in the tank. The sampling rate can be set from once a second to once every minute, and logged
data can be uploaded to a computer for analysis. Set alarms for no time remaining before decompression, too rapid of ascent, maximum
depth, turn-around tank pressure, maximum PO2, safety and deep stops. Divers can choose units of measure and adjust the algorithm for
personal conservative factors. Size and brightness of the data display can be adjusted to minimize its interfering with enjoying sights of a
dive. Contact with the water activates the computer, its wireless transmitter and the display in the mask.www.oceanicworldwide.com.
Heads-up dive data displays are starting to show up in divers’ masks now that Oceanic is shipping its Datamask to dive shops. Just like
fighter pilots seeing flight data floating in a section of their goggles, divers see critical information about their dive in their masks. A
computer using a modified Haldanean algorithm can be set to track tissue loading with air or nitrox, and compute the time left to dive based
on depth, air consumption and remaining air in the tank. The sampling rate can be set from once a second to once every minute, and logged
data can be uploaded to a computer for analysis. Set alarms for no time remaining before decompression, too rapid of ascent, maximum
depth, turn-around tank pressure, maximum PO2, safety and deep stops. Divers can choose units of measure and adjust the algorithm for
personal conservative factors. Size and brightness of the data display can be adjusted to minimize its interfering with enjoying sights of a
dive. Contact with the water activates the computer, its wireless transmitter and the display in the mask.www.oceanicworldwide.com.
Swim goggle to ogle January 2008
Deep in the coldest month of the year, it's easy to get your scuba fix by watching diving-related shows on TV. But divers who pick up a
pair of Aqua Sphere Vista Cross-Swim goggles will want to head to the pool to maintain water skills while wearing off the lingering pounds
from holiday overeating. Aqua Spheres, available in many dive shops that stock Aqua Lung scuba gear, have sassy-colored low-profile
thermoplastic frames that provide 180-degree peripheral viewing and minimize drag in the water. A hypoallergenic 100-percent silicon strap
and skirt resists damaging effects of chlorine water. The skirt also fits comfortably around the face, sealing out water without leaving the
wearer with "raccoon eyes" after a pool workout. Push-button Quick-Fit buckles can be quickly adjusted while swimming, so there's no
need to stop between laps to adjust ill-fitting goggles. When summer arrives and the outdoor pool is open, the lenses will filter out ultraviolet
A and B waves, protecting swimmers from sunlight as well as the water. They're so lightweight and comfortable you'll wish they covered
your nose too so that they could replace your scuba mask. www.aquasphereswim.com
Deep in the coldest month of the year, it's easy to get your scuba fix by watching diving-related shows on TV. But divers who pick up a
pair of Aqua Sphere Vista Cross-Swim goggles will want to head to the pool to maintain water skills while wearing off the lingering pounds
from holiday overeating. Aqua Spheres, available in many dive shops that stock Aqua Lung scuba gear, have sassy-colored low-profile
thermoplastic frames that provide 180-degree peripheral viewing and minimize drag in the water. A hypoallergenic 100-percent silicon strap
and skirt resists damaging effects of chlorine water. The skirt also fits comfortably around the face, sealing out water without leaving the
wearer with "raccoon eyes" after a pool workout. Push-button Quick-Fit buckles can be quickly adjusted while swimming, so there's no
need to stop between laps to adjust ill-fitting goggles. When summer arrives and the outdoor pool is open, the lenses will filter out ultraviolet
A and B waves, protecting swimmers from sunlight as well as the water. They're so lightweight and comfortable you'll wish they covered
your nose too so that they could replace your scuba mask. www.aquasphereswim.com
Goggles for (s)women May 2008
Women's faces frequently are narrower than men's, so why doesn't someone come up with a line of swimming goggles for women who
like to workout in the pool? Well Aqua Lung just did with its women-specific Aqua Sphere goggle line. The line includes sassy Kaiman Lady
goggles that flaunt femininity and more conservative Seal XP Femme goggles. They are narrower than men's models to ensure a tight,
comfortable seal around the eyes. The low-profile lenses provide 180-degree undistorted views. The scratch-resistant and fog-resistant
lenses also block 100 percent of ultraviolet A and B rays, protecting swimmers eyes during workouts in outdoor pools. Aqua Sphere's
innovative buckle is easy to adjust. The goggles are available at dive shops and other sports retail stores. www.aquasphereswim.com.
Women's faces frequently are narrower than men's, so why doesn't someone come up with a line of swimming goggles for women who
like to workout in the pool? Well Aqua Lung just did with its women-specific Aqua Sphere goggle line. The line includes sassy Kaiman Lady
goggles that flaunt femininity and more conservative Seal XP Femme goggles. They are narrower than men's models to ensure a tight,
comfortable seal around the eyes. The low-profile lenses provide 180-degree undistorted views. The scratch-resistant and fog-resistant
lenses also block 100 percent of ultraviolet A and B rays, protecting swimmers eyes during workouts in outdoor pools. Aqua Sphere's
innovative buckle is easy to adjust. The goggles are available at dive shops and other sports retail stores. www.aquasphereswim.com.
No call left waiting April 2008
Is wondering what calls and voice mails need to be fielded preoccupying you during dives? Not to worry. You can keep up with your
topside cronies with Ocean Reef's new Alpha underwater cell phone. The company says the system integrates into communication gear
available for its full-face masks and allows divers to communicate via Bluetooth, voice-dialing telephones. A 100-foot cable connects the
mask gear to a topside dive-flag marked inflatable buoy that keeps your cell phone high, dry and connected to the cellular world. Many
phones fit in the buoy's water-resistant box, but Ocean Reef can provide an appropriate one as an option or a custom-sized box. A
quick-release connector allows the cable to be jettisoned in case of an emergency. You did pack your backup cell, right? Sounding as if
you're at your desk while fielding your boss's calls underwater will require a bit of practice. www.oceanreefgroup.com
Is wondering what calls and voice mails need to be fielded preoccupying you during dives? Not to worry. You can keep up with your
topside cronies with Ocean Reef's new Alpha underwater cell phone. The company says the system integrates into communication gear
available for its full-face masks and allows divers to communicate via Bluetooth, voice-dialing telephones. A 100-foot cable connects the
mask gear to a topside dive-flag marked inflatable buoy that keeps your cell phone high, dry and connected to the cellular world. Many
phones fit in the buoy's water-resistant box, but Ocean Reef can provide an appropriate one as an option or a custom-sized box. A
quick-release connector allows the cable to be jettisoned in case of an emergency. You did pack your backup cell, right? Sounding as if
you're at your desk while fielding your boss's calls underwater will require a bit of practice. www.oceanreefgroup.com
