Posted on Jul 13, 2009 under Scuba Diving |
To get the ultimate experience from any type of dive, be it recreational diving, open water diving or scuba diving, a great pair of scuba fins is needed. A new type of scuba fin has been designed by U.S. Divers, called the Hydrosplit fin, it combines comfort and speed to give you one of the most comfortable and hassle-free underwater adventures that you have ever had.
The earliest concept of the scuba fin was basically a flat plank of wood that was tied around the foot to give extra push while swimming and this was known as a swimfin. When military warfare started advancing during the World Wars, the technology and manufacturing of scuba fins started getting serious. Since then, scuba fins have not only improved with time but have also become a big part of any type of diving.
But like every other piece of diving equipment and general product in this world, people want better things out of it so manufacturers have to keep designing and making new concepts of the scuba fin. U.S. Divers’ new Hydrosplit fin is definitely the forerunner and the golden standard for future scuba fins. Here are a few of its amazing features:
Enhanced Underwater Movement
The main purpose for the creation of the scuba fin was to increase propulsion in the kick when swimming, enabling the diver to go farther at a much quicker pace. The Hydrosplit’s split blade technology is specifically designed to give you a more efficient kick and offers excellent power. Compared to other scuba fins, the brilliantly designed dual-composite split blade offers excellent power with a bit of contemporary styling and flare for that modern day look.
The feature that sets the Hydrosplit apart from other scuba fins is its Nature’s Wing split blade technology that increases lift and propulsion while reducing the drag and this enables a more efficient kick. An additional feature that adds to the enhanced movement of the Hydrosplit underwater is that it has co-molded flex zones which enable the fin to cup ad channel water fairly easily.
Amazing Comfort
Many divers suffer from blistering and chafing by wearing scuba fins and they need booties or socks for protection at times. This can be extremely annoying and painful at times as you cannot enjoy your dive to the fullest because there will always be some other painful feeling at the back of your mind. The Hydrosplit fin is known to be one of the most comfortable pieces of diving equipment to be worn even though it is a scuba fin.
The great thing about this pair of scuba fins is that it does not require socks or booties and the U.S. Divers Hydrosplit fin even has a comfortable foot pocket with an adjustable strap. That means that it does not cause blistering and chafing, thus allowing the diver to get the maximum enjoyment out of their dive. Adding the U.S. Divers Hydrosplit fin to your collection of diving equipment will ensure that you will experience the best comfort while on your underwater diving exploration.
Technorati Tags: diving equipment, scuba fin, scuba fins
Posted on May 21, 2009 under Scuba Diving |
Originally known as the cylindrical pressure vessel, the diving tank is one of the most vital components of your diving equipment. Scuba tanks, or dive tanks, are responsible for storing and transporting high pressure breathing gas. This piece of diving equipment is what keeps the diver alive and breathing underwater. The gas is provided to the diver through the demand valve of a diving regulator which divers put in their mouth. Common dive tanks used by average adults may measure up to 80cu. ft. Other scuba tanks used by teens or petite women may be less than that depending on their lung size, fitness, and other factors.
Types of Tanks
Diving tanks are made in two types: Aluminum tanks and Steel tanks. There’s not much difference between the two other than the obvious fact that they are made out of different metals. Aluminum dive tanks are the most common in the world and since they are more cost efficient, especially compared to steel dive tanks, they can be found at almost any dive resort or scuba rental shops. They are much lighter than steel tanks which make it easier to carry around.
The steel tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They have better buoyancy characteristics compared to aluminum tanks as they do not float at the end of the dive. You do not have to spend more effort in counter-weighting them as you would with the aluminum tanks since they are already naturally heavy. If well maintained, the steel tanks last way longer than aluminum and is said to keep working for decades.
Pros About Scuba Tanks
Scuba tanks have amazing durability which is means you can save a lot of money through the years as you do not have to replace your diving tank that often. If well maintained you can keep putting extra cash aside for other dive equipment or other personal expenses. Both types of dive tanks, steel and aluminum, last up to ten years and over if they are properly maintained.
It is easy for you to determine which tank you should use for the type of diving you are planning to do, and these dive tanks come in different sizes with different volume capacities and pressure designed for people with different breathing capabilities.
Cons
One main problem when owning a scuba tank is the chances of rust corroding it. Since the only material strong enough to resist the pressure of the air compressed in the tank is metal, scuba tanks are all made out of this. Rust forms when this metal is in the presence of sea water. But rust can be prevented by frequent and proper maintenance.
Due to its sizing and weight, dive tanks aren’t very easy to travel around with and they can get quite annoying and this is another important factor to take into account. The best advice offered is that you should own a tank only if you are a frequent diver, other than that it would be easier for you to rent scuba tanks unless you are sure you are going to dive more often.
To Conclude
Every scuba diver needs a scuba tank in any dive that involves staying underwater for a long period of time. If you are a frequent diver then it would be cheaper for you to actually own a diving tank rather than renting one several times. Proper maintenance is all that is required to keep your tank lasting for years and years. It is easy to pick out which scuba diving tank will suit you and your bodily limits. The cost is very reasonable as the life periods for dive tanks are very lengthy. There are many deals you can find online for discounts on tanks.
Technorati Tags: diving equipment, scuba diving tank, scuba equipment, scuba tank
Posted on May 13, 2009 under Scuba Diving |
Apart from the basics of scuba diving, every diver needs to know all there is to know about their diving regulator and how to use it. You will need to learn how to choose the right scuba regulator for your needs if you are new to diving but if you’re a seasoned diver then you might want to brush up every now and then on what is the best and the latest dive regulators are available.
What is a Regulator?
Before you go out and buy a diving regulator it is important to understand just what one is. It is actually a pressure regulator that helps to provide the diver with just the right amount of breathing gases so that they can breathe under water. The regulator is attached to the cylinder that holds the breathing gas so that it will be given in the right dose, at the right time, to the diver.
This is needed to lower the air pressure at all stages during the dive. Terms like demand valve and diving regulator may have been used in similar ways. In reality, the demand valve is responsible for allowing the gas to go the diver and is actually attached to the regulator. You can easily get to know all the parts of a regulator when purchasing one and you can always ask for a diagram that will help break it down further.
Features to Check Out
When making your choice in a diving regulator, there are some important features that will want to have in mind. It may not be wise to go with the first one you come across. Piston and Diaphragm regulators are the recommended ones you should look into. Between these two types of regulators, the only difference is that some people who dive in cold waters prefer the diaphragm as it works better for temperatures less than 40 degrees. By using a kit known as an environmental kit, the diaphragm regulator would be much similar to freeze proof.
It is a good idea to check out the part of the scuba regulator which goes in your mouth. Recognized as the second stage, it should contain an adjustment to help you custom fit it. Taking a look at the swivel will help you lessen the pull of the hose line with the regulator.
The Cost
The cost is the final factor in making your choice for your perfect diving regulator as it will enable you to see what your budget will allow you to buy. Nobody would want to go with a regulator which is expensive yet has cheap qualities.
Do a bit of homework before making your choice. You want to go with a place that is up to date on the regulations that need to be met. When it comes to your diving equipment, you want to get a quality product. Your scuba equipment will be what keeps you alive when you are underwater and you want to be as comfortable as possible so you can enjoy the experience more.
Technorati Tags: diving equipment, Scuba Diving, scuba equipment, scuba regulator
Posted on Mar 17, 2009 under Scuba Diving |
diving equipment
Purchasing diving equipment can easily be a lifelong hobby that can add up to thousands of dollars. The budget-conscious may choose to rent scuba diving gear for classes or vacations too. But either way, the many different parts to a scuba diving ensemble can leave people feeling puzzled. What are the essentials? How much can it cost? What is the maintenance like?
Masks can run anywhere from $20 to $150. You’ll have to consider construction, size and lens. Low-volume masks provide divers with less distortion, as well as more light transmission and peripheral vision. A double-flanged face seal is a nice variation that ensures your mask remains watertight. Other options for this diving equipment include: anti-fogging, purge valves (to keep water out), nose pockets and adjustable straps.
Fins can be as little as $30 or as much as $200. Length, material and design will all need to be taken into consideration. Different design variations include split fins, force fins, self-adjusting pivotal blades and vents. This piece of diving equipment is crucial because choosing the proper scuba fins can save energy, air and unnecessary hassle.
Regulators are among the most expensive diving equipment, running from $150 to $500. The main reason we buy this piece of diving equipment is to ensure proper air flow in any condition with the least amount of effort on our part. As you descend deeper, remember that the air will get heavier and more difficult to move from the tank to you, so a good regulator will deal with this physics problem effectively. Experienced divers recommend regulators with swivels and adjustable airflow stages, such as the Aqualung Legend LX or Oceanic Delta 3. Warranties are important, so consider brands with lifetime warranties.
Divers in warm coastal waters may choose thin, clingy wet suits that allow water to seep next to the body and keep divers warm. They can choose between short, long or overall styles. Cold water divers (in waters 60 degrees or less) will want more heavy duty dry suits. Looser dry suits can be made out of several different kinds of material: neoprene, membrane or a hybrid of the two. A proper body suit is one of the most important pieces of diving equipment, because the comfort of your trip depends upon a good style and fit.
Buoyancy Compensators can also run $150 to $500. The most important factor here is the fit. You can choose back-mounted, flow-through or wrap-around diving equipment. Female divers will be happy to know that the Oceanic Isla, Seaquest Diva and Scubapro Ladyhawk are all BCs made exclusively for women, with shorter waists and more comfortable chest straps. Most divers won’t need to worry about purchasing extra lift capacity, unless they’re diving in rough waters.
Hefty tanks will set you back $100 to $400. Aluminum tanks are widely used for their light weight; however, some people still prefer steel. Neutrally buoyant tanks are widely recommended by professionals.
Lighting systems range from $30 for the most basic incandescent hand light to $800 for a professional HID torch system. Cave and wreck divers or night divers will especially need to look into this piece of diving equipment. Safety recommendations require that every cave diver have three separate light sources present — one main and two backups. A wide-beamed primary light will illuminate a large area and is ideal for overcoming total darkness, while a brighter, smaller secondary light will reveal coral crevices and nooks.
Now that you’ve looked into masks, regulators, BCs, lighting, gauges, tanks and fins, you’re well on your way to embarking on that Red Sea dive or Australian coral reef adventure! Remember that diving equipment is not something you can skimp on. It is an investment and one day your very life may depend upon proper scuba gear and maintenance.
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