My Scuba Diving Gear - Pool Rig

My Scuba Diving Gear - Pool Rig

While working as a DiveMaster, I am sometimes required to wear more standard recreational gear to more closely match that of the students I am working with. This, of course, depends on what dive shop or instructor I am working with. The alternate gear I use in those situations is detailed below.
Item Description
Sherwood Avid BC

Sherwood Avid BC

Want to rest easier on the surface and below? Want a jacket-style BC that can comfortably carry everything, while still looking good? The Avid is your answer. The Avid features the NEW CQR 2 weight-pocket system for a more secure, comfortable dive—plus two, non-releasing, trim weight pockets that can hold up to 10 additional pounds. Jacket style, this BC wraps air completely around you for easy floating on the surface. The Avid offers the following features:

* A 3-D designed aircell and suspension strap system that provides a stable and secure fit eliminating squeeze when fully inflated.
* Easy oral and power inflation.
* Dual nylon tank straps with adjustable cam buckles that thread through our unique MiniPac™ to tightly secure your cylinder.
* A convenient utility pocket with Velcro™ closure sized to carry the AKONA Safety Tube or AVID folding snorkel.
* System-ready features for AKONA BC Pro Kit and QuickClip™.
* Two large zippered pockets.
* Six stainless steel D-rings.
* Exterior constructed of heavy-duty, 1000-denier urethane-backed nylon.
* Adjustable, depth-compensating cummerbund and sternum strap keeps the fit snug.
* Right-shoulder vent valve.

Size L
PN: AVD807
Lift: 32 lbs
Release Wt: 10 (2)
Trim Wt: 5 (2)

Atomic M1 Primary Regulator

Atomic M1 regulator

The Atomic Aquatics M1
Extreme Performance without compromise.

Atomic M1 Second Stage and Atomic Z2 First Stage

The Atomic Aquatics Second Stages are loaded with patented innovative features, exclusive only to Atomic Aquatics. The Automatic Flow Control ("AFC") is just one. High performance regulators are often unstable, prone to leaks and free flows. That's why manufacturers add knobs and switches to stabilize them. We do it automatically. The AFC is the first and only depth activated venturi control that automatically balances performance and stability. A computer designed airfoil inside the mouthpiece changes position with response to depth to maintain consistent, natural, and effortless breathing at all depths. No dials to turn or buttons to push, the regulator "tunes itself as you dive".

Another patented innovation is the Seat Saver Orifice. The Achilles Heel of all second stages is a small rubber valve seat on the poppet. In standard designs, this seat is pushed tight against a sharp edged orifice from the day it leaves the factory, eventually making a deep impression in the seat resulting in poor performance and annoying leaks. That's why sometimes your regulator is fine when you put it away and it leaks the next time you use it. Our orifice only contacts the seat when pressurized. When not in use, the orifice automatically retracts away from the seat just enough to prevent damage during storage. This dramatically increases service life and maintains "like new" performance.

  • High performance breathing: High performance (low inhalation efforts at deep depths and high breathing rates) yet delivers the air naturally and comfortably.
  • Materials: State of the art metals. Monel™ parts are used internally in the first stage for its high strength; corrosion resistance and oxygen compatibility. Type 316 Stainless Steel, Palladium/Zirconium coated Brass, and Titanium are used throughout the second stage.
  • Nitrox ready: Factory ready for Nitrox to 50%, or oxygen mixes up to 80% when special guidelines are followed.
  • Compact first stage design: Features 5-port low-pressure swivel and exclusive "Jet Seat" piston first stage design.
  • Seat Saving Orifice: Exclusive patented Atomic Aquatics feature prolongs the second stage seat life indefinitely, eliminating aggravating leaks and degradations in performance.
  • AFC: (Automatic flow control) Exclusive patented Atomic Aquatics feature automatically adjusts airflow at depth to maintain stable, comfortable breathing.
  • Surge protected front cover: New anti-surge front cover is designed for use in high current situations to eliminate the possibility of free flow due to swift moving water or strong currents.
  • Super wide exhaust deflector: The exhaust deflector has been extended to enhance visibility by better deflection of the exhaust bubbles.
  • Cold water diving: For cold water diving, the first stage is environmentally sealed to prevent entry of water or contaminants. The second stage features a thermal heat sink and improved super-dry exhaust valve.
  • Dual Silicone Comfort Fit Mouthpiece: Extremely soft and supple silicone rubber with tear resistant bite tabs.
  • 2 year/300 Dive service interval: Corrosion resistant materials and maintenance saving designs extend the customary annual service period to 2 years. Limited lifetime warranty not contingent upon annual servicing.
  • Weights:
    First and second stages with hose: 1191g (2.6 lbs.)
    First stage only (Yoke): 797g (1.7lbs.)
    Second stage with hose: 391g (.86 oz.)

    Second Stage:
    TYPE: Balanced, linear flow
    MATERIALS
    Demand Valve Body: Brass/Zirconium
    Lever, Spring: Titanium
    Orifice: Stainless
    Diaphragm, exhaust valve: Silicone rubber
    PERFORMANCE
    Exceeds requirement for European CEN250 (1.5 joules/liter @ 50 meters) and USN group A (.14 kg.m/liter @ 200 feet at 62.5 RMV)

    Atomic Aquatics Z2 First Stage
    Exclusive Atomic Aquatics features at a mid-range price.

    First Stage Features

    Our most compact and economical regulator system. The Z2 may be the least expensive of the Atomic Aquatics line, but its combination of performance, ergonomics and materials are unmatched by the most expensive competitors at any price. The Z2 is an exceptional value offering all the exclusive Atomic Aquatics performance features and innovations.

  • High performance breathing: High performance (low inhalation efforts at deep depths and high breathing rates) yet delivers the air naturally and comfortably.
  • Materials: The Z2 first stage is made from chrome plated brass and type 316 stainless steel. The second stage features a precision machined brass demand valve tube, plated with Palladium/ Zirconium for corrosion resistance 3-4 times that of conventional chrome plating. The lever, orifice and second stage spring are titanium.
  • Nitrox ready: Factory ready for Nitrox to 40%
  • Compact first stage design: Available in 2 first stage models. An economical 7-port low-pressure fixed cap or a swiveling 5 port cap. Both feature the exclusinve "Jet Seat" first stage piston design.
  • Seat Saving Orifice: Exclusive patented Atomic Aquatics feature prolongs the second stage seat life indefinitely, eliminating aggravating leaks and degradations in performance.
  • AFC: (Automatic flow control) Exclusive patented Atomic Aquatics feature automatically adjusts airflow at depth to maintain stable, comfortable breathing.
  • Warranty: Limited lifetime and the service interval is 2 years or 300 dives.
  • LP Ports: 5
  • HP Ports: 2
  • Adjustable 2nd Stage: No
  • Nitrox Compatible: Yes
  • AquaLung Calypso Secondary Regulator

    AquaLung Calypso Regulator


    The Calypso series first stage features a in-line high flow Piston design to provide the diver with the best combination of simplicity, performance, and value

    * Compatible with EAN 40 right out of the box

    High-flow, in-line piston first stage design produces very stable pressure to the second stage

    High-performance, mid-sized second stage

    Large diver-controlled Venturi Adjustment Switch (VAS) reduces sensitivity to free flow on the surface and provides maximum airflow at depth

    Equipped with Aqua Lung's exclusive Comfo-Bite™ mouthpiece

    Worn as a necklaced secondary regulator

    Calypso Second Stage:

    * User-adjusted Venturi Adjustment Switch (VAS) eliminates free flow on the surface while increasing airflow at depth
    * Large oral breathing channel

    XS Scuba SPG Module

    XS Scuba SPG Module

    XS Scuba SPG Module

    There are a variety of submersible pressure gauges on the market, many of them of considerable quality, but lacking in simplicity. Many of these gauges are not suitable for technical or extended-range diving. This XS Scuba SPG module is perfect for those technical applications. The XS Scuba SPG module offers a simple, unobstructed dial face for easy reading. Graduated on 100 pound increments, this all brass and glass gauge offers 0-5000 PSI capability and is the perfect solution when you want high quality in a simple gauge. This unit is completely oxygen clean and comes to you with a brass spindle and viton o-rings.

    Large Face is 2.5" across the face.

    Suunto Gekko Dive Computer
    with DSS Bungee Mount

    Suunto Gekko
    Suunto Gekko in DSS Mount

    Suunto Gekko Dive Computer

    Suunto Gekko can be used with both air and nitrox, and it is designed to give the specifics of any diving situation, including decompression, at a glance.

    Suunto Gekko uses the Suunto Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM) decompression model and has a user-replaceable battery and adjustable metric/imperial units.

    Suunto Gekko is equipped with a super bright phosphorescent display that can be charged with a dive torch. This ensures that you can easily view the display in dark conditions for extensive periods of time. You can wear Suunto Gekko as a wrist unit, or mount it on Suunto's Combo consoles.

    Easy-to-use push buttons and a straightforward menu structure make Suunto Gekko simple to operate. The extensive logbook memory stores up to 50 hours of dive profiles and logbook data, including the dive start time and date, dive time, the maximum depth attained and the temperature at maximum depth. Additionally, the dive history keeps track of up to 999 dives and 999 dive hours, as well as the maximum depth ever reached.

    Both ascent rate and available no-decompression time are displayed graphically with clear color-coded indicators. Visual and audible alarms are given when necessary. You can also enable maximum depth and dive time alarms.

    Whether diving in familiar waters or exploring unknown oceans, safety is essential. Suunto Gekko is packed with solutions enabling safe and responsible decisions underwater. The depth, time and decompression measurement assure that you know precisely how long you have spend in the depths, how deep you are, when you have to surface and how fast you can do it. This way you can maximize the diving performance without jeopardizing your safety.

    The extensive memory functions enable you to keep track of your past dives and through them you can monitor your progress and plan your training accordingly.

    Product Features
    # Air and Nitrox modes
    # Extensive memory functions
    # Suunto RGBM model
    # Audible alarm
    # Phosphorescent display
    # Easy and reliable push-buttons
    # User-replaceable battery

    Log book memory
    Personal adjustement
    Suunto RGBM decompression model
    Safety stop (Automatic start)
    Temperature display
    Operation mode Nitrox or Air
    Profile sampling rates in seconds: 30s
    Dive planner
    Altitude adjustment
    Consumed bottom time graph
    Ascent rate monitor/alarm
    Ascent time display - Up to 99 min
    Audible alarm
    Full decompression data
    Lifetime history memory
    Maximum depth alarm
    Maximum depth display - 99 m (328 ft)
    CNS% + OTU calculation (OLF)
    Max PO2 adjustment: 1.2-1.6
    O2 % setting: 21-50%
    Operating temperature: 0ฐC - +40ฐC/32ฐF - +104ฐF
    Storage temperature: -20ฐC - +50ฐC/-4ฐF - +122ฐF
    Selectable metric/imperial units
    Menu-based user interface
    Backlight type: Phosphorescent Display
    Battery power indicator
    Low battery warning
    User replaceable battery
    Watch Mode: 12/24h
    Calendar clock

    Deep Sea Supply Bungee Mount

    Elastomeric Bungee Ready Mount for Suunto Vyper / Vyper 2 /Vytec / Gekko

    This new boot is similar to the popular boots for the Uwatec Digital Bottom Timer and Suunto SK7 Compass.

    A replacement “boot” or Mount for the Popular Suunto Vyper /Vyper 2/ Vytec Dive Computer. Long the favorite of serious divers, the Vyper / Vyper 2/ Vytec Dive Computer, but the factory boot and wrist strap is not a favorite, hard to don.

    The DSS replacement mount securely retains the computer with an easy snap in fit. Low profile and designed to accept 1/8 in. to 3/16 in. diameter Bungee Cord. Bungee Cord mounted gauges are far easier to don than Buckled straps, and are depth compensating.

    Simple, secure, snap in installation, tough elastomeric material, remains flexible at low temperatures.

    Several different bungee lacing methods are possible,one continuous piece, Two separate loops, etc.

    Tilos Opti-Clear Mask

    Tilos Mask (mine is black)

    Fits well, no leaks, and the lens shape is compatible with the classic Tusa Liberator mask lens shape, which is highly copied, so my prescription lenses can easily be moved to another mask!

    • 2-window design with bi-symmetrical lenses for easy installation of corrective lenses.
    • Crystal silicone skirt with low volume
    • Integrated swivel buckles
    • Dual tempered glass lenses.

    • Neoprene mask strap for added durability and comfort.
    • Easy-Glide cam-buckle quickly adjusts
    • 5.0 mm neoprene
    • Narrower 3/4” Velcro to fit all new mask posts

    Miflex Hoses
    (and 90 degree elbow)

    Miflex Hoses
    Miflex Hoses

    Miflex Xtreme Diving Hoses

    The XTREME high performance range of diving hoses has been developed in cooperation with expert divers for a superior in depth performance.

    Innovative Safety Technology

    A team of MIFLEX engineers analysed the weak points of traditional low-pressure diving hoses. The fruit of their research is the XTREME high performance range.

    XTREME hoses feature an external nylon safety braiding designed to resist the snags and abrasions that divers can often encounter. The patent Pending XTREME double braiding also resists UV rays out of the water, thus extending the lifespan of the hose.

    Unlike traditional hoses, the XTREME nylon safety braiding is not simply pushed over the hose fittings. Instead the braiding is tightly bound and fixed to the hose core by stainless steel or brass sleeves.

    The result? Performance and durability in extreme situations.

    You could tie an Xtreme hose in a knot and the air flow through the hose would remain continuous. Now that’s versatility!

    XTREME hose production is carried out on automated assembly and testing line. Each and every XTREME hose is subject to more than 30 individual safety and specification checks. Any hose found not to meet the exacting MIFLEX standard is immediately scrapped.

    An XTREME Performer

    * An average lifespan 3x longer than traditional hoses.
    * Excellent resistance to abrasion
    * Kink-resistant design – tie an XTREME hose into a knot and air flow remains continuous.
    * Light and extremely flexible
    * A burst pressure more than twice that of traditional hoses.
    * Available in three colours: blue, black and glow-in-the-dark yellow.
    * 30 individual safety tests per hose. ? Premium packaging doubles as a water resistant document wallet.
    * Approved and certified to EN250.
    * Patent pending on unique double braided manufacturing technique.

    Regulator Hose:
    * 3/8" M x 9/16" F connections
    * Available in blue, black & yellow
    * 22", 24", 30", 36", 40", 48", 60" & 84" lengths

    BCD/ Quick Disconnect :
    * 3/8" M x quick release coupler
    * Available in blue and black
    * 22", 24", 25", 30", 32", 36", 40".

    My Miflex hose kit:

    MiFlex 2 Braided Regulator Hose - Low Pressure - 40" Hose Length (7') - Blue (primary regulator)
    MiFlex 2 Braided Regulator Hose - Low Pressure - 22" Hose Length - Black (for necklaced secondary regulator)

    Primary regulator uses: 90 Degree Elbow Adapter for improved hose routing.

    * 90 Degree Elbow for use with low pressure hoses
    * Standard regulator fitting on one end with the other fitting a standard low pressure hose
    * Lets your regulator fit properly into your mouth with no tugging while diving

    Tilos Splash S1000 Semi-Dry Snorkel

    Tilos Snorkel

    Clears and drains easily. Breathes good. What more can you ask of a snorkel?

    • Deluxe Semi-Dry Snorkel, top design.
    • Prompt clearing through bottom drain valve.
    • Smooth bore flex tube.
    • Adjustable Mask strap retaining clip.
    • replaceable crystal silicone mouthpiece

    Apollo Bio-Fin Pro XT C-series Silver

    Apollo Bio-Fin Pro XT C-series

    FAST. Durable. Maneuverable. And the spring straps make them super easy to put on and take off. What more can you ask of fins?

    Features & Benefits

    Adding synthetic material is a quick annd inexpensive method for stiffening a fin. The XT is produced in 100% rubber. Tests have proven that rubber will outperform any synthetic option.

    • Increasing the durometer to 75ฐ rather than changing base material creates a stiffer blade that retains a high degree of the comfort and performance of the original bio-fin pro.
    • Higher durometer rubber provides the feel and weight of a more traditional fin
    • Works as well or better than paddle fins with any choice of kicking style
    • Split fin design allows for increased maximum speed and reduced fatigue
    • Consistently rated as the fastest fin in the water
    • Instant turning and pivoting on a dime
    • Increased control and added leverage for technical divers
    • Reduced air consumption
    • Increased bottom time
    • Color: metallic black

    C-series Fins come with the added feature of a factory installed Stainless Steel Spring strap. The spring strap automatically adjusts as needed, will not break as easily as rubber, and is quicker to take on and off. Very useful when getting on and off a boat. The strap includes a heavy rubber bumper that acts as a comfort cushion against the heel and provides an oversized finger loop for sliding the strap on and off.

    XS Scuba Pocket Weight Belt

    XS Scuba Pocket Weight Belt

    This award-winning product is the most comfortable weight belt ever developed. It is fully adjustable and designed for a custom fit on every diver. Each belt has two independent sleeves with pockets that are sewn together. Thus, a six pocket belt has two sleeves built from three pockets. (Mine is in black, not the blue pictured, and plastic buckle has been replaced with a Dive-Rite stainless steel buckle)

    Fit

    • Patented comfort design
    • Easy to adjust weight pocket position
    • Each pocket holds up to 5 lbs. of solid or shot weight
    • Unused pockets Velcroฎ down flat and streamlined

    Rental Tough

    • 1000 Denier Cordura pockets
    • Resin coated nylon webbing
    • Double needle stitching
    • Large Velcroฎ closures reduce the chance of weight loss

    My weight pockets are filled with Aqua Black Vinyl Coated Lead Weights in 2 and 4 lb sizes (18 lbs, in a full 7mm suit, including 2x 2 lb bullet weights on the tank bands for trim):

    • Vinyl is chemically bonded to the weight. Won't peel away from the weight.
    • Cleans easily with soap and a dish scrubber.
    • Non-glare matte finish resists scuffs and scratches year after year.
    • Curved inner surface fits around you. All sizes use the same inside radius.
    • All corners and edges are round.
    • Belt webbing is recessed into the weight, front and back.
    • Antimony alloy is 6 times harder than plain lead. Resists deforming.
    • Wide belt slots and strong, thick cross-section prevents the clamping of weights onto your belt when dropped

    Suunto SK-7 Compass with DSS Mount

    Suunto SK-7 Compass DSS SK-7 Compass Mount

    The high-quality liquid filled Suunto SK-7 has set a new standard for dive compasses. The device features 2-3 times larger tilt potential than in conventional diving compasses and provides easy-to-read numerals.

    The superior SK-7 has an exceptional tilt potential of +/-30 degrees, which is 2-3 times larger than in conventional diving compasses. The firm-grip bezel with a ratchet at every fifth degree is especially designed to prevent sand and dirt contamination, thus allowing smooth turning in all conditions. The compass is available as wrist, console and hose-mounted models.

    • Tilt potential of +/- 30ฐ
    • Phosphorescent compass card
    • Large side-reading window

    DSS Elastomeric Mount for Suunto SK7 Compass

    A replacement “boot” or Mount for the Popular Suunto SK7 Compass. Long the favorite of serious divers, the SK7 compass will still operate even when tilted off level. The factory boot is not a favorite however, hard to don, and toooo tall.

    This replacement mount is lower profile, and is designed to accept 3/16 diameter Bungee Cord. Bungee Cord mounted gauges are far easier to don than Buckled straps, and are depth compensating.

    New version will work with both black & white friction rings.

    This mount can be fitted with one continuous bungee, (as shown in the photos) or two separate loops for redundancy.

    Simple, secure, snap in installation, tough elastomeric material, remains flexible at low temperatures.

    Underwater Kinetics Mini Q40 e.LE.D. Plus

    UK Mini Q40 e.LE.D. Plus

    Underwater Kinetics Mini Q40 e.LE.D. Plus

    • Completely new & redesigned 2 watt version for 2006
    • State of the art ultra bright L.E.D. (Light Emitting Diode Technology)
    • 3 TIMES Longer Battery Life 10-12 Hours!
    • 15 TIMES Longer Bulb Life - 5,000+ Hours!
    • 10 times more powerful than the original Q 40 e L.E.D.
    • High Intensity White L.E.D. light travels farther underwater for maximum visibility and truer colors
    • Shock and Impact resistant L.E.D. bulb - will not break when dropped
    • Rubber sheath molded over to bezel to reduce glare and improve impact resistance
    • Twist actuator (Twist-on bezel) prevents accidental powering on/off
    • Silicon hands-free mask mount included
    • POWER: 2 watts
    • DEPTH: 500 feet
    • COLOR: Black

    Underwater Kinetics HID Light Cannon 100

    UK HID Light Cannon
    UK HID Light Cannon

    Underwater Kinetics HID Light Cannon 100 (One black, one Neon Yellow)

    • First affordable HID light for divers and the most powerful light for its size
    • 3X more efficient than standard lights, the Light Cannon is like taking the sun underwater
    • Improved spectral quality allows light to travel farther through water
    • New miniature HID lamp gives a giant leap in brightness with no increase battery usage
    • High color temperature gives the beam the same color as sunlight
    • New HID - High-Intensity Discharge technology
    • Two wide angle lighting filters included for video lighting
    • Operates in or out of water
    • Up to 1000 hour lamp life
    • Powered by disposable alkaline batteries or rechargeable UK NiCad Upgrade kit, Also uses individual nicad or NiMH C-size batteries
    • Polarized battery compartment reduces battery leakage
    • Nonbreakable locking switch
    • Tough, non-corroding ABS and polycarbonate plastic construction
    • Waterproof to 500 feet
    • POWER: 25 (equivalent), 10 (actual) watts
    • LAMP: HID Metal Halide (6000 degrees K)
    • BRIGHTNESS: 450 Lumens
    • BATTERY LIFE: 3-4 hours
    • COLOR: Black, Neon Yellow
    • STYLE: Pistol Grip
    • BATTERIES: 8 C Alkaline, NiMH or Nicad Cells, UK Nicad Pack
    • SIZE: 8.2 L x 3.2 W x 7 D inches
    • WEIGHT: 44 oz (air), 11 oz (water)

    Underwater Kinetics Dive Beacon

    UK Dive Beacon

    Underwater Kinetics Dive Beacon

    • Small, lightweight and economical replacement for chemical lights
    • Omnidirectional light attaches to your snorkel, tank valve, etc for high visibility at night
    • Twist actuator (Twist-on bezel) prevents accidental powering on/off
    • BATTERY LIFE: 24 hours
    • DEPTH: 500 feet

    Updated: September 3, 2009