Search results

Hi. 'Snug' is good unless it interferes with breathing and movement. If you decide not to go 1 size down, an alternative is to wear a neoprene vest (2-3mm) underneath to make up for the space. Dive safely.

I had a pair of Forcefin Pros, which is stiffer than regular model, before I bought my splitfins (Tusa Xpert Zoom SP8). It definitely had more "power" (as in forceful or delivers more thrust per kick). They are more stable than splitfins in that I can do large kick swings. They have a large foot...

Never had a problem clearing mine in the 5 years I've owned it and it clears in less than half a breath (very low volume). I'm clueless who would say that, unless it doesn't fit the wearer's face contours and leaks. And I've recommended it to 2 other divers (now my dive buddies) and they swear...

I own 2 (one I use, other as back-up). Best mask I've used. It's low volume, and allows me to see what's on my chest and down. Everthing clipped to my BCD's D-rings is now clearly visible. DO a search on this board for "cressi-sub big eyes" and you should see similar comments.

Most airlines have a weight limit for carry-ons as well (usually 40 pounds but less on some airlines) although this is seldom enforced. If you bring 22 lbs of weights in the carry-on, you're looking at lugging it through the security checkpoints, transit gates, hauling it up the overhead...

I have the Tusa Xpert Zoom. It is the only slanted splitfin (supposedly for better propulsion angle). I love it and use it all the time. The trick with split fins is to use small flutter kicks, large kicks will make you very unstable and inefficient. I believe it is longer than the ScubaPro Twin...

Yep, definitely rinse (I second tasting the outcoming water for saltiness). When salty water dries, it crystalizes - these crystals (when there are enough of them) can puncture your bladder if not removed by rinsing. Dive safely.

Sometimes the group pays for the organizer's (DM/instructor from your LDS) accomodation and perhaps airfare as well. Also, the prices are locked in based on the quote from a travel agent, so if air ticket prices fall a week later, there isn't any re-adjustment. The upside of such trips is you...

Got my DM 5 years ago - and passed both 400m and 800m on first attempt (I'd say I was average fitness with frequent bike rides then). I did practice twice a week for the 2 weeks leading up to it. On the test, I stuck to my pace (don't over extend as you may wear out prematurely). If you aren't...

That's awesome, alcina. Thanks for sharing. Dive safely.

I'm sorry to hear about your experiences in Cozumel, one of my favorite dive spots. I concur with above poster that we really can't blame PADI OW course for the clearing issue, because all Cozumel dives (except cenotes) are drift dives, whereas most other dive destinations experience hardly any...

I'm partial to Oceanic and Aeris as they were my very first divegear. If you're after performance and value, I'd recommend the reg my dive shop uses for rental (which means they are built to perform and last) - the Oceanic Alpha Sport. Divernet compares highend regs (that cost 3 times more) in...

Welcome to the board. Like DandyDon says, wreck dives may not be for the newly certified diver, especially if it's deep or you're planning on going inside a wreck (definite no-no unless you're a trained wreck diver). To be a wreck diver, you'll need training + dives and equipment such as reels...

Hi. I second the suggestions for using a steel tank and putting on weightbelt in the water. Before purchasing a new weight-integrated BC, I would try distributing the weights first - try putting on weights to other parts of your body [like ankle weights (1.5 lbs each for Sea Pearl), clip-on...

I wouldn't do it. 2 reasons: 1. It shows what you've got inside to the baggage handlers or airline/airport staff. If you have to use this bag, wrap the contents in an opaque trash bag. 2. The mesh may "catch" something (such as a hook, clip and anything that protrudes). It may end up getting...

Hi. I'm new to digital UW photography, so my suggestion is low end, but I have found this setup ideal for more challenging dive conditions as it requires very few adjustments. I have a Canon A520 with housing and got a Sealife SL960D for under $300 at Scubatoys a year ago...

Nemrod, thanks very much for your reply. Your reasons for slinging pony on the left are very well thought out - I agree. I'll try slinging on the left in the pool next week. Dive safely.

Nemrod, I've also just purchased a pony (19 cu ft) and trying to find the best position to sling it. (sorry to hijack your thread, fndmylove) I can't help noticing that aside from the pony, you've got more stuff on your left side of the BCD - knife + SPG. May I ask if you're left or right...

Not sure if this is relevant: I didn't seem to have any phobias about water and diving underwater until my recent 170th dive in Cozumel. I was diving last, in a group of 4 (DM + a husband-and-wife team and me), was using a new camera and strobe, in relatively deep water (80ft) and fighting the...

I dove without DM right after I got my c-card. So unless you're really insecure about diving, save the money, find a really good, experienced buddy (or join a good local dive club with helpful divers to team up with) and do as many dives as you can. This way you can practice what you've learned...