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Just found this test of SMB, flags, dyes, strobes, flares etc that can be seen from the air and surface under various conditions, but they didn't test mirrors. I apologize if it has already been posted: http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?id=2565&section=1003&action=display&show=

Thanks for pointing that out - I must have missed a few pages of this thread. Will bring the mil-spec mirror instead of CD. And yes, using hte mirror correctly takes some practice. Thankfully the instructions are on the mirror so I can read it before use.

Agreed. I guess it really boils down to how much you trust the dive op you go out with, and how much stuff you're willing to bring on the dive. The LDSs around here don't carry everything I need, so I head to the outdoor/camping or hardware store to get (or make) what I need. Anyway, I have a...

I've just purchased a few items from Scubatoys today as well. The Oceanic Deltas are excellent choices. Looks like they gave you a good deal and even threw in both bags. Oh, and don't forget to sign up for DAN or equivalent dive insurance before your trip. Dive safely.

Owned a pair of Forcefins Pro for 4 years, until I went with splitfins, which were more efficient in the water. But in defence of Forcefins, i must say they are very tough - you can leave them under the hot sun and not cause them to warp; foot pocket that don't constrict and cause foot cramps...

I agree with deepblueme - regs are split into categories, which are probably based on price. But that is not to say there aren't any good and cheap ones around. For example the Oceanic Alpha Sport is under $200 and rated very highly. There's really no good way to test a regulator at the store...

If you're looking for a budget and basic (i.e., slave flash, not TTL) digital camera+strobe, I'd recommend sealife DC500 and 960D strobe such as: http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=SeaLifeDC500ProKit I think you can't beat this price (~$500) for a 5 MP camera and powerful...

Good job WeekendDiver, glad you got to use what you practiced and you did great. I've recently added a 19 cu ft pony for the same reasons you mentioned. If the pony tank gets too difficult for travel, I guess I'll rent a AL80 like you. My only concern is the 19 cu ft changes my balance uw...

Good suggestions above - I'd second the Keys (no passport needed), Cozumel and the Bahamas (either Grand Bahamas or New Providence) - they all have a wide variety of dive sites, including good ones for newer divers. The key is to look for deals on air tickets and if you can fly out of other...

Hi. The places I'd suggest are Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen, New Providence (Bahamas), and Kawaii/Maui/Big Island (Hawaii). 1. Cozumel/Playa - Cozumel is pretty much a diver's paradise, but cruise ships frequently come in, so there's some good shopping and good restaurants. A trip to the mainland...

Hello. In my opinion, the diving is better in Cozumel. You can either try a dive op in Playa, such as Tank Ha, that make trips to Cozumel reefs, or you can take the 25 min ferry to Cozumel (arrive by 8 or 9am) and join any of the good Cozumel dive ops. You'll be done around noon or 1pm and still...

I recall my DiveMaster mentioning San Francisco beach was heavily damaged by the last hurricane. Go with a good dive op (e.g., Aldora, Blue XT, Deep Blue, Dive with Martin,...etc etc) they'll take care of everything (boat ride, Divemaster/guide + pick the dive site most suited for your group)...

Hi. Like ggun says, if you're doing more dives on Cozumel than cenotes on the mainland, then I'd fly into Cozumel and stay there. If you plan on spending more time in the cenotes, then you'd probably want to fly into Cancun, take a bus (from the airport) to Playa Del Carmen and then hop on one...

From your descriptions, the fit seems to be about right, unless it restricts your ability to breathe. It should feel a little less tight when you get wet. If you're still in doubt, wear it without scuba gear in the cold water and check on your ability to move your limbs, breathe and comfort...

For the price ($550) - it is too expensive and it doesn't even calculate your nitrogen load. I think the Citizen Aqualand series (some solar-powered) performs similar functions at less than half the price. I agree with Jekyll, I think you're off buying a Nitrox Wrist computer and a separate dive...

I think it depends on the situation. Several things determine how I would respond: 1. How much current is present and current direction (is it blowing the diver away from land?), is boat traffic heavier in the current direction (increased chances of being rescued)? If the current is too strong...

Central Fla, You're probably aware by now most on this board are against SpareAir and most haven't used or own one. I come from a slightly different perspective, I used to own a SpareAir (for 2 years, carried it on >50 dives) but recently switched to a pony for some of the reasons pointed out...

Hi, I don't plan on diving doubles as well (and I use ~24lbs of weights) and I'm happy with the venture (30lbs of lift) wing. The travel wing has the same lift, but has an elastic outershell, which makes it more streamlined. Most divers I know recommned not having buoyancy 5lbs over your...

Hi tstormwarning, I'm not sure if the 124psi intermediate pressure could have led to what you experienced, as it is only 1psi from the recommended pressure range, and you should still be able to breathe dry. I've heard of similar problems from Sherwood regs on this and other boards (not trying...

Hi. Good regs, BCD and mask - I love the tear drop mask (allows you to see a lot more downward, such as what you have clipped on to your BCD). wetsuit should be good too if thickness is right - I use Bare 7mm Arctic wetsuits (awesome for colder water). Not sure about the rest. If you're not...