Basic gear from mid-twentieth-century Spain: Other manufacturers

[Popgun Pete]

Corrugated rubber hoses had a short life, they flexed and flattened under temporary loading, but did not pinch off, however the bases of the corrugations were like hinges and developed cracks. The same applied on twin hose regs, although they were made of better stuff. The check for cracks was to partially stretch the sections out and check the corrugation bases, and the test itself could further stress the rubber. They gave a futuristic look to complicated snorkel masks, the Buck Rogers, Lost Planet Airman type future that never eventuated. Such masks were toast unless carefully babied, and even then conked out when oxidising agents had a go at them. Ozone from electric motors could trash a mask stored near a refrigerator or an electric fan as it preferentially attacks rubber under mechanical stress. Hoses could be wiped with silicone grease leaving the finest surface sheen protection, but then the hose clamps slid off.

 

[WeRtheOcean]

Beuchat's breathing tube received mixed reviews in a Which? Consumer Report of 1965:

It appears that all of them received mixed reviews. There was no clear winner in that report.

 

[David Wilson]

Thanks for the like, Alex, and for the posts, Pete and WeRtheOcean.

The third Copino snorkel-mask, simply named 546 Model:

So another full-face snorkel-mask with an oval viewing window and a split headstrap. The single breathing tube emerges from the mask top centre with the supply end fitted with a shut-off ball valve. Note the chin piece to provide coverage for the mouth as well as the nose and eyes, enabling both nasal and oral breathing for the user.

 

[David Wilson]

Now for the first item in the Copino fin range.

100-107 Model

This open-heel fin came "with an adjustable retainer" (con sujetador graduable) and an extended sole to protect the underside of the heel on stony Mediterranean beaches. The two largest sizes (43-46 and 40-43) were available in black only, while the middle size (36-40) was supplied in either black or red. The two smallest sizes (32-35 and 27-31) came in either blue or red. Note the taller foot entry for a more comfortable and secure fit, the two side rails and the two radiating shorter centre ribs to reinforce the blade, and the pointed tips at the trailing edge.

More imagery:

More Copino fins midweek.

 

[David Wilson]

Two more Copino fins for review today. First 509, 700 and 600 Models:

Spanish: "Anticalámbrica in color negro".
Rough translation: "Anti-cramping in black".

So a closed-heel fin designed to reduce foot cramping. Came complete with open toes and with blades reinforced by thick side rails and short radiating centre ribs. The three available sizes accommodate the mid range of shoe fittings.

Further imagery:

 

[David Wilson]

The second Copino fin of the day is the José Amengual model, named after a notable underwater hunter:

A closed-heel fin with an open-toe rubber foot pocket and a long blade constructed from a harder material. I presume that the foot pocket and the blade were separable. No information available about sizing as this model date from after my 1973 Copino catalogue.

The Copino basic gear moulds appear to have migrated to Peru in South America, where they are still performing sterling service. We shall review these reincarnated products at the weekend.

 

[David Wilson]

When Copino eventually ceased manufacturing diving equipment, the tooling found its way to the South American country of Peru, where a rubber goods company called Manicsac resurrected Copino-branded masks, fins and snorkels. The firm's catalogue can be downloaded from their website.

One diving mask model remains in production:

So a kidney-shaped mask with a nose piece to enable the nostrils to be pinched for ear-clearing.

 

[David Wilson]

The Peruvian company Manicsac also manufactures breathing tube accessories:

An offset mouthpiece for a freediving snorkel. Note the word "Copino" embossed on the stem.

A corrugated flexible-hose mouthpiece for divers who prefer their snorkels out of the way when out of use.

We shall take a look at Copino's surviving fins midweek, courtesy of Manicsac.

 

[David Wilson]

Today we review the Copino fins that the Peruvian Manicsac company continues to manufacture.

 

[David Wilson]

More Copino fins made by Manicsac:

So much for Copino and its Peruvian "successor". We shall be moving on to another Spanish manufacturer at the weekend, probably Duarry.