Dive Slate? Recommendations!

[archman]

I have decide to try a slate so me and my girl or dive buddy can somewhat communicate underwater. I am looking at the one below.

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/AQUQ...vSrchSortField=Relevance&SortDesc=False&Hit=1

I've been diving with Quest slates for years. I'm on my second Quest, and use a Mini-Quest when I'm not teaching.

That said, when I saw those new QII's advertised, I ordered one asap. It's nothing like the Quest models. It's made to fit in a BCD pocket, and STAY in the pocket. Once you take that thing out, it becomes a floppy, flimsy headache. I haven't recommended it to anyone since I found out what a piece of junk it is.

If it's just chit-chatting you'd like to do, my advice is to pick up a pair of those toy store magna-doodles that Jay's talking about. I've got a set of that exact model that I distribute out to my students. They're cheap, pocket-compact, and reliable. And if you duct-tape-shut the cute little plastic clip, you can attach a more secure carabiner, or even a lanyard.

The advantage of magna-doodles over conventional slates is that you don't have to fool with erasing or broken pencils... both of which are common hassles. And wet notes are simply too pricey to squander away with chit-chatting.

 

[PB4UDIVEDRY]

I've been using the same M/D that Jay shows in the pic. It's been in salt and fresh water, about 20 dives so far. Works perfect, and I haven't lost the mag pencil yet.
I broke off the cheapy plastic clip and punched out the center thingy that held the clip on, and replaced it with a brass snap clip and 2 small zip ties. Just clip it off on your d ring and tuck it under the strap, real neat. It also fits in my dry suit pocket with room to spare.
The only problem so far, is putting up with the comments about stealing the kids "my little pony" magna doodle.
When this one breaks, Target will get another $7.00 from me.

 

[av8er23]

think i am going to try the magna doodle out.

 

[Jay_SMART_Diver]

think i am going to try the magna doodle out.

You'll love it!!!
See Below: Doodle Pro in action at the Texas Flower Gardens Mar 25-26, 2006.

 

[Kray_Z]

the only real prob i see is that if you want to write legible you must write large print( because of the pixels) and large doesnt leave room for anything more that a word or two *** seen in the pic above

 

[Code Monkey]

I use the magna-doodle, too. I've had mine for a couple of years and the only complaint is that the magnet is rusting. Next time, I'll dip it in some hot glue or something like that.

 

[trigfunctions]

A slate sounds like a great idea to communicate underwater, but they are not as easy to use as you would think. You will be much better off learning or creating some basic signs for common things.

 

[Footslogger]

The only problem so far, is putting up with the comments about stealing the kids "my little pony" magna doodle.
When this one breaks, Target will get another $7.00 from me.

===================================
Not sure if they are the same quality as the brand "Magna Doodle" but I just bought one (no-name brand) at Wal-Mart on the cheap toy aisle for $ .88 ...yeah, 88 cents !! I filled the bathtub and tested it when I got home. Seemed to write well and hold the text for a while (but it did bloom and fade after several minutes). Does the Magna Doodle brand hold the text completely until you swipe the erase bar ?? Just curious cuz I'm thinking of going back over to Wal-Mart and buying a few more.

Thanks ...

'Slogger

 

[Rev. Blade]

Not sure if they are the same quality as the brand "Magna Doodle" but I just bought one (no-name brand) at Wal-Mart on the cheap toy aisle for $ .88 ...yeah, 88 cents !! I filled the bathtub and tested it when I got home. Seemed to write well and hold the text for a while (but it did bloom and fade after several minutes). Does the Magna Doodle brand hold the text completely until you swipe the erase bar ?? Just curious cuz I'm thinking of going back over to Wal-Mart and buying a few more.

Thanks ...

'Slogger

The Magna Doodle writing stays for days, unless you swipe.

Unless you wrote your dive plan on the slate, why would you care? My toy usually has "what is that?" written by me, then an answer writtten by a dive buddy who actually has a brain. I'd have to buy a second Doodle (to share), if I get to lazy to re-write my question. eyebrow

Now if I could stop the magnet from rusting, it'd be nearly perfect.

 

[Kwbyron]

A slate sounds like a great idea to communicate underwater, but they are not as easy to use as you would think. You will be much better off learning or creating some basic signs for common things.

I'm learning American Sign Language, did it in high school and am in my 3rd class in college now. If my buddies could sign, it would work great... I think I throw them off from time to time, they'll ask me a question and I will instinctly sign the answer... "I don't know" is my most common one. Take a class at the local Community college, it's pretty widely taught, and you'll find it usefull outside of diving too.