Scubapro TRAVtec Aircell

[Vie]

Was wondering whether anyone has had this "problem".

I've been using the Scubapro S-Tek harness/TRAVtec Aircell for a couple of years (give or take 150 dives). I've recently noticed that the inner bladder is becoming squeezed/crimped on the sides just above the strip of material (with the "Warning: this is not a lift jacket" etc. tag) that links the two sides of the aircell. This is preventing air from getting into the upper right hand side of the bladder (opposite the side with the corrugated hose/shoulder dump). I haven't noticed any difference in my buoyancy control under water, but everytime I put air in the TRAVtec Aircell after washing it between dives, it would deflate within a day or two due to the crimp/squeeze. This is in contrast to my RECtec Aircell - The RECtec, when inflated, holds air for months.

I've tried repacking the bladder a few times but that has not helped.

 

[drbill]

Hi Vie- I own two X-Tek BCD's with one TravTek wing (plus two other wings). I have noticed some minor problems with mine, but they were not bad enough for me to investigate the cause (yet).

What I have noticed is a lot of wear on the outer cover material due to the grommets on the harness. That has bothered me, but I've used the BCD for several years (500-750 dives on it) so it has received a lot of use.

By the way- loved visiting your country and diving the Gulf and southern islands. Do hope to get back there, possibly in 2005. It is a beautiful place and I enjoyed the people I met there.

I've heard diving has really taken off there, due in part to one of your princesses who is a diver.

Dr. Bill

 

[Vie]

By the way- loved visiting your country and diving the Gulf and southern islands. Do hope to get back there, possibly in 2005. It is a beautiful place and I enjoyed the people I met there.

I've heard diving has really taken off there, due in part to one of your princesses who is a diver.

Dr. Bill

Hi Dr. Bill, thank you for your input re X-Tek. I thought I was the last one on the planet still using the X/S-Tek rig!

Anyway, am glad that you've had good experiences in Thailand. I haven't dived in a while but the diving is still pretty good here. I'm afraid that, as a Thai, I cannot comment on matters regarding members of the royal family for fear of lese-majeste.

 

[drbill]

Hi Dr. Bill, thank you for your input re X-Tek. I thought I was the last one on the planet still using the X/S-Tek rig!

Anyway, am glad that you've had good experiences in Thailand. I haven't dived in a while but the diving is still pretty good here. I'm afraid that, as a Thai, I cannot comment on matters regarding members of the royal family for fear of lese-majeste.

Respect that. Let me rephrase the question: is diving becoming more popular for native Thai people?

By the way, one of my buddies dives an S-Tek and I've seen a few others at the Casino Point Dive Park.

Dr. Bill

 

[Vie]

Respect that. Let me rephrase the question: is diving becoming more popular for native Thai people?

yes, diving is extremely popular here but still quite expensive (for locals).