The "Fenzy question" thread got me wondering. What is the history of these? Here are the few pieces I know:
I first started seeing ads for the Nemrod Marlin and Bouée Fenzy in Skin Diver Magazine around 1968. To me, these were super expensive at $125. I met the US distributor for the Fenzy through a mutual acquaintance at a trade show when I was still in high school. I was dumbfounded a few days later when a box arrived with one inside with a brief note saying something to the effect of "I thought you could use one". I still have his card but wish I had the note probably the most fantastically generous and unexpected gift of my life.
Later I saw the same unit advertised with the Spartan Fenzy name from someplace in New York. The gentleman that gifted one to me worked for André Galerne of International Underwater Contractors in New York so maybe there is a connection. Some years later (early 70s??) a newer design was on the market with a smaller horse collar and a brighter orange color. Do I understand correctly, there is a new one used by the US Navy?
I remember getting nothing but crap about my Fenzy from Navy dive instructors, not that I even thought of using it on duty. However, nobody could explain how it was so terrible compared the black CO2 horse colors we would be written up for if we didnt wear one.
Anyway, can you guys fill in the holes?
I first started seeing ads for the Nemrod Marlin and Bouée Fenzy in Skin Diver Magazine around 1968. To me, these were super expensive at $125. I met the US distributor for the Fenzy through a mutual acquaintance at a trade show when I was still in high school. I was dumbfounded a few days later when a box arrived with one inside with a brief note saying something to the effect of "I thought you could use one". I still have his card but wish I had the note probably the most fantastically generous and unexpected gift of my life.
Later I saw the same unit advertised with the Spartan Fenzy name from someplace in New York. The gentleman that gifted one to me worked for André Galerne of International Underwater Contractors in New York so maybe there is a connection. Some years later (early 70s??) a newer design was on the market with a smaller horse collar and a brighter orange color. Do I understand correctly, there is a new one used by the US Navy?
I remember getting nothing but crap about my Fenzy from Navy dive instructors, not that I even thought of using it on duty. However, nobody could explain how it was so terrible compared the black CO2 horse colors we would be written up for if we didnt wear one.
Anyway, can you guys fill in the holes?
