Comparing Travel Scuba Gear

[@oSillyoWillyo]

Hey Mark, I really appreciate you going over the options in this video for travel diving. I was curious if you have some recommendations for a carry on setup for travel diving. I know you’ve done a video about travel diving and a checked bag, but was curious if you have a minimalist recommendation to be able to carry on between a backpack and carry on suitcase. I really appreciate any advice here! #AskMark

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Yeah, if money were no object I'd get something like an AquaLung Outlaw, fit it with an Atomic SS1 so I don't need an octo. Wireless transmitter so I don't need a SPG. Atomic T3, one of the lightest 1st stages made from titanium with premium features and function. Watch-sized computer, travel fins like the Scubapro Go Fins or the seawing supernova that you can disassemble.

[@ssvv1]

#AskMark Hi Mark, thanks for your videos, they have been really helpful for getting back into the water after the pandemic. I have one question regarding budget air integrated dive computers. I have been looking into the Suunto Vyper Novo and the Aqualung i470tc and would like to know your opinion there. I'm looking mostly for a reliable computer with user changeable batteries, as here (Chile) there are no stores that change them and I can't rely only on diving trips to change them. If you recommend other model/brand it would also be helpful as both models are out of stock at the moment on both brand's websites! Thanks again! Sebastian

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Vyper Novo, a good solid dive computer, as is the i470tc. You also have the Mares Smart Air to consider. Those are the budget, air integrated dive computers with user changeable batteries. A lot of dive computers will be out of stock right now because there is a global microchip shortage as well as a shortage of some computer screens. Another ongoing problem from the pandemic unfortunately...

[@joshedmond714]

#ASKMARK Thanks for all of the great content. Now I have a dilemma I need your professional opinion on. Late 2022 I purchased a complete Apeks DST XTX50 long hose setup, awesome setup with the XTX50 for primary and secondary regs. I purchased it for cold water diving in the midwest U.S. I haven't used this reg set yet because I have only been diving warmer waters to date and have been using my lighter weight Mares set for travel. I recently listened to your report about the acquisition of Aqualung Apeks and am concerned. Do you think it will be impossible to get my Apeks kit serviced at the end of the year and into the future? If so, does it warrant selling this new setup and going for another Mares, Scubapro, or Atomic setup for colder freshwater diving? I know I'll take a small loss, but I'm willing to lose a few bucks if it means I don't have to worry about parts shortages when I need to have my gear serviced. If you think selling is the best option, what setup from the three manufacturers I listed would you go for? Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

XTX50 DST is one of Apeks' most popular regulators and they still have their manufacturing facility here in the UK. Once all of the dust has settled they should be able to catch up with demand, I'm going to be holding onto my Apeks regulators. If you do decide to migrate brands, all three of those are strong brands right now. Scubapro are probably the largest and I was torn between the G260 and the XTX50 when I was buying regs. Just make sure that you have a nearby service centre if you do choose to change brands.

[@davidArnold-t1f]

#askmark. Considering a new computer. Air integration is a must, currently considering apex dsx vs perdix 2. What are your thoughts?

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Both top tier technical dive computers. The main difference for me between the two is the battery. Perdix 2 has a user changeable AA battery and the DSX a rechargeable battery. Rechargeable batteries lose their capacity over time so that’s a long-term consideration. For that reason I’d choose the Perdix for a long term dive computer

[@tontsyy]

#AskMark I have issues equalising, more so since perforating my ear drums 8 months ago. I’ve seen the IST proEar mask and whilst thing looks like a good idea, I’m curious what would happen should the ear pods come off. Would my ears then be exerted to the depth pressure and cause more damage? Thanks Matt

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

The Pro Ear and similar masks should have a small tube that connects the ear cups to the mask and allows air to pass from the inside of the mask to the ear cup. Because of this when you equalise the squeeze in your mask you are also equalising the pressure in the ear cup. If you’ve been equalising your mask as normal and one of the ear cups comes off the only thing that will happen is that your ear gets wet. You’ve already equalised the pressure inside to that of the surrounding water.

[@hardhit777]

Diverite lightweight stainless is nearly the same weight (edit)2 lb, 9.4 oz as an ali plate and strong to boot. about a pound heavier that typical ali plate