By: Barb Roy

With over 40 years of underwater photography and lighting experience, Ikelite has done it again with their new DS 125 strobe. I recently purchased a pair to use for my wide-angle (SLR 20mm, Nikonos 15mm) shots. Since I do quite a bit of traveling, I wanted something compact, quick charging and strobes that will grow with me (digital). The pair has proven themselves reliable in both warm and cold-water applications with macro close-up and wide-angle use. I am also pleased with the illumination I get from using just one strobe or by using one as a slave, when I am the one being photographed (diver with a light on a wall or wreck).

Features of the DS125 include; Interchangeable battery packs with industrial grade ni-cads (7.2-volt, 1.8 amp), LED fuel gauge (lets you know how many more rolls can be taken), and visual and audible ready indicators. Wider coverage and softer lighting is also possible with the diffuser. The strobes mount to a variety of arms and will sync easily with any system. The high intensity 110-watt-sec covers a full 100 degrees (with diffuser) and has multiple firing modes including TTL. Recycle time is 1.0 seconds with a colour temperature of 4900 degrees K. The weight of a single strobe (with ni-cad pack) is 2.7 lbs (1.2kg). The built-in modeling light is great for night diving and the electronics are sealed separately from the battery pack in case of flooding. If flooding should occur, the battery pack (only) can easily be replaced. I really liked the fact the strobes carry a two-year warranty.

For traveling and convenience I also invested in Ikelite's 1.5 hour Smart Charger, which accepts numerous interchangeable adapter plugs for different wall outlets. On a full charge, I can get about 150 flashes. For detailed information, check out Ikelite's web site www.ikelite.com or 317-923-4523.

Seac Sub, an Italian based manufacturer of scuba gear has introduced a new line of super flexible flippers. The Vela Flex is an open heel flipper that gives power to a diver through its ability to bend!

Old style flipper blades bend backward in a straight line perpendicular to the foot while swimming. With the Vela, the blade actually bends back and inwards in a V shape as a diver moves through the water.

This ability to bend comes from the Velaís soft plastic composite (three materials in all), There are stiff parts to the flipper -- its sides are rigid and there is a stiff core ridge running down the middle in a U shape. Everything else is flexible, so the blade is able to bend and roll around itself giving extra torque to a diverís foot stroke.

In a Diver Magazine pool test the Vela performed well -- it delivered more speed and stability than a traditional fin. Because of the light material used in the flipper construction, there was no ankle or foot strain experienced when tested to its fullest.

The Vela Flex and the Vela Tre both have permanently attached swivel expansion buckles. A diver can tighten and loosen the buckle without the risk of losing any parts. The buckle and strap do move during a dive, and it is recommended that hard sole booties be worn. During the test dive while wearing light neoprene socks, the strap continually slipped off the heel -- but performed well with hard sole booties.

The Seac Sub Vela is available in most scuba shops across Canada.

by Doug Pemberton

For decades, Aqualung has been known for their extensive line of diving equipment. I have owned many Aqualung regulators, computers and other assorted gear over the years, going back to when they were known as U.S.Divers. And I have used this equipment under the harshest of conditions from the high Arctic to the Tropics without any problems. Quality and reliability has always been an Aqualung trademark.

The Titan LX Supreme is the cold water version of the Titan LX, identifiable by the snowflake on the second stage housing. It comprises a compact, balanced diaphragm first stage with four low-pressure ports and one high-pressure port. A first stage environmental dry seal kit has been installed to prevent ice from forming in the first stage. The lightweight second stage is pneumatically balanced to provide consistent ease of breathing as the air pressure in the tank drops and features a diver controllable Vane Adjustment Switch that reduces the second stages sensitivity to free flow on the surface while still providing all the air you need at depth. The second stage comes with two interchangeable mouthpieces. In addition to the regular mouthpiece, Aqualung provides a Comfo-Bite mouthpiece that reduces jaw fatigue. Having been used to a regular mouthpiece for many years, the Comfo-Bite mouthpiece took me a few dives to get used to but soon became as comfortable as my old mouthpiece. There is also a removable mouthpiece lip shield for warmth in extremely cold water. For Nitrox users the Titan LX Supreme is factory cleaned and compatible for Nitrox up to 40%.

I have been using the Titan LX Supreme in conjunction with a Low Profile Octopus (LPO). This compact unit can be mounted for use on the right or left side. The 120-degree angle between the hose and mouthpiece makes for easy presentation to a diver in need and the bright yellow colour ensures that it is immediately identifiable.

Completing the system is a MatrixII dive computer, a compact non-air integrated computer with a screen that is well laid out and a display that is big enough for even me to read. I have it mounted in a swivel console that also holds a pressure gauge and a compass. Two words sum up this system; simplicity and reliability.

The H-1 Hyper Stainless Steel dive knife (model FK-230) is reportedly the first in the industry to offer the optimal sharpness and balance of a high density stainless steel knife with the rust-free properties of titanium.

Feautures of the H-1 Dive Knife (FK-230) include compressed high density H-1 stainless steel for a superior cutting edge and superior rust resistance: disassembling capability for easy cleaning and maintenance: includes a serrated edge plus a line cutter: sheath lock button holds the knife securely in place, then releases at a touch: easy-to-adjust buckle and strap allow for a comfortable fit: efficient 5 3/8î length blade: and 10 1/2î overall length.

Using water containing the same salt concentration as ocean water, cycles of 12 hours of submersion and 12 hours of removal were repeated for three weeks.