Gear News
TUSA Launches the SAV-7 EVO2 DPV
I first came across TUSA scooters being dived ‘in anger’ (aka used for real) during Divetech’s annual Inner Space rebreather event held in Grand Cayman.
I was happily bimbling along the wreck of the USS Kittiwake when a rebreather diver whizzed past me. For a brief moment I couldn’t work out how he was moving so fast. His hands were full of a quite large camera system and he wasn’t appearing to fin at all. And then I spotted that his legs were almost akimbo. He was sitting on a bright yellow TUSA SAV-7 EVO scooter – rather like someone would straddle a horse – and this was efficiently driving him through the water.
TUSA has just launched the the latest iteration of their diver propulsion vehicle – the TUSA SAV-7 EVO2 DPV.
This scooter has a useful depth rating of 70 metres / 230 feet and features the patented ‘Hands-Free Riding Saddle’. If you are not familiar with this DPV, this is a ‘hands free’ scooter. You navigate it by twisting and arching your body accordingly, leaving your hands free to take photographs or check your gauges and computer, hence the seat on both the EVO and EVO2 is quite important. Very loosely it could be compared to a Western saddle. A flange or flat raised pommel (incorporating a lifting handle) is located to the front and the rear of the saddle. Attached to the front plate of the saddle, below the flange, are two wing arms. One on each side of the plate. These are secured in place by a ‘super knob’, basically a large nut. To use the relevant wing, you unscrew the knob and swing the relevant arm out 90 degrees, before screwing home the knob again.
How does this work underwater? Just imagine the diver is lying horizontally face down with the DPV secured between their legs, as if they were sitting astride a bar stool. The wings are reminiscent of pillion foot pegs on a motorbike. However they are longer and there is no physical contact by the diver piloting the DPV, ie they are not lying on them. The wing is a handle for an additional diver to hold onto for towing purposes, or they are a means of attaching equipment to the DPV. Two holes have been cut into each wing, allowing you to clip or karabina off kit to the wing. When not in use, the wing(s) can be retracted and secured in place to provide better steamlining, as they lie on the front of the saddle plate. TUSA state that this DPV is capable of comfortably towing two divers, hence the two wings.
I can see this scooter being quite popular in resorts like the Maldives where the currents are famous (or infamous?) for their strength. Whilst it is possible to mitigate for hard currents by diving at specific tide times, using reef hooks and diving with the current, there are times where you just want to go and look at a particular coral head, or fully explore a wreck, and you cannot get there because you are unable to swim against the hard current, or you do not have the time or gas to do it. TUSA state that by using a DPV you can travel 3 / 4 faster than finning normally. Plus using a diver propulsion vehicle can decrease fatigue and reduce gas consumption therefore allowing the diver to go further and faster in a variety of conditions, extending their time in underwater.
So what has TUSA changed on this model? Three things: speed, range and runtime.
The design of the rotational speed adjustment function has been reviewed to make it quicker and more responsive, and the DPV is now capable of 4.5km / 2.8 mph compared to 4.2km / 2.6mp on the previous model.
TUSA has also substantially increased the range, torque and burn time by exchanging the Lead-acid battery for a high performing, long-lasting Lithium-Ion Battery (complete with an L.E.D Battery Life Indicator). The SAV-7Evo had a range of 4,200 metres / 2.6 miles with a burn time of 80 minutes. The Evo2’s figures are quite impressive. A range of 7,200 metres / 4.5 miles with a burn time of 120 minutes. Available in black.
Here are the specifications:
Speed: 4.5 km / 2.8 mph
Depth Rating: 70 metres / 230 feet
Dimensions: Length 720mm x Width / Length 28.5″ x Width 13.5″
Surface Weight with Battery: 20.5kg / 45 lbs
Submerged Weight with Battery: 0.3kg / 0.5 lbs
Range in Open Water: 7,200 metres / 4.5miles
Run Time in Open Water: 120 minutes
Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
Speed Adjuster: Rotational Speed Control with Variable Pitch-Type Propeller (3-Step: slow, standard and fast)
Safety Device: Sensation Current Shut-Down Device, Water Leakage Sensor, and Water-Cooling Motor Deployment
For more information about Tusa products, visit www.tusa.com.
Gear News
OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light now available in four colours
Whether you’re a recreational or a professional diver, you’ll find the OrcaTorch D710 dive light useful in your underwater activities.
With max 3,000 lumens, the D710 is one of the strongest torches in its class. You also have plenty of brightness settings to choose from if you prefer less power.
It runs on one OrcaTorch 21700 5000mAh rechargeable battery with a Type-C charging port, easier for you to charge it anywhere. Now it offers four exterior colour options: Black, Green, Red, and Blue, to satisfy your diverse needs.
Featuring:
* Uses Luminous LED, max 3000 lumens
* Uses 1 * 21700 Li-ion battery
* 6° beam angle
* Offers four exterior colour options: Black, Red, Green and Blue
* Easy operation with side titanium alloy push-button switch
* Safe lock function, prevents mis-operation
* Intelligent Over-Heat protection
* Battery indicator
* Water pressure resistant construction, depth rated to 150 meters
* Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
* Over-discharge protection function
* Constructed from high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum
* Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance
* Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water
Sea & Sea is the home of OrcaTorch and other leading diving brands in the UK.
Gear News
Hammond Drysuits Launch New Scuba Diving Drysuit
Hammond Drysuits has announced the launch of their new scuba diving drysuit, the Pro-Elite Lite SD.
This drysuit is essentially their popular Pro-Elite self-donning drysuit. It comes with plenty of extras as standard – neoprene neck and wrist seals, neoprene boots, zip with wet zipper
cover, knee and shoulder reinforcing, swivel inflation and hose, auto dump, elasticated rear waist and braces, two pockets, fly zip and cover.
The Difference
The Pro-Elite Lite SD is made from lighter material whilst maintaining it’s durability this suit is flexible, light and less restrictive. It’s suitable for all but especially the more petite
person or those who travel with their drysuit.
Size
Made-to-Measure – the drysuit is made to the end-user dimensions or the ultimate comfort and fit.
Colours
Olive, Red, Navy, Yellow, Black or Royal Blue
Be one of the first to see the NEW HDS Pro Elite Lite SD! Check out the detailing and get measured at Go Diving in Hall 2 Stand 140 on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd March.
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