Gear Reviews
Diving Labels: A great way to identify your gear with ease
Diving Labels provide a simple and inexpensive way to customize your equipment so that it is easy to identify. Nick and Caroline were recently asked to review them and here is what they thought…
We put Diving Labels to the test, getting our own set made and then trying them out on our equipment whilst diving on a busy RIB in the UK and also on a dive trip overseas.
The first step was to order our personalised set, which turned out to be a very simple online process that even allowed us to add our own logo to the stickers, as well as our company name. Once we confirmed our order, we got an email to show us exactly what our stickers will look like before we went ahead with our order. We went for the 3M reflective stickers with a black background, but there are plenty of other colour choices to select from. Once we had confirmed we were happy with the design, Diving Labels got on with printing them, and having told them our next trip was less than two weeks away, they got them to us with plenty of time to spare.
Have you ever struggled to identify which weight pockets or fins are yours on a dive boat? We have. It is common for dive guides to pile them all together at the end of a dive and if you are using the same make as other divers on the boat, it can be a pain to work out which are yours. We have even had to, on many occasions, open up our weight pockets to see if they have the correct weight and therefore might be ours, whilst getting ready for a dive.
By adding these dive stickers, we could easily and quickly identify our items, and, as they had our name on them, everyone else could tell which were ours too, making the job of the dive guides easier. The same applied to our fins, BCD and regulators. On our most recent trip to the Farne Islands, these stickers made finding our cylinders during our surface interval and gear change far easier.
For underwater camera gear, these stickers are fantastic. We used ours on some of our smaller items of equipment including our Paralenz Dive Cameras, confident now that we will always pick up our own from the camera table. We have also put stickers on our camera suction pump, wet lenses and other small items that are difficult to distinguish from others on the boat and also in the hope that, should we lose one of these items, these stickers would assist in getting expensive equipment back to us safely.
With reflective wording and logos, should you drop smaller bits of gear on a dive (or over the side of a boat), for example, a knife, reel or action camera, then they will not only be easier to find, but also have a much better chance of being returned to you in the future.
Having used them both in the UK and overseas, with our equipment having done over 20 dives with their new stickers attached, we were really pleased to see that the stickers stayed on and look as good as new, with no peeling at the edges, and with no sign of any wear and tear.
Diving Labels are sent with an A4 sheet of 108 stickers of various sizes and shapes to help you fit them onto any piece of equipment. These are not only great for individual scuba divers, but would be really useful for dive centres and clubs who want to ensure their scuba gear and underwater photography and videography equipment ends up back where it belongs.
A personalized sheet of 108 stickers only costs $19.99 (around £15) making these Diving Labels a seriously inexpensive way of identifying your equipment and making it stand out from the crowd. We have plenty left and so will be adding a Diving Label to any new gear that we take underwater on our trips diving here in the UK and around the world.
For more information about Diving Labels visit their website by clicking here.
In a review written exclusively for Scubaverse.com, diver and blogger Katy Woodroffe from Katy Jane Dives takes a look at the T2 Chillproof Suit from Sharkskin.
Sharkskin wetsuits attract a lot of attention in online forums, with some divers swearing by them whilst others just can’t understand how a suit so thin and lightweight can provide the warmth they require. I too had my doubts, but I was able to put this suit to the test in one of the most challenging open water environments we know.
Embarking on an adventure in the Galapagos, I found the Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit to be an incredible ally. Designed to offer warmth, UV protection, and defense against the many marine stingers, this suit surpassed my initial reservations, providing a level of thermal insulation I did not expect and durability amidst the archipelago’s rugged underwater landscapes. Its lightweight, easy-to-wear design clearly sets it apart from traditional wetsuits, proving essential for divers prioritising comfort and efficiency.
Exceptional Performance in Varied Conditions
The suit’s performance was thoroughly tested in the Galapagos’ unpredictable waters. Despite its seemingly thin material, it offered extraordinary warmth and flexibility. The inclusion of Titanium Far Infrared (FIR) nano-technology within the fabric reflected my body’s heat, enveloping me in a warm embrace that countered the cold without adding bulk. This level of tech came in handy when we hit the common thermoclines, with my dive computer recording a drop of several degrees in water temperature. This, combined with the suit’s ease of use and quick-drying capabilities, in my opinion marks a significant advancement in dive gear.
However, the perception of warmth in the Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit can indeed vary among individuals. Divers accustomed to cooler waters may find the suit exceptionally warm and sufficient for their needs, due to their higher tolerance and acclimatisation to the cold. This aspect underscores the importance of considering personal resilience to cold and usual diving conditions when evaluating the suit’s effectiveness in providing thermal protection.
Durability Meets Innovation
Diving the volcanic underwater landscape of the Galapagos, the Sharkskin T2 Chillproof Suit proved its resilience. Engineered for both warmth and resistance to abrasion, it stands as a testament to high-quality construction and thoughtful design. I also tried out the optional accessories, including the hood and socks, which I felt complemented the suit well, and offered enhanced thermal protection and convenience.
The feature I enjoyed most about this suit was its neutral buoyancy, significantly lightening my load underwater. I found myself needing almost half the weight I typically would with a neoprene suit, making me feel incredibly free and unburdened.
It was a dream to travel with, folding up really small and didn’t take up much room in my dive bag. It was also super easy to get on and take off, even when wet, compared to your standard neoprene wetsuits (we’ve all been there), particularly when I used the socks with it too.
I also appreciate how Sharkskin has produced two styles, one for males and the other for females. The female fit was flattering, and it’s clear that the design team have worked hard to achieve this, all adding to the overall comfort of the suit.
A Worthwhile Investment
The suit is certainly priced in the premium segment, but I think it does justify its cost through the unique advanced features and excellent comfort. Its innovative features, such as the chest zip design and FIR technology, provide divers with a unique blend of warmth, flexibility, and ease of movement.
My personal journey from skepticism to trust in the Sharkskin suit has affirmed its value, making it a highly recommended choice for divers seeking excellent performance in diverse diving conditions.
Find out more about the T2 Chillproof Suit and other Sharkskin products at www.sharkskin.com.
Gear Reviews
Gear Review: Bigblue VTL2900PB Dive Torch: A Compact Powerhouse for Underwater Exploration
In a review written exclusively for Scubaverse.com, diver and blogger Katy Woodroffe from Katy Jane Dives takes a look at the VTL2900PB dive torch from Bigblue.
Bigblue Dive Lights has established itself as a leading manufacturer of dive lights, known for its innovative approach to underwater illumination. With a focus on creating durable, high-quality lighting solutions for divers of all levels, Bigblue combines advanced technology with user-friendly design.
Their product range, from compact torches to powerful video lights, caters to a wide spectrum of diving activities, ensuring safety and enhancing the underwater experience. The brand’s commitment to sustainability, seen in their rechargeable battery options, reflects a dedication to eco-friendly practices in the diving community.
First Impressions and Build Quality
Unboxing the sleek and compact Bigblue VTL2900PB immediately hints at its potential as a top-tier dive torch. It arrived with a comprehensive set of accessories including a Goodman glove, rechargeable battery, and charger, highlighting Bigblue’s attention to detail. While the inclusion of a dry bag is appreciated, a hard protective case might have offered better protection for this bit of gear which does come with a premium price tag.
Performance and Versatility
I tested this torch in various conditions whilst diving in the Galapagos Islands and was impressed with it’s power and range of lighting, all easily accessible at the push of a button.
Underwater, the VTL2900PB’s performance shines—literally. With a brightness of 2900 lumens across a wide beam and a 1000 lumens narrow beam, visibility in murky, or plankton filled waters like those around the Galapagos Archipelago, becomes a non-issue.
Its user-friendly interface, which allows divers to swiftly toggle between modes even with gloves on, enhances the underwater experience. I found the light’s beam distance and colour rendition to be excellent. The colour temperature sits at 6500k, or a “cool white” which does a good job at delivering a true display of colours, providing vivid visuals for photography and navigation.
Its versatility extends from illuminating vast underwater landscapes for photography to subtle communication with my dive buddies through its red light mode. I found this mode particularly useful when looking into small spaces within the rocks and coral, with the hope to not make anything stir and swim for cover.
Durably built from high-quality anodised aluminium alloy, and depth tested to 100 metres, the torch is both lightweight for travel and robust enough to withstand the underwater elements. I was quite confident that this torch would hold its own on the dive platform of a liveaboard boat without me having to worry about it too much.
Sustainable Power
Powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery, the VTL2900PB offers up to 1.5 hours of light on its highest setting—perfect for multiple dives. This eco-friendly approach not only ensures prolonged adventures under the sea but also aligns with sustainable diving practices.
Pricing and Value
Priced at £415, the Bigblue VTL2900PB stands out in the competitive dive torch market by offering exceptional value. Its performance, durability, and included features such as a red light and blue light for fluoro diving, make it a wise investment for divers at all levels, particularly those with an interest in photography and videography. Despite the absence of a hard case, its overall quality and functionality make it an indispensable tool for any dive.
Concluding Thoughts
The Bigblue VTL2900PB torch is a reliable, versatile companion for divers, offering a blend of powerful illumination and user-friendly features.
Its construction, long-lasting battery, and thoughtful design are evidently well researched and underscore Bigblue’s commitment to enhancing divers’ underwater experiences. For those looking to capture the undersea world in all its glory or navigate the depths with confidence, the VTL2900PB is a standout choice that promises not to disappoint.
Bigblue have been in the dive light game for years, and without a doubt, will be here for many more years to come.
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