Scuba Gear Reviews by Jeff Baker

Scuba Dive Flag and Float
Rating: Failed During First Dive 8/24/2008

The Good: The product design is great for the ease of portability. I travel by kayak to my favorite snorkeling spots and it takes up almost no room in my dive bag. The Bad: The product design is terrible based on the choice of material and manufacturing method. The plastic flag is spot-welded (e.g. melted) to the plastic flag stick. On my unit, the bottom weld was too deep and crimped the flag stick. Within an hour of use on the very first dive the flag stick failed at the crimp and flopped over like a dead fish making the flag virtually invisible to approaching boats. Not good. Upon returning home, I shoved a length of heavy gauge wire through the hollow plastic flag to give it some support. Now it just leans slightly. I guess you get what you pay for...

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239 out of 462 people found this review helpful.

Scuba Mask, Fin & Snorkel Backpack Bag
Rating: Pleasantly Surprised 8/17/2008

For the price, I wasnt expecting a bag as well made as this one. Sturdy cloth and heavy zippers with plenty of room for full-sized fins and the rest of my gear. The backpack straps are an added bonus and the bag shape is perfect to slip into the storage hold of my kayak for transport to my favorite dive spots. Great bag.

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132 out of 249 people found this review helpful.

TUSA Xpert Full Foot Split Fins
Rating: Completely Satisfied 8/17/2008

I have used these fins for several hour long snorkeling sessions with absolutely zero discomfort. The fins provide excellent propulsion and free dives down to 10 feet are effortless. Highly recommended.

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163 out of 324 people found this review helpful.

XS Scuba V3 M-Line Purge Mask
Rating: Excellent Product 8/17/2008

The V3 M-Line is a fantastic mask. It has an excellent field of vision and the strap is the most comfortable Ive worn. Both my Mom and my girlfriend purchased this mask on my recommendation and they have thanked me ever since. If it ever wears out, I would definitely purchase this product again.

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150 out of 306 people found this review helpful.

Oceanic Ultra Dry Snorkel
Rating: Nice Product 8/17/2008

slightly less expensive than other "100% dry" snorkels, the Oceanic was a great investment. In moderate chop and waves, the snorkel performs exactly as advertised keeping the chamber dry and letting you enjoy the sights instead of worrying about constant purging. Be advised, however, that purposely submerging the unit is another story. I frequently free dive while snorkeling to depths of 8 to 10 feet and the unit will take on a small amount of water. That said, it is easily expelled with minimal effort without surfacing and doesnt interrupt your dive. I am concerned about the mask connection clip. The clip is small and difficult to bend over my mask strap. Time will tell if it stands up to repeated use. Bottom line, I would recommend this product to others.

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118 out of 224 people found this review helpful.