Scubagear.com

Mares Puck Review

2009-06-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Mares Puck

From Scuba Diving Magazine

What we liked best: Ascent rate bar graph with numeric speed indicator; easy-to-read screen; low MSRP.

What we would change: Nothing.

The Review: The Puck is an elegantly simple computer that offers single-gas diving on air or on nitrox mixes up to 50 percent, and it can serve ably as a bottom timer/backup computer. It features a high-resolution, high-contrast display with large digits and backlight illumination on demand. Single button operation makes it easy to quickly scroll through the menu options. Underwater, the layout is simple and uncluttered with depth and NDLs prominently displayed on screen while secondary data such as temperature and dive time are found in smaller script below. The nicest feature was the ascent rate bar graph with ascent speed also displayed numerically. For divers who like a simple, affordable and low-hassle computer, the Puck is an excellent choice, and it has the ability (with the optional download kit) to store dive profiles on your home computer.

Liberal or Conservative: The Puck tends to be one of the more conservative models in this review and can be made more so with two personal conservative factor settings.

Price: $300. PC Interface kit, $120. Click here to purchase this item online.

Hollis DC4/221 Review

2009-06-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

From Scuba Diving Magazine

Hollis DC4/221

Features

Hollis’ DC4 is the same first stage as the DC3 in the More Than $500 category, minus the environmental kit. The 221 is also similar to the 212 mentioned above, but without Dynamic Adjustment. This system is proof that a reg can shed a few features without skipping a beat in performance. On the breathing machine it aced all tests, matching its more-expensive cousin. In the ocean it did pretty much the same thing. Delivering smooth, easy breathing in all positions, this reg is bone dry, bubble interference is nary a worry, and it offers some of the best purge action in this price category.

Specifications

Weight	2 lb., 9 oz.
1st Stage	Overbalanced diaphragm
Ports	1HP, 4LP
2nd Stage	Pneumatically balanced
Adjustments	AVS dive/predive switch
MSRP	$399
www.hollisgear.com

Bottom Line

Top-shelf performance but fewer features make this reg lightweight and easy on the wallet. We think it’s a good combination. Click here to shop for Scuba Gear online.

AQUA LUNG Titan LX Review

2009-06-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

From Scuba Diving Magazine

AQUA LUNG Titan LX

Features

Lighter than its predecessor, the Titan LX sports Aqua Lung’s ACD (auto-closure device) keeps water out of the first stage. The second stage comes with an easy-to-use venturi lever to prevent free-flows at the surface, as well as Aqua Lung’s Comfo-Bite mouthpiece. This gem delivered the second-best performance in its price category on the breathing machine, and it’s a dry, easy breather in all positions in the water. It has virtually no bubble interference and is easy to clear. All test divers felt that the light weight of the second stage eliminated jaw fatigue.

Specifications

Weight	2 lb., 4 oz.
1st Stage	Balanced diaphragm
Ports	1HP, 4LP
2nd Stage	Pneumatically balanced
Adjustments	Venturi lever
MSRP	$440
www.aqualung.com

Bottom Line

All the performance you could possibly want and our test divers’ favorite reg in the Less Than $500 category. Click here to shop for Scuba Gear online.