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Genesis React Computer | Apollo A-110 Moisturizing Regulator | Ocean Master Z2 Mask | Apollo Bio Fins | Henderson Gold Core Wetsuit | DiveRite Transpac II |

Info on Instructor Melinda Herndon

Genesis React Computer

Okay, I'll face it: I was a scubasaraus* (*SCUBA Dinosaur). You know the type - the diver who whips out ancient gear and is forced to endure jeers and chuckles from Dive Buds? OF COURSE I HAD A COMPUTER... the most sensible piece of equipment any diver can purchase - but it was very old. It's dry weight was 2lbs, it used a battery a week, and had very limited functions.

I made the decision to purchase a nitrox ready instrument for a liveaboard dive trip. I took my time about making a decision, reading about everything on the market. There are so many great choices nowadays: should I get Nitrox ready? PC downloadable? Back lit? User changeable batteries? ...then it occurred to me: why not get them all!

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I purchased the Genesis React a couple of months ago, and I already have 100 dives on it. I absolutely LOVE being more hydrodynamic. Every bit of information I need is clearly laid out on its super easy to read screen.

I especially like the fact that I don’t have to sit through a dumb scroll for repetitive diving. At the surface, I just push a button to determine how much bottom time I will get if the divemaster tells me the next dive will be at 70 feet.

I don’t dive Nitrox when I do my classes or shore diving back here in Southern California, and the computer defaults to air, but when I want to do a trip on a boat that offers enriched air, I can set oxygen to 50%.

Oh, the other cool feature is that the dive log is more robust than my old computers so each of my dives have time and date stamps.

Info on Instructor Melinda Herndon

Apollo A-110 Moisturizing Regulator

The Apollo A-110 Regulator is my regulator of choice. Besides having superb breathing performance,

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fully balanced 1st and 2nd stages, 2nd stage adjustability and a lifetime guarantee of excellence ~ this regulator has two secret weapons that no other can offer:

• A user changeable charcoal filter: This smart little device is like the air filter in your home. It helps remove impurities from the air you breathe. Perfect for the adventurous diver traveling to strange places and getting air fills of questionable purity.
• A moisture wick: This aint no spit recycler... this doohicky actually puts 30-70% humidity in the air you breathe which goes directly to your lungs' tissue. No more dry mouth, easier pressure equalization..but most importantly to me - the extra edge of moist lung tissue easing gasexchange thus reducing the risk of DCS.

Why doesn't everyone dive with this reg? Because normally it costs a ton! But at DiversDiscount.com, you'll buy the best for less! Ask any of our in-store diving professionals to demonstrate the worlds most advanced regulator for you.

Ocean Master Equalizer Z2

This mask fits everyone!  It is a very comfortable mask with a lot of desirable features.  The purge valve is located in an excellent

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location.  You don't get water that sits under your nose and if you do get a leak all you have to do is exhale through your nose you don't have to jumble with your mask to get the water out.  It's that easy.  I love it when my students are wearing this mask.  It makes the mask clearing skill effortless. 

The "Q" strap, quick adjust head strap, is THE most comfortable strap I have ever used.  It fits the curve of your head and won't get twisted or tangled in your hair.  It is very easy to tighten onto your head.  I use the Ocean Master Z2 because it fits well and has many useful features.

Back to Masks w/Optical Lenses 

Apollo Bio Fins

I have been in the SCUBA industry for twelve years. 

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I've made it a point to use fins of all kinds because I believe fins are crucial to enjoyment. I preferred Channeling Fins (see Genesis Aquaflex, IDI Frogfoot) because these fins had good torque and power when towing a tired diver or a dive float.  However, at the end of each tow I felt winded. When I first tried Bio Fins I was towing a float with a 20lb weight belt inside.  Just "wiggle" your feet, my buddy said. I did, and he started yelling, "Give me my fins back" as I felt him in my wake.  In one minute my philosophy on fins had changed.  No effort = less large leg muscle fatigue = less cramps = lower respiratory rate = longer dive due to lower air consumption.

Diving is not exercise, unless you are using something other than the Bio Fin.  Since the Bio Fin, others have tried to incorporate the same "Natures Way" into their fin but they make them with unnecessary holes or added stiffing devices.  I've tried those too. The Bio Fins work the best.  Try them; calm day, choppy, current, whatever, just wiggle your feet!

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Info on Instructor Rebecca Edsell

Henderson Gold Core Suits

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As an instructor I am in the water year round in many temperature extremes. Having a suit that dries in minutes between dives is like having a warm cup of coffee before you go to work. I love how the gold core lining makes it so easy to slip right into my suit whether I'm wet or dry. Your dive buddies will be envious since you will be the only one on the boat that isn't tired after putting your wetsuit on.

Back to Wetsuits, One Piece 5 - 7 mm (1/4")

DiveRite Transpac II

When I first got certified I was led to believe that jacket style BC's were the only way to go. I went out and bought the best one around. I used it for a while, but felt very limited as to what it, and I, could do underwater. I was becoming more and more interested in underwater photography and underwater video as well as night, deep, advanced, and other continuing education classes. Over a short period of time I found myself bringing more gear with me underwater. I couldn't find enough places to attach these items.

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It was time to upgrade my BC. I asked myself several questions before buying.

1. Do I want weight integration? Well, I was used to using a weight belt but the idea of eliminating the belt sounded good. Was there a BC that offered a way to remove the weight integration system at will in case I choose to use a weight belt?
2. Do I want more 'D' rings? Do I have any choice where the 'D' rings are located? Are they fixed or can I position them where I want?
3. Do I want a back inflation? I've already had it with the constricting feeling of jacket BC's.
4. Do I have any choice as to the amount of lift the BC is capable of? Are there any options as far as interchangeable air cells? Light lift for warm water and light tanks? Large amount of lift for use with double tanks, etc.?
5. What about comfort? Will I sacrifice comfort for the features I want?

The Dive Rite Transpac II had everything I was looking for and convince of being able to adjust depending on the application. Whether you are just beginning or an advanced diver the Dive Rite Transpac II cannot be "outgrown".
I've been certified as an instructor now for some time. The only BC that has been able to stand up to the rigors of intense diving is the Dive Rite Transpac II. My heart just skipped a beat! I have been using this BC for almost three years - it is by far the most comfortable, user friendly, and user adjustable BC in the world!

My word to you - Accept no substitutes!

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