Here we are for part three of a four part series; today we are going to talk about the Hybrid BC Design. Currently there are only two companies that I can think of offhand that deal with the hybrid BC by name and one that makes what I would call a hybrid. Now the reason that this BC is called a hybrid is that it tries to take the plusses of a jacket style BC and the plusses of a back inflation BC and combine them all into one. The way this BC acts at the surface resembles a jacket style; the way it acts underwater is like a back inflation therefore taking what divers love about both BC’s and putting it together. The three companies that use this type of design for BC’s are Oceanic, Aeris and Mares. Oceanic has used the hybrid design to make a women’s specific BC the Hera, Aeris has created a women’s specific with the Wahine and they have also made a men’s BC the Atmos LX. Mares Dragon BC is not technically qualified as a hybrid BC by the company but the design is very similar to it. One of the only downsides with the Hybrid BC’s especially the men’s BC’s is that they are a little on the heavy side but other than that they offer many great advantages for a diver.

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• BC Design, which one is for you?
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• How to Plan a Scuba Diving Trip
• BC Design, Which one is for you? Part 2
• Dip ‘N Dive’s Online Store

Looking for something innovative and exciting, look no further than the aqualung slingshot fin, there is no fin on the market today that can compare in design. The slingshot is a one of a kind fin that offers the diver a chance to switch gears during a dive. The slingshot can be classified as a paddle fin but after that no other paddle fin compares to it today. The slingshot is unique in that it has two power bands attached to the fin where it flexes to generate power; these bands allow the fin to be more flexible while transferring more energy in to each kick by the diver. The result is a very efficient diver moving through the water.

Another unique feature of the slingshot fin is that as I said earlier it allows the diver to switch gears, the power bands have three adjustments that can make the fin easier or harder to kick. The first setting stretches the band very little, this allows the diver to stretch out the band easier and makes the fin easier to kick, the result that I find is very similar to some of today’s modern split fins. Setting two stretches the band more, in this setting the diver will apply more power into their kick, results equal many of today’s easier moving paddle fins. Setting Three stretches the power band the most, in this setting the diver must put the most effort into moving the fin, divers with a pretty powerful kick will prefer this setting as they feel more from the fin. Setting the bands is very easy and is even possible underwater, however I recommend setting the fin before getting in the water.

Divers that are looking for a new set of fins should really look into something like the slingshot; it offers great performance and many different features. The foot pocket is very generous; I wear a size 12 boot yet fit into the regular size for wet suit boots and move to the largest size for a drysuit boot.

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Currently there is a debate about which BC system is the right choice for every diver out there. Currently there are four styles that are most commonly used. These styles are Jacket, Back Inflation, Hybrid and the Backplate and Wing design. In my opinion each system has its pros and its cons. With that said I believe it is up to each diver to choose the system that they feel is proper for them. Today I am going to talk about the jacket style BC, check back each day for a review on each system.

The jacket style BC is one of the most common used BC systems on the market today; many manufacturers tend to have multiple selections of this style with different feature on each BC. Major manufactures include Oceanic, Aeris, Aqualung, Mares, Sherwood, Seaquest, Genesis, Scuba Pro and TUSA. The jacket style BC can come as the very basic BC or it can come fully loaded like the Rolls Royce. Before I get into all of the features I will talk about the things that will stay the same with any Jacket Style BC. First off this BC provides the best surface support out of any of these systems; it provides effortless support to the diver by having the lift evenly spread out between the front and the back. Another great plus to the Jacket Style is that they offer really big pockets that are great for storing any items needed while diving, these pockets will either be zippered or Velcro shut. Some of the features that you can add to this BC are weight integration, stainless steel D-Rings, depth compensating cummerbund, bioflex material, octopus pockets, utility pockets and much more.

Now the Jacket Style is not the perfect BC so here are some of the cons. The first is the squeeze felt when the jacket is fully inflated, this squeeze is felt at the stomach, it is not painful just a little uncomfortable. The second biggest downside is the weight of the system, now divers that usually wear the smaller sizes it is not that big of a deal but when someone needs to wear an X-Large or even a XX-Large the BC usually weighs anywhere from 10-15 lbs just depending on which model they are using, when packing for a trip and every extra pound that can be saved is vital this can be a little bit of a chore for the diver.

OK we are a quarter of the way through this review; remember to check back tomorrow as I will be posting about the back inflation style.

And just to let everyone know some of my favorite Jacket Style BC’s include the Oceanic Probe, The Aqualung PRO QD and the Seaquest Wave. The Probe and the PRO QD are two of the more feature rich BC’s while the Wave is as basic as they come.

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• BC Design, Which one is for you? Part 2
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• How to Choose a SCUBA Diving Mask
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• Dip ‘N Dive’s Online Store

Over the past few months we’ve done many things to enhance your experience with us both local and abroad; ranging from Blogs, Movies, Pictures, Online Forum, PADI eLearning (call for details), Online Store, Twitter, Facebook Group, etc.  We’ve received RAVE reviews from YOU, our loyal customer.

We’ve been hard at work with adding Manufactures/Products to our Online Store.  Oceanic, SeaLife, Aqua Lung, Henderson and AERIS are just a small handful of Manufactures that we have currently on our site.  We have products that range from Diving Computers, BCD’s, Wetsuits, Underwater Camera’s and much, much more!  We are AUTHORIZED DEALERS for EVERYTHING that we sell online, so you can have the peace of mind that with every product that you buy from us will come with a FULL MANUFACTURES WARRANTY!

Due to the economy, we understand everyone’s pocket book constraints so we’ve decided to do our part to help elevate that problem.  We’re offering FREE GROUND SHIPPING on ALL orders over $50 within the Continental USA!  Dip ‘N Dive also has a 60/120 Satisfaction Guarantee.  You have 60 days from the date of the invoice to return unused merchandise for full refund on your credit card. Then, we give another 60 days (120 days from the date of the invoice) to return for store credit.  We believe that this is one of the most customer friendly return polices in the industry!  We do this because we feel that you will be 100% satisfied and if for some reason you’d like to return anything, you can do so without ANY questions or hassles!

You can call us Toll Free at 1-877-837-3483 if you’d prefer to place your order over the phone as opposed to online.  So check out our Online Store or give us a call today and experience why so many people use Dip ‘N Dive as their preferred SCUBA equipment provider!

Ps: In the coming months we have some surprises in store for all of you, so keep on checking back for details!

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• How to Choose a SCUBA Diving Mask
• BC Design, Which one is for you? Part 2

When trying on SCUBA Diving Masks you will notice the different shapes of the nose pockets. The nose pocket protects and cushions your nose, helps to keep your SCUBA mask from fogging during a dive and helps you to maintain equalization. Ensure the size and shape of your nose pocket is comfortable; not too tight and not too large. This will improve not only the comfort of your SCUBA mask, but your ability to purge your mask efficiently.

There are many different styles of SCUBA Diving Mask straps on the market. You may like the factory issue strap on your SCUBA mask or you may want to purchase a separate strap. SCUBA mask straps are available in a single strap or a double strap design. The single strap should wrap around the center of the back of your head. The benefit of the double strap is that you can position the top strap on the upper part of your head and the bottom strap on the lower part of your head to offer extra stability and comfort. Most mask straps are rubber or silicone and fasten with a post-hole belt enclosure. Newer SCUBA Diving Masks offer a slide-lock type enclosure, which allows you to adjust the scuba mask quickly and easily when wearing the mask.

SCUBA Diving Masks are always improving. If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses on a daily basis you can purchase a scuba mask without having to wear your glasses or contact lenses under your mask. Many manufacturers will create custom masks which include your prescription in the front lens.  Contact Dip ‘N Dive for assistance in finding a SCUBA Diving Mask with prescription lens.

A good sign you have chosen the right SCUBA Diving Mask for your face is when the mask stays on your face comfortably without using the straps to hold it in place. You should try this simple test with each mask you try on for the first time:

1. Place the SCUBA Diving Mask over your eyes and mouth ensuring the mask is in the correct position.
2. Take a quick, light breath in through your nose and immediately start to breathe through your mouth as if you are scuba diving. This will create a slight suction between the mask and your face. The SCUBA mask should stay on your face. If you must push the SCUBA mask against your face, or inhale repeatedly to help the mask stay on your face, the mask is not a good fit.
3. Keep the SCUBA mask on your face for approximately one minute. This will help you to determine how tight the seal is and how comfortable the mask is on your face.
4. Exhale gently through your nose to release the seal on your SCUBA mask and remove the mask from your face.

There should be no mark on your face from the mask. If there is a red line around your face from the seal of the mask, the seal was too tight or the mask is not the proper size for your face. Try the test a second time. If you still have a red mark on your face after you remove the SCUBA mask, you need to continue your search for a scuba mask.

Remember, a good SCUBA Diving Mask is one that’s comfortable, doesn’t leak and is easy to use.

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• BC Design, which one is for you?
• BC System, Which One is For You? Part Three.
• Dip ‘N Dive’s Online Store

Several divers on the trip were also working on their Advanced Diver certification and even Master Diver certification.  Everyone completed their modules with great success!  Below are pictures from the trip….ENJOY!

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• Upcoming Classes and Modules

Dip ’N Dive is offering another NITROX course sponsored by NAUI, which is open to all divers.  This course will provide the participants the information and certification necessary to participate in Nitrox diving. Nitrox is now available at most tropical destinations as well as here at Dip ‘N Dive for Local Dives, to help make your diving safer.

The next class is on Tuesday, July 21st at 6pm.  The cost is only $130.00 per person which includes textbook, materials and registration fees. To register, call 716-837-3483.

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I hope that all of you had a great 4th of July weekend!  Yesterday, we left a message on Twitter concerning this.  As stated a few weeks ago, Dip ‘N Dive has been working on a few things to even further enhance your experience with us.  Well one of those features is Video’s!  Below is a video designed by Dip ‘N Dive based on a wreck that we dove last Sunday via the Osprey Charter.  It was a wonderful experience and we wanted to share this with you!  You can also discuss this video on our Forum in the “Dive Video’s” section.

One of the wrecks we dove was the “Dean Richmond” which is out in Lake Erie.  For those who haven’t seen it, now is your chance.

Enjoy!

Click here to view the embedded video.

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SCUBA diving is wonderful sport and is gaining popularity among sports enthusiasts because of the added perk of viewing scenic underwater life.  Careful planning will help ensure that your SCUBA diving trip is as fun as possible.

5 steps to help guide you while planning a Scuba Diving trip:

1. Learn to Scuba Dive. While SCUBA diving can be a recreational activity, it obviously has inherent risks. Take a diving certification class through the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) or Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Once you pass their course, you can now safely and legally dive. Dip ‘N Dive offers courses for both NAUI and PADI.  Bear in mind that no diver can be certified if they did not complete the diving class and required dive under a certified instructor’s observation. Going in the open water to learn SCUBA diving on your own and without a professional’s supervision is not allowed and is very dangerous.

2. Pick the dive spot. Most beachside hotels offer SCUBA diving packages. Including it in your reservation can entitle you to discounted rates in certain hotels.

3. Prep your SCUBA diving gear. Some dive shops will want to buy their own SCUBA diving gear for future use while others prefer to just rent them out. Whatever you choose, do get a Buoyancy Compensator, Diving Mask, Fins and a Wetsuit if you plan to go SCUBA diving. Gear rentals may have to be made in advance to make sure that you’ll have the equipment ready when you get there.
4. Set the details of your itinerary. All successful dives follow set itineraries especially if there is more than one dive spot to visit. Include all the necessary details, including expected times of arrival and departures, food arrangements and transportation arrangements.
5. Keep a record of your underwater adventure. The easiest way would be through pictures so don’t forget to bring along a waterproof or Underwater Camera. There’s a big difference between telling your friends and relatives about the dive and actually showing them photos of it, preferably with you beside a colorful fish or coral.

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• How to Choose a SCUBA Diving Mask
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• BC Design, Which one is for you? Part 2
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• BC System, Which One is For You? Part Three.

As promised, our forum is now up and running.  You can visit the forum via our website (link is located right after the “Dip ‘N Dive Blog” link) or you can save the forum directly to your favorites: DIP ‘N DIVE FORUM

Enjoy!

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