DiveBits

SCUBA TANKS

We use Faber steel scuba cylinders. On board, we carry 4 100 cubic feet tanks, and 2 80 cubic feet tanks. We pump them to 3500 psi. Though they are heavier than aluminum tanks, we prefer steel as they do not change weight as you use the air, thus their buoyancy doesn’t change. We also don’t have to wear as much lead weight on our belts. These tanks have really nice valves with green & red to show, with a quick look, if your buddy has turned the air on, or not – we always check!

SCUBA TANK RACK

We have 6 steel tanks on board. To have them secure in a boat that might be getting tossed wildly in rough seas is critical. We also needed them next to the compressor so it’s easy to fill them. Fortunately, we came across Paul of Ogremaxxraxx who understands the needs of divers & boaters.

Ogremaxxraxx are all hand built & fully welded in their Florida facility from the finest materials available.  No matter how many, or what size tanks you need to accommodate, they have your storage solution.  On the odd chance they don’t have what you need in their lineup, they can quickly and easily custom design a rack to suit your application. We appreciated the extra tubing and non-skid, non-marking feet that keep the tanks from clanging around. Our tank rack is further locked to the deck floor so it doesn’t move at all.

REGULATOR

Atomic Aquatics makes what we believe is the best regulator on the market. The T3 regulator is their titanium standard. Not only is it precision engineered it also has a very cool swivel feature that makes it comfortable to dive.

Prior to the advent of the T3, Tom used the top-of-the-line Atomic Aquatics regulator. Beth uses his previous model, which is still one of the very best Atomic makes.

AIR 2 or SAFE SECOND

We also use the SSI Air 2, or safe second, from Atomic Aquatics. We like to keep our dive kit as simple & streamlined as possible. Rather than have a second regulator dangling from another hose, this Air 2 attaches right to our BCD. The sleek design of the SS1 combines two pieces of dive gear into one, reducing the overall bulk and weight of our dive system.

We use it every time we dive, too, to inflate or deflate our BCD. So we become very familiar with it. It’s a top-of-the-line safety regulator right where we need it should the need ever arise.

Should the need arise to “buddy breathe,” or share air, the SS1 is right there: it breathes as easily as a primary regulator.

SCUBA FINS

Atomic Aquatics also makes our favorite fins. Their exclusive Splitfin technology reduces the stress and strain of the kick for greater sustained speed, power and comfort. These SplitFins provide more efficiency, more power and more thrust than traditional paddle fins.

The regular fin straps are a patented buckle system design featuring easy, one-handed quick release of the buckle from the fin. Beth prefers her Atomic Aquatics Spring Straps EZ-LOK Buckle System Fin Strap that make it especially easy to put her fins on & take them off quickly.