The diver who has everything???? That is like saying there are too many fish in the sea or that you can have too much chocolate! The diver NEVER has everything. None of us are on the naughty list this year - as we haven’t had the chance - and Santa isn’t coming down your chimney due to social distancing. In which case treat yourself (or one of our staff) this Christmas from the list of goodies below.
Garmin Descent MK2 Series Dive Computers
The moment Q gives Bond his newest gadget is what it will feel like when you unwrap a MK2i. This is a multi-sport fitness watch AND dive computer with recreational, technical and closed-circuit rebreather capabilities. It integrates with your smartphone via Bluetooth technology and has music storage, smart notifications and payment features.
What sets this baby apart is the new SubWave sonar based wireless air integration, which will soon allow up to 5 transmitters. This technology transmits data more effectively under water than traditional radio frequency.
Features (among others) include sunlight-readable colour display, 6 dive modes, a 3-axis compass, up to 80 hours battery life in dive mode as well as the capability to store up to 200 dives, which you can review in the Garmin Dive App.
Take a look at our blog The New Garmin Descent MK2 Dive Computers and remember that for such a highly prized stocking filler, Mike’s Dive Store offers finance on items over £500 with no monthly fees!
Atomic Scuba Heat
Scuba Heat looks a bit strange, but this heat exchanging coil has a touch more genius. This device keeps you warmer by heating the air as it travels from your first stage to second stage which in turn keeps you core warmer for longer. For scuba technophobes it is attractive, as it has no moving parts, batteries or heating elements.
Fourth Element Surface Wetsuit
To counterbalance all that festive overindulgence, give a sustainable gift this Christmas and be good to the ocean. The Surface wetsuit is part of the Fourth Element OceanPositive range. Made from a 100% plant-based alternative to neoprene, this suit is lined with recycled polyester made from post-consumer plastic bottles.
The front-loading 4/3mm suit has inner ankle and wrist seals to minimise flush and maximise flexibility. Available for both men and women, this wetsuit is perfect for snorkellers, freedivers and for other surface watersports enthusiasts.
See videos about the suit by clicking here.
Ocean Reef Space Extender Integrated Dive Mask
This gift is less of a stocking filler and more of a Gucci goodie bag item. Why should you buy a full face mask, other than to look badass? Perhaps you want to have voice comms with your buddies underwater, perhaps you dive in extreme conditions or perhaps you want to improve your air consumption (by becoming a nose breather!)
A simple course is all you need to qualify you to dive one of these bad boys. We like the Space Extender as it is an affordable mid-range full face mask, which can be upgraded with additional gadgets as you gain further experience (perfect for next Christmas….)
The Space Extender full face mask is lightweight and has a huge field of vision through the scratch-resistant visor. Its lifetime warranty covers the state-of-the-art integrated regulator and premium-grade silicone skirt. If you’re feeling extra generous, by all means choose the next model up in the range - The Ocean Reef Predator Extender which has an aluminium regulator cover for extra protection and a stainless steel regulator adjustment knob.
See our blog How to Choose an Ocean Reef Full Face Mask for further info.
Sealife SportDiver Underwater Housing For iPhone
Some journalists believe that in the future you will be able to compose entire articles with photos taken on smart phones, even underwater. This gadget takes us one step closer to swapping bulky SLR cameras and housings for the humble compact telephone.
Powered by 2 regular AAA batteries, the SeaLife housing is depth-rated to 40 meters and allows you to shoot photos and video with any compatible iphone model from a 7 upwards. The back of the case is a large high-quality screen so the diver can clearly see what they are shooting. The generous shutter button on the front is easy to operate - even in gloves - and at the back there are ample-sized buttons to access most iPhone photo functions.
The housing offers a dedicated red filter mounting for a removable blue water colour-correction filter and has a clever dual leak alarm system, in the unlikely event that seawater gets inside. All this for a remarkable £269! If you really like the diver you are buying this for, why not also add something from the SeaLife Underwater Photo/Video Lights range?
Aqua Lung DS Masks
Hide your smug “I got new dive kit for Christmas” expression with these mirrored lens masks from Aqua Lung. The Profile, Mistique and Horizon all come with the option of a Blue or Purple HD mirrored lens. The blue works best in bright, sunny conditions while the purple (or Plus) benefits low light and overcast conditions.
All the masks in this range have an anti-fog coating and buckle-to-skirt design which allows them to be neatly stored in a pocket (perhaps as a backup mask). The lenses are designed to prevent backscatter in shallow water, reduce glare when at the surface and block harmful HEV light.
We recommend the frameless Profile for the biggest field of vision as it has a horizontal and vertical design; the Mistique works best for smaller faces and its low profile makes for ease of clearing; while technical divers might prefer the compact twin teardrop design of the Horizon.
In the bleak midwinter we could all do with a glimmer of sunshine that is only satisfied by shiny dive gear. After the year we’ve had, don’t be a Grinch! Merry Christmas and a better 2021 from us all at Mike’s Dive Store.
