3 replies to this topic

[COOL Mobility]

I've just been to Melbourne Boat Show and saw the cutest range of underwater propulsion units that are light, compact and fast recharge LiIon battery powered. See the website at Bladefish Australia.

You need to have both thumbs pushing on buttons (one could be taped down if needed) and only ON or OFF, no speed control. Look like they'd be lots of fun and not too expensive.

US site is Bladefish Seajet in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Looks like much more fun than trying to pull yourself on breast strokes even with webbed gloves.

[mellowgator]

this type product has been around for a while. it's a good idea but one problem that could occur is accending too fast and developing the binds if you're not careful which way is up.

mellowgator

[qman]

that is cool, i want one, sure they have been around for years but this one is smaller, easier to use and less expensive, pretty impressive.

[Pasley]

Mellowgater is correct, diver propulsion vehicles (DPV) have been around a long time. You do need to pay very close attention to not ascending too quickly to minimize risk of the bends (decompression illness).

The bladefish is a new addition and is extremely compact and light weight vehicle. I have not yet used it or know anyone who has. Bladefish does make some claims of freakishly fast speeds yet even in their ads, but you don't see all the bulk of a scuba diver, just a free diver. Most of the DPV users I have talked to are concerned that with such a small power plant and battery that it will be underpowered for doing much for a scuba diver, but may be OK for a swimmer or free diver. But again they have not used it. We have also not yet seen any independent test on it and look forward to the Lake Arrowhead trials done yearly by an independent tester (assuming they submit a unit for evaluation).