SCUBA GEAR: Reader David Pomeroy writes:

I doubt you remember me, but we met briefly at the happy-hour after you spoke about your book at the Reason panel in DC a few years back. Anyway I have since joined the Marines and, while stationed in Okinawa, taken up scuba diving! I saw your photo today and I was compelled to write you about scuba gear. I see your dive guide has a SeaQuest BCD. I’ve got a ProQD with i3, which is a lever on the left pocket that replaces the low-pressure inflator hose, and I love it. The downside is it’s not a back-inflate, but it’s nice not having to reach up to adjust buoyancy. The hose connects around back and then under your arm so it stays out of your way. My other gear is a ScubaPro Mk17 1st Stage, G250v Reg and R295 Octo, and a Suunto Cobra 2 Computer. I’m really happy with all of it. I googled your archives and I didn’t see any scuba gear reviews! What do you dive with? Any thoughts from your readers?

I dive with a Dacor Viper regulator (no longer made) and a Seaquest Passport travel BCD. I’ve been thinking of replacing the Dacor with an Atomic T2 or B1, or maybe an Apeks T100, but honestly I’m perfectly happy with the Dacor. My dive computer is a Suunto Vyper, replacing the Suunto Favor S that I used to use. I’m quite happy with it, though some complain that it’s kind of a cautious computer. I (usually) regard that as a feature, not a bug, though it can be a bit bossy at times. Still, better bossy than bent. The Vyper has also been replaced by the Vyper 2, which — if the usual pattern holds — is even more finicky.