Not only has MediDive developed the Asthma Freedom Snorkel so swimmers can enjoy cruising the surface, they've also been busy trying to help asthmatics get down deeper. Consequently, they've developed the MediDive regulator. Although MediDive maintains that not all asthmatics should go diving, they claim that -- when used in conjunction with a medical selection protocol and MediDive training materials -- the MediDive reg can break underwater barriers that have heretofore restricted asthmatics.

Combining a high quality regulator with a discrete chamber that contains a puffer canister, the MediDive reg features a twist mechanism that releases doses of carefully-measured medication when needed; the same mechanism also resets the device for the next delivery. Allowing users to remove their canister for topside use, the reg can be used at depth even with gloved hands. It doesn't appear that the MediDive reg is available for purchase yet, but if you're interested, you can "register your interest."

• 3mm wet suit (or equivalent)
  
• Regulator + octo
  
• Computer
• Mask
• Snorkel
• Fins
• Booties
• Gloves
• Small light
• Dive log with PADI tables, fish ID cards, etc.

Aquatec's Air3 is an innovative device that combines a power inflator, a second stage, and an air horn in one streamlined unit. Integrated with your BC, the Air3 might make an interesting replacement for that nearly-dead octopus you've been meaning to replace.

In addition to providing back-up air, the horn on the unit offers a super-charged blast (110-120 dB), and works both underwater and on the surface. Approximate surface range is about 1/2 a mile. According to the description on Amazon, on the surface, the horn sounds like a loud duck call. Underwater, the sound -- like an engine with a very bad ping -- is "more subdued but loud enough to get the attention of a buddy that has wandered off."

Expect to pay about $170 for an Air3.

Scuba Lab recently put 18 new regs to the test. They were quite pleased with the results, too, since 14 of the 18 earned the highest marks possible -- "Tester's Choice." (Of course, this doesn't really surprise me, since, in my opinion, Scuba Lab operates under the "if you don't have anything nice to say..." principle. Just once, I'd like to see Simon Cowell on the panel and rate a reg as "absolutely terrible, this reg is large, clumsy, poorly-functioning, and hard-too-breathe. Plus, it's ugly.")

But back to the topic at hand: Scuba Lab has compared 18 regs and presents them, side-by-side, in a new review. Dividing the regs into "Below $500" and "Above $500," if you're looking for a new reg, check out this piece before heading to your LDS and you'll be better prepared. Interestingly, the more expensive models didn't necessarily out-score the lower-priced models, so don't think you'll have to shell out the Big Bucks to breathe.

Are the days of lugging around huge, back-breaking gear bags numbered? Have gear-makers discovered that many divers are not Herculean and, in fact, want bags that are easier to carry? Probably not: divers will still carry with them numerous regs, unwieldy camera set-ups, and heavy-duty drysuits. However, if you're on the prowl for some gear that's tote-able, then you might be interested in Scuba Diving's recent portable gear round-up. From travel bags to featherweight regs; from travel BCs to hotel-to-boat bags; from lightweight fins to topside roller bags, this is an excellent little gear round-up.

Driving thorough Islamorada last July, I noticed a large, blue un-opened building on my right. A sign outside the building read, "The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum," but the building was clearly shuttered. Curious but disappointed (and ready to enjoy the rest of my vacation), I kept driving. As it turns out, the Diving Museum opens officially this coming Wednesday (September 20). Dedicated to "collecting, preserving, displaying and interpreting artifacts, antiques, books, documents, photographs and oral history relative to the History of Diving," the museum's founders, Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer, claim to hold the largest collection of historic diving equipment and research documents in the world. Consequently, the museum should be killer. I wish I could be there for the opening.

Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays, the museum features 8 distinct rooms, from "Timeline of Diving," to "Helium Diving," to "Into the Abyss," to "Parade of Nations" -- a collection of historic hard-hat dive helmets from around the world. In addition to its standing exhibits, the Museum plans to host a lecture series, as well. Stephen Frink lives up the road in Key Largo; I wonder if he'll swing by for a chat. Located at Mile Marker 83, admission is $10/adult, $9/kid. To learn more about the Museum, check out Dive Bubbles, the Museum's newsletter. The most current newsletter is dated July, but I'm betting a new one will be available soon.

Divernet recently asked 15 reg manufacturers to nominate and send their favorite regs for a head-to-head comparison. Among the regs they received:

• APEKS XTX 200
• AQUALUNG TITAN LX SUPREME
• ATOMIC Z2
• BEUCHAT VX10 ICEBERG
• CRESSI-SUB ELLIPSE TITANIUM
• COLTRI-SUB OCEAN
• MARES MR22 ABYSS
• OCEANIC ALPHA 8
• POSEIDON XTREAM DEEP 90
• SCUBAPRO MK17af/s555
• SEAC SUB DIAMOND ICE
• SHERWOOD MAGNUM
• TIGULLIO T52 AIR TRAK PLUS
• TUSA PLATINA RS230
• ZEAGLE DS-V

I like Divernet's gear reviews more than just about anyone else's, because they aren't afraid to say it like it is. If the gear sucks, they say so, and they tell you why. Among their many candid comments are:

• "Purging does the job but rocked my teeth a bit."
• "For the money, awesome!"
• "I'd only use it in a pool!"
• "Purge whooshy, bordering on no-tonsils."
• "Very nice to breathe from but the noise was a bit Darth Vader."
• "Very easy dry breathe, excellent delivery, dry all ways up. "

And my favorite line: "Initially seemed to need a good hard suck... "

Beuchat, a French company, recently released their new VX200, a high-end reg with an integrated anti-freeze system, and "new geometry of the expansion chamber for improved stability of the Venturi effect." The VX200 is more expensive than the VX80, which is often considered a "basic dive-school-type model." However, when John Bantin took both models out for a head-to-head, he discovered to his surprise that the VX80 "breathes perfectly." After a lot of rambling, some French, and a little philosophy about breathing nitrox 32 at 147 feet, the upshot is this: while the VX80 may be an "entry-level" product, it is a very good performer.

This weekend, I had to say goodbye to an old friend. My Dacor reg -- which has served me for the past 18 years -- finally gave up the ghost. According to my LDS, replacement parts are no longer available for it, and it seemed...well...time to move on. So I purchased a new reg: an Oceanic Alpha 8. I haven't gotten to test it yet -- I'm going diving this weekend, however! -- and I'm anxious to see how it performs.

For the past 18 years, I've carefully coiled my reg inside my BC and carefully placed my BC inside my dive bag. However, sometimes I notice other divers carrying their regs inside dedicated reg bags. Do you carry your precious air-supplying piece of equipment in its own protective carrying case, or do you do what I do? Are dedicated reg bags just more crap for divers to buy, or do you think they're a way to treat gear with a little respect?

For the curious, here are a few regulator bags that look to be highly adequate:

• Deep See makes a nylon & heavy-duty-PVC-coated bag with a U-shaped zipper that allows it to open completely.
• Akona makes a wide variety of dive gear bags, including the AKB-604 Regulator Bag, which comes with a padded handle, a shoulder strap, and a console/computer protective sleeve to provide additional protection for your expensive gauges.
• Beaver makes a padded, zippered bag designed to protect a complete regulator, octopus and console combination. With adjustable shoulder strap and velcro closing, the front pocket also has room for other essentials.
• Armor Products makes a variety of reg bags, including the Deluxe Bag that boasts foam padding; 1 main and 2 outer compartments; interior gear holding straps; a carrying handle and shoulder strap; and a drain hole.
• Stahlsac's Roatan Regulator Bag offers extra large capacity for carrying 2 regulators. Featuring 1 inch of foam protection and a padded bottom, the ballistic cloth bag sports an inner mesh pocket; a padded divider; an outside pocket for accessories; and a padded shoulder strap.