So now we are launching the XT signature line with the Travel, Voyager, Rec, CCR and Classic all getting the SuperFabric addition. The line will also get a bladder upgrade, the same material used in lift bags. The total construction of an XT wing will consist of three layers, the tough bladder, a protective 1000 denier inner bag and the SuperFabric outer shell. The competition touts making a thicker material wing is stronger, but actually strength comes from adding layers so each barrier adds protection. The wings will debut later this month.

The new XT line is so tough that it comes with a lifetime warranty on everything. I’ve been diving the XT for a few years so if you do have a warranty claim, don’t be surprised if I contact you about the dive or ask to join you.

Lamar

Nomad XT Wing w SuperFabric

The accuracy of the compass chip in the NiTek Q is +/- 3 degrees and tilt compensation is minimal so keep it level like a mechanical compass. I have used a Casio watch compass for survey and compared it to my mechanical compass survey and found the variations to be acceptable. I was getting +/- 3 degrees on the resurvey of passage or from one surveyor to another, part of that is most mechanical compasses used for underwater, (Silva) are in 2 degree increments so there in itself lies a degree of error. The survey specialists still prefer a mechanical compass when they are looking at short distance loop closure on a project, but for expedition style survey to capture trend and direction the electronic compass can do the job.

There are only a few electronic compass chips on the market so beware of advertisements of a greater degree of accuracy on a device unless you are paying $450 for a digital compass only, then make sure the accuracy fits the claim. They sound good until I read the fine print on the accuracy.

Lamar

Of course, I test everything to failure so I had to see what would happen by diving the Q without charging it until it died. I finally got the battery indicator to drain completely on a dive and after the dive it went to sleep and wouldn’t wake up. I thought I had taken it too far. I put it on charge and pressed a button, nothing happen, oh sh!?t I drained it. After 5 minutes of charging it came back and all was good. I called the developers to confirm what happened and see if I did screw it up. All is good and this is what I learned : you can’t overcharge the computer, leave it on charge if it’s convenient. A full charge takes 4 hours.

Reducing the contrast (brightness) can give you up to 20% more battery life. The battery has a very low discharge rate so it can go six months in standby mode.  Since the display is the power drain, when you turn the computer on and let it stay on for ten minutes that’s ten minutes of battery life. So put the computer back to sleep when not in use by holding the B button for 3 seconds.

Lamar

Our largest internet dealer, Dive Gear Express, stepped up and ordered a large quantity of our Dive Rite Logo tee and Serious Diver tee so those are available as well through DGX. Show your colors at dive sites, you never know who will be there.

Lamar

The OLED display is easy to read under water in any light condition. In a cave it can actually be too bright so we added a contrast setting to tone it down. It’s rechargeable from any USB charging device so it’s travel friendly. The NiTek Q is smaller than most computers with similar features and so easy to use most people can figure it out in about five minutes with the Quick Start guide. We printed the Quick Start on waterproof paper so you can take it with you on the boat if you feel you need to, but I bet you won’t after 5 minutes of going through the menu.

Lamar

A ½ wrench for getting in between cylinders to adjust bands or tighten the bands on doubles. A four way screwdriver, two double ended tips is the ultimate screwdriver. A must is two adjustable wrenches so you can hold the nut on a second stage while replacing a hose. Tie wraps are a must along with an o ring pic, if you can’t find an o ring pic a good substitute is a large safety pin. I usually keep DIN o rings on the safety pin for quick access. You need two hex key sets, a standard and metric set, look for a compact set, I stay away from the individual hex keys because the most used one tends to get lost. The extra hex key is a large 8 mm key for removing DIN inserts from tank valves and of course a pair of channel locks. The zipper pouch is for a selection of o rings and lubricant, 5 zip lock bags are included for o rings.

Lamar

We are currently performing cold water tests at the factory. We fell a bit behind schedule after DEMA when we learned that the compass chip we had planned to use was discontinued. Not wanting to launch a product that would have an obsolete part, we’ve taken the time to source another model. The developers are now integrating it into the boards.

I have been diving one of the prototypes and like the size and sharp OLED display. I shot this video on a recent dive. NiTek Q Video

Lamar

Lamar

In 2005 we moved production to a modern facility in the USA that used computerized machines to produce a high quality product.  The major change to the product was integrating the over-the-shoulder straps into the back plate so sizing could be more easily changed by trading out only the shoulder pad and not the entire assembly. This allowed divers to tweak the fit even more with half sizes if desired.  

In 2010 we introduced narrow side plates and resized the hip pads for improved accessory mounting.  You can spot the latest production product by checking the epilate. It will be labeled with a rubber patch that has our new red/yellow/white logo.

Lamar

Lamar