TUSA´s _Roller Duffel Bag RD-2 |
Text by David Oldale |
Most important in any suitcase or travel bag is the ease of which it can be manoeuvred or humped around. The TUSA RD-2 was equipped with 2 casters and a retractable handle so – you don’t have to carry the damn thing when it is fully laden. From use on my previous RD-2 bag neither the casters nor the extending handle ever let me down. In fact the handles had always been secure. The RD-2 comes complete with one lock although three out of the four zipped compartments can and need to be locked securely. The zipped unlockable compartment is really for the storage of a book etc. In the main compartment is an elasticated strap that can be utilized to hold certain items in place, where as the fin storage compartment houses a small dry Velcro closed bag – ideal for that wet flannel! Since obtaining this latest RD-2 bag it has been mooted around 4-airports (4-flights) plus the rigors of travelling British Rail with no-ill effects. And yes I have kept it away from the dreaded salt! In conclusion I must say that this is a great tough travel bag, easily manoeuvrable, lightweight and holds a mountain of kit… Rating 9 out of 10 – a tough piece of kit! The TUSA RD-2 Bag is obtainable from all Dive Shops that are supplied by CPS Partnership Ltd., (Distributors of TUSA & INTOVA diving equipment and Waterproof Wetsuits); for a list of suppliers please contact CPS Partnership Ltd., tel: 01424 442663. fax: 01424 433835 RRP £89-00p sterling. Book Review by Andy ClarkSTARS BENEATH THE SEA - Trevor Norton
A heady mix of madness and mayhem runs through first hand recollections of some bizarre and downright dangerous stunts pulled in the interest of science and progress. From Guy Gilpatrick’s discovery of ‘goggling’ (snorkelling) and his attempts to harpoon anything that offered a little sport, through John Scott Haldane’s numerous near-death experiments to provide us all with a reasonable set of decompression tables, the collection ends with a romantic account of Peter Throckmorton’s endeavours to prove to all potential underwater archaeologists that a systematic set of procedures could be implemented in all underwater excavations with a greater emphasis on preservation and less on destruction! Norton tells of the successes and failings of diving experiments through the ages, of the courage and determination of diving pioneers in the underwater fields of physiology, archaeology and photography. He tells of the dreams and fantasy of all involved, of the irony of spear fishers turning conservationists and of wreck robbers turning archaeologists, and he tells it in a way that anyone who spares a little time will clearly see it is written by one who’s own passion and dedication has resulted in this wonderful literal offering. Norton entices the audience to dive, to share the magic and the miracles of the underwater world, to be visionaries and he offers a challenge; ‘who knows what you might discover’, if you keep your ‘eyes wide open’. If it is not Hans Hass or Jacques Cousteau that invites you beneath the waves, it will surely be Trevor Norton. A great read… Stars Beneath The Sea – Trevor Norton (Professor of Marine Biology at the University of Liverpool) Arrow publishing ISBN 978-0-09-940509-2 |
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With TUSA’s RD-2 weighing in at 3.8 kilos (empty) I could save an incredible 5.5 kilos over using my suitcase and dive kit bag plus I would have a hand free to carry my camera case which importantly always goes as hand-baggage (on an aircraft). However, would all the kit that I hump around the World fit into the RD-2? Amazingly it did – quite easily! I included – clothes for a week away, flip-flops, toiletries, beach towel, a few magazines and two books, mask, snorkel, fins, 7mm wetsuit and gloves, dive boots, heavy BCD with rattle and torch, regulator with 3 gauge console and octopus rig and then a few more items! I did expect my beautifully ironed items not to look quite so pristine on unpacking but I was wrong as everything came out as it went in! The all up weight to include the tough bag came to 25 kilos. 
Anyone who has the slightest interest in the history of diving will find Trevor Norton’s compilation of witty authentic anecdotes a compelling read.