New version of Freedive Recovery Vest

Terry Maas just sent me photos of the new FRV Mark II-S, and its an even more streamlined version of the vest. I don't even notice the old version in the water, but this should be even slicker.

The crotch strap is gone.

The material over the hardware on your back used to catch some air on the surface, and then emit a few bubbles as you started the dive. This new configuration eliminates that.

There is just one strap across the chest, a waist strap, and straps under your armpits.

The remote used to be held in a band on your bicep. Now it appears to use a strap on your forearm. I may still route mine down the middle of my chest, but I guess I'll have to get it in my hands before I decide.

All new vests will come with this new version of the soft parts. If you have the old version, he'll convert it for $250. He says that his supplier charges him $200, and then he'll add $50 for installation and testing. I'm definitely going to send mine back for conversion as soon as I'm sure the season is over.

Honest, I'm not on commission, but I'm a big fan and wish all my dive buddies wore a vest. I paid full price for mine. Here are some photos.

All owners of the vest, including me, just received this email which mentions the new changes.

Dear FRV purchaser,
Over the last year, we have gained much experience with the FRV and we've learned some things as well. Attached is the updated manual, which we update frequently on the web site ( www.oceanicss.com).
One serious item we have become aware of is possible corrosion build up within the spring chamber of the actuator. PLEASE READ PAGES 27 AND 28 OF THE MANUAL, which addresses this issue. Basically, you need to soak the FRV actuator is a special anti-salt solution--plain water is not good enough. You need to then release the spring by dry firing (pulling the manual activation cord with no cylinders) and then lubricate the spring chamber.
Also, users of the earlier version have charge plugs without cords, and some of you have forgotten them and ruined your units. Please tape the plug to the charger so you don't forget to use it.

Lastly, we have developed an exciting new softgoods vest that is very streamlined, bubble free,and easy to repack. Please see the manual for details.
For early adopters such as yourself, We will be glad to replace your vest at our cost for installation and testing. US customers will be $250 including shipping. International customers will be $225 with you contributing shipping both ways. When we receive the FRV for replacement of the softgoods, we will upgrade the computer code (increases battery life by 100%) and provide you with a lanyard charger plug if you don't already have one. We are in production now, so the new vests won't be ready until January. You may send your FRV now, or wait until that date.

Terry Maas

<FRV_Mark_II-S.pdf>

I got back my FRV today, all cleaned up and modified to the new slick configuration. While I haven't been in the water with it yet, I'm delighted with the changes.

Its even easier to don than the previous Mark II. My shoulders are so stiff that its even hard for me to get the second arm into a jacket, but with this I can just hold it inverted in front of me, stick my arms through the shoulder straps, and throw it over my head, just as I did my parachute when I flew the primary prop training aircraft. Then there are just two buckles to fasten and you're ready to go.

Another nice change is the oral inflation tube. On the Mark II it was buried inside the inflatable bag, but now its sticking out on your right shoulder. If you wanted just a bit of extra buoyancy swimming back to the boat or drifting down current at Cortes Bank hoping the boat would find you, then it would be easy to use.

BTW, the manual now has changes for cleaning the actuator. Previously it just advised soaking in fresh water for at least 30 minites, and I always did that. But the spring that fires the inflator was corroded so that I couldn't turn the cocking knob even with the help of the spanner wrench, and it might not have worked if I had needed it. Now he advises soaking it in a solution of SaltAway or a similar product, then spraying some Boeshield T-9 into the holes. This applies whether you have the old Mark II or the Mark IIS- the actuator mechanism is the same. Terry cleaned up that corrosion and tested everything at the same time he installed the new sleek bag configuration.

If you have the old version, its definitely worth the $250 to send it back for cleaning and conversion. And if you don't have one at all, its even more worth the price of buying one.