TimG

Hi! I've been using the ProMax since Nov 2023 and have done about 150 dives with them. Like you, I'm using Envelop Pro batteries and they are probably two years old. Without the Boosters I reckon a set of charged batteries is good for about 150-200 images depending on power setting of course. It's worth bearing in mind too, I'd suggest, that if one of four AA batteries is dodgy or failing, almost any strobe is going to struggle to operate to maximum efficiency. Although I can understand how you might feel, the Boosters are well worth the price and I have no worries over 4 dives a day when using them. Compared to the total cost of your gear, they are not that expensive - all things being relative. It is definitely worth you contacting Retra directly for advice. I'm found them always helpful and quick. And it costs nothing! What's there to lose? (Yes, I'm an avid fanboy of the Retras. I've been using them since 2019 and have found the product and service to be first rate)

This issue is discussed often and it’d be worth searching on Waterpixels. Backpacks, fishing jackets, tears and pleading, carrying cameras/housings on shoulder straps are amongst the many suggestions offered.

Yeah, I had a similar thought. I switched to fibre around 2013 and would never go back.

Welcome! Yep, lots of the same crowd and a good few new faces too. Good to have you with us. Welcome to your new home. Best wishes Tim

Titanium edition?

Bon courage! I’ve just jumped on a plane but once home I’ll post a link.

See! See the light you would I knew.

Ive bought shackles a number of times like that from Amazon. If you can’t find them, let me know and I’ll dig out a link.

That’d be the Retra then, makar0n? 😝

Hey Bhushan! Welcome to Waterpixels. We’re glad you joined us. We hope you enjoy the forum. Best wishes Tim

LOL, no worries!

Hi James! We’re delighted you’ve joined us. Welcome to your new home. We hope you really enjoy Waterpixels. Best wishes Tim

Thanks, Robert!

Many thanks, Chris

Hey guys A mate of mine is off travelling in Polynesia, Cook Islands and Fiji later this year. He and his wife are keen drivers although not photographers. He's looking for a liveaboard recommendation. It's not an area I've ever used a liveaboard. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks! Tim

Hey Raphael Welcome to Waterpixels! Great to have you with us. We hope you really enjoy the forum. Best wishes Tim

Hey sorgiew Welcome aboard! We're delighted to have you with us and hope you really enjoy the forum. Best wishes Tim

Thanks! I don't know if Seacam fits though.

I'm looking for a Subal 45-degree viewfinder if anyone has one they might be interested in selling. Preferably in the EU or UK. Thanks Tim

Hi deliamaria A warm welcome to Waterpixels. We hope you enjoy the forum. We’re delighted to have you with us. Best wishes Tim

Looks very neat, Pavel. Fits Subal too?

I'm with you, Chip, or preferring the CR replaceable batteries. I had this discussion a few weeks ago with Miso over the Vivid Leak Sentinel. The V6 also now uses a rechargeable internal battery rather than the previous versions which used easily available CR batteries. Miso explained that this was due to the increasing power consumption of the boards he was using.

I get your point, Wolfgang but is statistical comparison really relevant in something like this? 16 boat sinkings in 5 years highlights your point on poor observance of safety protocols for dive boats in Egypt. Does it really matter whether that's better or worse than, eg Raja (where I'm off to shortly!)? Fact is it's bad. There has been such massive growth in the liveaboard business and competition in Egypt perhaps it's not surprising that corners are being cut. Back in the mid-90s, when I first dived there , there was a dozen or so boats out of Sharm. Now there are what seems like hundreds. Even Marsa Alam is now packed with liveaboards. I bet corners are being cut!