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| Originally Posted by Howard Payne The Mini G is essentially a short bodied Gavin with NiMh batteries which last 75 min rather than the standard 60 min for the short body with SLA's. Same motor, power and "layout" The NiMH pack is smaller than the SLA packs which means the body is quite a bit smaller (about the diameter of a 12l cylinder). It also weighs a fair bit less than a short body which can be a help if you're diving with a load of stages off a boat (which I'm not at the moment) Mine's a pig at the moment coz it's very negative - quite why no-one seems to know. The inability to suitably burn test the NiMh batteries is why it was originally described as a "toy" - not really suitable for Cave - but great as an ocean scooter. That said - I know that they are testing them in Mexico and with the EKPP. Gorgeous George is indeed shipping a longer body for it (when he's finished eating Bardo's hamster) which should sort it out and then I'm most def. up for a "play" Jase. Once the trim and buyancy is sorted out the Mako handle isn't too much of an issue - just can't help feeling I might not be of the same opinion after 10 hours in a cave!: I had it trimmed nicely out in the Red Sea recently and it was a hoot. Scooters are a whole new ball game - controlling your own buoyancy is *ahem* interesting when you've been on the throttle for a while and your depth has altered a bit!  If anyone ever wants to try one - I'm sure we could sort something out down at Vobster some time - no problem.
Black cord Jason? You whore |
Nice write up, Howard - and nice to hear that you had some fun with the Mini-G in the Red Sea! That's one big, BIG advantage it has over the conventional SLA Gavins in that travelling with the thing is a lot more viable - mine will probably find its way to France a few times but I can't see myself ever taking it anywhere else abroad (not anywhere that requires a flight, anyway) unless the dive centre I'm diving with can hire bodies & batteries. As for the black cord - had to be done, mate, although - in my defence - it was already on the scooter when I bought it... the only thing I've changed is the carrying handle...
And Wilbo - nice pic, mate!
BTW - For those that are wondering what a 'Mini-G' looks like and how it compares to a conventional Gavin...
