Scorkl Underwater Breathing Device

I wanted to know if I can use nitrox air from my tank to fill the scorkl, or are the regulator components not compatible with high oxidation?
Thank you and look forward to scorkling!

Bonjour David !! je suis Français et j'ai hate de voir la sortie de ton SCORKL !!
j'économiserais pour t'en prendre deux !!
A bientôt !

Hi everyone. Thanks as always for your interest and support. My answers to the most recent questions and comments below: __ As outlined in the Rewards and confirmation emails that you will have received, delivery for all orders should hopefully occur in October, all things going to plan. I’ll send out surveys within the next fortnight for everyone to confirm their orders (and extras) and shipping and contact details. __ At1atm and 3,000psi the Scorkl holds the equivalent of roughly 60 breaths. An inhale/exhale cycle of 10/min (1 every 6 seconds) allows for ~6min underwater at 1atm. A slower cycle of 6/min (inhaling for 5 seconds, exhaling for 5 seconds) allows for ~10min underwater. These cycle times are slower than average but achievable by an experienced and relaxed diver looking to minimise air consumption in shallow water. Remember also that you don’t have to use up the whole tank of air in one go. The Scorkl will be used really effectively in conjunction with regular snorkelling. At the opportune time (i.e. when marine or coral life is spotted) you’ll be able to dive down to inspect everything more closely, over many short timeframes. __ No you cannot use a regular non-dive compressor, you will have to use the Scorkl pump.
Normal electric compressors (e.g. a car tyre compressor) can only pump up to around 400psi whereas the Scorkl hand pump can pump up to 3,000psi. See section ""5. How it Works"" of the campaign to find out how the pump can pump to such high pressures. The Scorkl pump also comes fitted with an air filter which ensures the air is suitable for breathing, which a regular compressor does not. __ Yes 3m is considered shallow water. As discussed in the safety warning you should make sure you stay above 3m depth if not scuba-trained. __ Yes we will make the refill adapter available with DIN connector too

@David Hallamore can you give us an update on the timeline for rollout from this point? Also when surveys will go out.
Thanks!

Hi David Hallamore, I'm an early bird backer and ignore the claims about Spare Air, you offer a solid price with the pump but I am slightly concerned about your claims of 10 mins of breathing air if the tanks are the same size at spare air 3.0cu.? I figure your tanks are going to slightly larger? Regardless when can we expect to select colours? I want to ensure a pink one for my girlfriend and a blue one for myself. Best of luck on delivery timeline, I'm routing for you! Hope you can deliver before christmas. :-)

Much Aloha for the future underwater adventures....

@David Hallamore can you give us an update on the timeline for rollout from this point? Also when surveys will go out.
Thanks!

Really exiting for the Scorkl!!!
I really hope that I get one soooooooon. Thank you David.

Can you fill it using the kind of portable electric pump / compressor you may use to fill your car tyres or similar?

I am so excited about this :) Ps, what depth is considered shallow water, 3 meters ok?

Will the refill adapter be available with DIN connector?

Gg

Great news - really looking forward to getting underwater with these...

Well done!
Nice speedy work and a great idea!
Thanks.

Hi I just pledged and I have a question. When the product arrives and if it does not work, what is your return policy?

Hi everyone.
Less than 9 hours to go! Be sure to pledge soon if you haven’t already because the prices available now for a Scorkl are as low as they ever will be! Please also remember to check the “Updates” section over the coming weeks for information regarding what the plans will be for after the campaign (e.g. shipping etc.). My answers to the most recent questions and comments below: - We unlocked a stretch goal when we reached $1m a few days ago actually (see Update #3). This meant that we will offer the option of a new cylinder color/s after the conclusion of the campaign. I’ll send out a survey to ask for everyone’s input. Although not specifically ‘stretch goals’ we’ll also look to offer additional accessories in the months afterwards including different sized cases, lanyard and/or straps to attach to the Scorkl plus more! - My german isn’t good enough to be able to answer you properly I’m sorry @Maik (thank you @Neumaier Andreas for assisting). Please direct your attention to the Safety Warning in the “Campaign” section though to read up on the relevant safety issues in english if you can - I must admit it was a little strange being on the Today Show @Terrence Shund but thank you for your kind words and great to hear that you managed to catch the segment. You should hopefully have your Scorkl order by October, all things going well. I hope your uncle enjoys it! We don’t have plans to open a physical store just yet but perhaps one day - The Scorkl is only intended for shallow water use rather than deep, long dives which makes the risks of flying after breathing compressed air much less substantial. Just to be safe though we’d recommend not flying for twelve hours. A helpful discussion on this topic can be found here: http://www.leisurepro.com/blog/scuba-guides/flying-after-diving-how-long-should-you-wait/#

Hi Creator,
Since Scorkl get a great success, just wonder if we have any stretch goals?

Hallo Andreas Danke, aber wir pumpen unsere Lungen/Herz etc mit sauerstoff voll die 10 Minuten lang nicht entweichen kann oder?
habe leider keine erfahrung mit tauchen danke und gruss

Taucherkrankrankheit wird es hier wohl nicht geben , wie gesagt es ist ein Tool zum schnorcheln nicht zum tauchen sprich wird es eh nicht mehr wie 5 Meter sein also auch keine Bedenken

Hi Dude, Saw your interview on the today show, product looks awesome and you looked like you were having fun underwater. I got one for my uncles beach house and I want to give it to him by Christmas....what's the deal with timelines and stuff? And will you open a retail store in Australia soon? My buddy has a dive shop so reach out whenevs. Peace.

So I know this is only used for shallow water and not deep diving, but since it is still something that can harm lungs, does the "cannot fly within 24 hours of scuba diving" rule apply the same for Scorkl?

Hallo zäme Wie sieht das eigentlich mit der Taucherkrankheit aus?
Man liest so einiges darüber im Netz.......... Danke Maik

DAVID,
YES YOUR PRICE IS CHEAPER BUT ONLY BECAUSE SCORKEL IS A ●SCAM● AND YOUR REWARDS WILL NEVER BE FULFILLED.
SPARE AIR SELLS FOR $279.00 AND HAS BEEN AROUND FOR 35 YEARS, SO HOW IS THIS NOT IP/PATENT IMFRINGMENT??? I DARE YOU TO SEND ME A SCREEN SHOT OF YOUR LEGITIMATE UTILITY PATENT FOR SCORKL.
DO THIS AND I WILL RETRACT MY CLAIMS. HA- I'LL BE WAITING AND WAITING AND WAITING, JIST LIKE YOUR BACKERS, FOR A SCORKL....

DJAYAWARMAN-
PLEASE LOOK AT THE WEBSITE FOR SPARE AIR.
THEY ABSOLUTELY ALLOW USE OF MULTI STAGE BIKE PUMP.
(NOT RECOMMENDED AS PRIMARY TANK FILL METHOD) CLICK ON 'OPERATION' LEFT SIDE THEN CLICK 'FILLING' ALL INFO THERE @
WWW.SPAREAIR.COM Refilling from a Hand Pump in extreme circumstances where a SCUBA tank or powered air compressor may not be practical, a high pressure hand pump may be used to fill Spare Air.
Attach Spare Air to the pump yoke.Like inflating a bike tire, fully charge Spare Air to 3000 psi for maximum air capacity.*

DAVID HALLAMORE-
SPARE AIR THE EXISTING AND AVAILABLE PRODUCT OF WHICH YOU ARE 100% COPYING HAS EVERY FEATURE YOU CLAIM, BECAUSE YOU ARE RIPPING THEM OFF!
INCLUDING 3 STAGE FILTERED PUMP AND GAUGE. PEOPLE LOOK FOR YOURSELF WWW.SPAREAIR.COM I HAVE NO AFFILIATION TO THEM.

DAVID HALLAMORE
YOUR MATH IS JUST AS FLAWED AS YOUR CLAIMS FOR YOUR SCORKL.
WHAT VOLUME IS EACH OF YOUR 60 BREATHS (SPARE AIR ESTIMATES ABOUT 57)
I WAS A COMMERCIAL MIXED GAS DIVER AND YOU ARE GOING TO GET PEOPLE F•UCKED UP!!!
YOU WILL NEVER GET 10 MIN OF USE, NOT EVEN ON THE SURFACE. ONCE YOU SUBMERGE PRESSURE COMES INTO PLAY. THERE'S THIS THING CALLED PRESSURE and THERE'S A LAW OF GASES CALLED BOYLE'S LAW, WHICH STATES THAT “given a constant temperature, the volume of a gas varies inversely as the absolute pressure.” WHICH MEANS IF PEOPLE HOLD THERE BREATH @ DEPTH AND SURFACE WITHOUT CONTINUED BREATHING THEY CAN EASILY BURST THEIR LUNGS.
#LAWSUIT AND #DEATH☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠

Hi everyone, Only three days to go! I’ll send a project update later today which will include information regarding the referral program available to all backers through which you can win a free Scorkl with your order. So keep an eye out for it in your mailbox! My answers to the most recent questions and comments below: - As already mentioned in the comments below, the Scorkl is indeed similar to the SpareAir however the crucial difference is that we have developed our own high-pressure hand pump and specialised air filter (which is comprised of the same materials, and performs the same function, as a filter fitted to a mechanical dive compressor) to go with the Scorkl so that it can be refilled independently of a scuba tank or compressor. This makes it a self-contained unit and one that is much less expensive and more portable. The Scorkl is certainly not a copy of the SpareAir and you can see this pretty clearly if you compare cylinder sizes and shapes. There are of course similarities though seeing as though both use small scuba cylinders and have attached single-stage regulators. We are most definitely not in violation of any IP or patents. Each Scorkl, unlike the SpareAir, comes fitted with a pressure gauge so that the diver can know exactly how much air remains in the tank at any time. This makes it much safer to use than the SpareAir as a primary air source. The Scorkl is also considerably more affordable than a comparable SpareAir ($199 USD for the Scorkl compared to $320 for the SpareAir on Amazon ($270 for the standard kit + $50 for a pressure gauge). The SpareAir is a great product that has been around for 30 years but it is intended for a different use entirely: as emergency equipment for scuba diving at depth. The Scorkl (and accompanying Scorkl hand pump) are intended for recreational shallow water use only. We don't claim to have “invented” all the component parts of the Scorkl since regulator and cylinder technology has been around for many, many years. What we are very proud of however, is offering, for the FIRST TIME EVER, a complete, portable and inexpensive kit for shallow underwater exploration. For decades, snorkeling and scuba have existed independently, with nothing in between. Now with the Scorkl available however, not only can trained divers add this fantastic shallow-diving kit to their equipment, but non-trained divers can get the opportunity to experience how amazing it can be to breathe underwater as well (above 3m). Although not revolutionary components-wise, the Scorkl may indeed offer a revolution-of-sorts to certain corners of the diving market. That is what our Kickstarter is all about. It is obviously not for everyone and that is completely OK but I welcome everyone else to join me in my efforts to usher in the new fun, safe (under the right circumstances) and exciting new water activity of going "Scorkling". I sincerely thank all my 1,800+ backers for supporting me in this effort so far. - Scorkl was founded and is based in Australia but we will source parts and have manufacturing and fulfilment partners from all over the world (mainly US, UK and China). - Using the Scorkl to clean the bottom of a yacht hull or propeller will be a great benefit of owning a Scorkl for boat-owners. Please note however that cleaning hulls and propellors underwater can be strenuous work which may meant that you use up the air in the Scorkl faster than normal. It would definitely be a less expensive and more accessible option than hiring a professional diver to do the task though as you say. The Scorkl is manufactured for salt water use so salty, damp environments won’t impact it terribly in the short term. Such an environment will impact both the Scorkl, and pump (moreso) in the long term however so I would strongly recommend purchasing a case to protect them. I’d also recommend visually inspecting and/or testing your Scorkl equipment even more regularly than the guidelines in your country require to be sure they are in perfect working order before use. We don’t manufacture mounting brackets for boat storage at this stage but it is a good suggestion and one that we may consider further down the track in future product development. The Scorkl doesn’t glow in the dark but this is another good suggestion thank you that we may consider further down the track in future product development. - Each backer will be provided with an information kit will include information regarding recommended best practice methods for care and maintenance of each of the Scorkl components (cylinder, regulator, filter, hand pump, case). This will include the recommendation to thoroughly rinse the Scorkl with fresh water after every outing to remove any salt water or traces of salt. As mentioned above, we recommend you purchase a case to protect both the Scorkl and the pump, from salty and/or damp environments. As outlined in the FAQ section and commented on below, the “up to 10 minutes” calculation comes from a breathing rate of six breaths per minute (inhaling for five seconds, exhaling for five seconds) at surface pressure (since there are ~60 breaths available in a Scorkl filled to 3,000psi). This breathing rate is slower than normal but very achievable for a relaxed, experienced diver that is not working hard in shallow water. A less-experienced user can expect closer to 3-5 minutes (breathing 12 – 20 times per minute). You should never “hold” your breath when breathing compressed air underwater but instead breathe continuously at a relaxed, comfortable pace. This will be outlined in the information kit provided to all backers, as well as all other relevant safety and product care information. I cannot confirm whether we will offer replacement mouthpieces for sale individually I’m afraid. We have not looked into this yet but will do so after the campaign concludes. We do not offer a soft case for purchase yet I’m afraid. We will look to offer different case options after the conclusion of the campaign but this will need to undergo the full product development process. Part of this process will be asking our customers what different options they want to see become available.

@Maerik nice Call lets wait what @creator have to say about this. I've checked the SPAIR AIR design wise so similar only without the pump. Also the pump issue on Health also a good point to raise. Please reply @Creator. If not its good for everyone to backed out while you can.

***********CAUTION***********
THIS CAMPAIGN IS A BLATANT COPY OF SPARE AIR!!!
I DOUBT YOU WILL EVER GET YOUR REWARD....
CHECK FOR YOURSELF >>>>>
WWW.SPAREAIR.COM
MULTO STAGE HAND PUMPING IS ALSO NOT NEW AND NOT REALISTIC FOR REGULAR USE.
WOULD TAKE 15-20 MIN FOR 3CF CYLINDER TO REACH 3000PSI.
SAME SPECS -IP RIPOFF
WHY RISK YOUR $$$ BUY ONLINE AND GET NOW INSTEAD OF NEVER!
CHECK YOUTUBE VIDEO>>>
" THE DANGER THAT IS SCORKL"
https://m.youtube.com/watch… GET YOUR MONEY OUT WHILE YOU CAN. PS LIKE THE COMMENTS DAVID...LAME��☠☠☠�������

@Creator Hi David,
Where is Scorkl made from?

Hello David, congratulations on your product campaign.
I work in the marine industry. Based on your advertising material I can see the recreational perspective. I am interested in exploring your product from a practical sense as well as a safety feature in my line of work.
A number of my clients sail for leasure and competitively. I believe your product could be used for hull maintenance by owners and crew. Too often crews rely on professional divers to clean hulls pre race/ outing and the clean doesn't happen. Your product could be used in this instance. Also propellers with marine growth lose significant performance. These propellers are often too far under the water line to reach without some form of diving apparatus.
Would your product be able to live on a yacht in the elements (salty and damp environment) for 6 months at a time?
Secondly, from a safety perspective I have been in situations at sea when rogue fishing nets have been caught in yacht propellas/ rudders and a free diver has needed to untangle the net/ rope in the dark. A very dangerous situation for diver and crew. I feel your product would make this exercise quicker and considerably safer. Also it could be used in our man-overboard kits.
Does Scorkl come with any mounting brackets ie like the brackets to mount a small fire extinguisher inside a boat?
Also the fluorescent yellow makes the unit easier to locate in the dark/ in an emergency. Does it glow in the dark? Is that an option?
I'd appreciate your thoughts/ options on the above.
Thanks

@Nick, like all scuba equipment, always rinse fully after using in even partially salt water. I also rinse after very silty fresh water.

Spare Air Model 300 - Standard(300PK) SPECIFICATIONS  Maximum Capacity 3.0 cu ft / 85 liters  Length 13.4" / 34 cm  Diameter 2.25" / 5.71 cm  Maximum Pressure 3000 psi / 200 bar  Weight (full) 2.17 lb. / .985 kg  Surface Breaths* 57  Water Volume 26.62 cu in / .44 liters  *Based on 1.6 liters per breath  MSRP $320.00 - Package    The preferred choice of Recreational Divers 3.0 cubic feet of airTank finish in Neon Yellow for safetyEasily refills from your own SCUBA tank with included refill adapter (patented)Easily attaches to your BC with included holster and safety leashSmall, hands-free, nearly neutrally buoyantBreathe on demand regulator - No complicated instructionsCompletely redundant back-up miniature SCUBA system

FYI-this is most likely a scam campaign, do not waste your money.
This is a blatant ripoff of spare air. Same 3CF@3000psi capacity.
Look for yourself.
www.spareair.com
Same specs, price but spare air has been sold for last 35 years.
I have reported this campaign to kickstarter and www.spareair.com ~ who they copied.
Get a refund before the campaign ends in 4days and your scammed.

Hi David, congrats on the campaign so far. I've been watching it for a while and it's pretty amazing the response. I'm about to dive in myself but wanted to ask about keeping it pumped up in the boat. We've got a lake boat and the water as half salty. Some things get a little rusty from the salt over the years. Keen to know how you expect the Skorkl to hold up. Would you recommend washing in fresh water after use? I haven't seen much info on this. I guess it take a little while to refill so can I pump it up and keep it that way in the boat for a while so I can grab it and dive in. Can't tell you how many pairs of sunnies or phones I could have saved over the years..! We were stranded when a pair of car keys fell over last year. Bet we would have been fine if I'd had one of these things on board. And the pump will be OK to keep on the boat too? Same question I guess. Wont rust? The wife really like the the idea of taking it north as well. Awesome that you can fly with it. Might have to get a go pro as well next time. We've never been able to arrange diving off the bare boat so this would be awsome to have a explore around the islands. Some of the comments we talking about breathing rates. I guess the 10 minutes is based on slower breathing rates? Holding each breath a little? Makes sense, but keen to know what to expect in real world. I'm no athlete but I get that holding each breath a little will help to stay down longer, yeah? I've had snorkels with the mouth piece chewed off. Can you replace the mouth piece? Will you offer parts like this? Can I buys a soft case separately? This would be easier in the boat than the box. Thanks David

Check out www.spareair.com

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to voice my suspicions of the legitimacy of this campaign. I think it's a scam!!!
#1. There is an identical product called SPARE AIR already available in the market for probably last 20 years.
It holds same 3.0 cubic feet of air and costs about $200.00.
#2. Our average breath volume is about 500ml and we breath around 12-20 times per minute.
On the surface/sea level you will get about 57 breaths or about 2-5 min of use per 3cf@3000psi, not anywhere close to 10 min- and less if you submerge to any depth.
#3. I see this campaign being a blatant patent infringement and just nothing special if it were even delivered.
#4 My crystal ball says get a refund prior to the end of the campaign in 4days, while you can.
Caviat Emptor.....

Thanks everyone again for your interest and support. We’ve entered the final week now so be sure to purchase before a Scorkl package before the special Kickstarter launch prices end at 11am on 8 July (Australian Eastern Standard Time). My responses to the most recent questions and comments below: - Being able to travel with a Scorkl is one of the best features of it! As long as it is depressurized (empty) you can take it both as hand luggage or checked luggage. Sometimes airlines may want to inspect empty scuba tanks to ensure that the valve is completely open. This is easy for Scorkl owners since you can simply unscrew the regulator head from the cylinder (it is only finger tight) to separate the two sections completely. Storing air in the Scorkl cylinder is just the same as any normal scuba cylinder. The general rule is that as long as you are confident that the cylinder was correctly filled in the first place (i.e. with air of suitable quality), and the cylinder is in good condition and has been serviced according to the recommended frequency (this may be as often as yearly depending on which country you are in), you can keep air stored in the Scorkl cylinder for up to a year. - In response to some of the comments made in relation to the MiniDive campaign (of which we are a fan by the way): To check the air remaining in the Scorkl underwater you simply remove it from your mouth and look at the pressure gauge. The purge button at the top of the regulator is used here to clear away any water when replacing it in your mouth. This is done in exactly the same that way a purge button is used when replacing a normal regulator in your mouth underwater. An equivalent package of the MiniDive at their Kickstarter prices was indeed 83% more expensive than the current Scorkl Kickstarter prices. (MiniDive Pro + Pump + Harness = 649 Euro vs Starter Pack B = 355 Euro). An equivalent package of the MiniDive at their current retail price ($715 EUR, shipping included) is ~100% more expensive than the equivalent (available) Scorkl Kickstarter price (355 EUR). The Scorkl air filter is comprised of the same materials and performs the same function, as a filter fitted to a mechanical dive compressor, as stated in our campaign. - The Scorkl is marginally negatively buoyant / almost neutrally buoyant which means it is practically unnoticeable in the mouth since it just sort of 'floats' there underneath your chin. The experience of holding it in your mouth is no different to a normal scuba regulator, and it is just as easy to keep it in place. There is no warning LED light when the air remaining in the tank reaches a certain point. The Scorkl is intended for shallow water use only but you can check how much air is in the tank at any time by looking at the pressure gauge, whether that be before you dive or while you are underwater. - If there is no package available that suits your needs exactly you can add extras by adding $269 AUD to your pledge for each extra Scorkl, pump or case that you require. If you wanted four Scorkls and 1 pump, for example, you would first select Buddy Pack B (which includes 2x Scorkl, 1x pump for $807 AUD). You would then add two Scorkls to that order by adding 2 x $269 AUD to your pledge for a total pledge of $1,345 AUD ($807 + $538). After the conclusion of campaign when I finalise shipping details etc., I will notice that your pledge amount is different to the normal Buddy Pack B price. I’ll know that you have ordered extras and confirm with you then what you need. It’s a little messy I know but that is the only way Kickstarter makes adding extras to packages possible. If you have already purchased a package and want to add extras, follow these initial instructions to update your completed order: https://www.kickstarter.com/help/search… Regarding shipping, I love your enthusiasm thanks @Sam Dean. Delivery will hopefully occur in October but I will do my best to try to get it to you before then. - If you’ve already ordered a Scorkl and a pump (Starter Pack B) but want 2x Scorkl, 1x pump and 1x case, change your reward to the Buddy Pack C which includes all these items. Follow these instructions to make this change: https://www.kickstarter.com/help/search… Thanks for the well wishes :D - You credit card won’t get charged until after the campaign concludes (8 July). If you see activity on your credit card soon after pledging it will only be the Kickstarter payments system running a check to make sure your credit card is real and active. - Your credit card will be charged in AU dollars but that will automatically adjust to your local currency as per the exchange rates and normal foreign currency procedures of your financial institution. - The Scorkl regulator is a breathe-on-demand single stage regulator. This means that no water will get into the cylinder if there is no air left in the tank since the valve inside won’t open. The Scorkl does not have a burst disk. It is however manufactured to the same international specifications and standards as normal scuba cylinders and regulators and need to be visually inspected and/or tested as regularly as the guidelines in your country require (some are different). This may be as regularly as every year or every one hundred dives. The information kit provided to each purchaser will include information regarding recommended best practice methods for care and maintenance of each of the Scorkl components (cylinder, regulator, filter, hand pump, case). The hand pump cannot pump to high enough pressures to burst the cylinder. - Kickstarter allows only pledge per email address. If you would like to add extras to your original pledge please follow the instructions above. Otherwise you may need to pledge again separately using a different email account.

Hey David, Great idea….love it!
Some quick questions before I make a purchase though.
Is it safe to travel with the Scorkl and can I put it in my checked or hand luggage on a plane?
How long before using the scorkl can i fill it up? e.g. if I pump it up the night before while watching TV…is it good to go the next day or do i need to pump it up right before using it?

I can't speak to the other points but the one made by MD about price is inaccurate based on currently available info. The comparision below (as calculated by the reward tier stating it's 33% off retail and by using prices listed on the MD website) don't reflect the harness or guage/regulator that comes with MD nor do they reflect shipping or taxes. I also used the native AUD for calculations, then converted to USD at the end, which alters the Scorkl price by up to $15.
.
Tank+Adapter: Scorkl=$309usd, MiniDive=$490usd.........37% cheaper than MD (or MD is 21.7% more expensive, depends on how you want to calculate)
.
Tank+Adapter+Pump: Scorkl=$619usd, MiniDive=$770........20.7% cheaper than MD (or MD is 24.4%, again depends on how calculated)
.
If the calculation is based on reward price vs MSRP or if MD sells for cheaper elsewhere on the internet, that change things much more. I also think it's also worth noting the MD campaign rewards vs retail price didn't change much. That said, I still think this kind of product is extremely dangerous in untrained hands.

Hi everyone, To answer to all questions, solicitations, requests about Scorkl and MiniDive and be sure that everyone understands well : Scorkl is much « portable, fun and user-friendly » than MiniDive ? May be, it is suggestive and everyone will have his own opinion on this subject. But one thing is sure, it’s that MiniDive isn’t a copy of an EMERGENCY system for divers only that has been created years ago in America (www.spareair.com). And after all, is Scorkl really comparable to MiniDive ? - 20 m max depth operating system for Scorkl, 50 m for MiniDive Pro
- MiniDive Pro has a mini gauge that you can check DURING use, Scorkl doesn’t
- You have to carry Scorkl every time even if you don’t use it, you can have it in your hand but so you can’t swim contrary to the MiniDive Pro that has a harness to keeps your hands free / same remark if you start to move underwater, 2 systems will not hold in place the same way (1 of the 2 systems will be ejected from your mouth)
- Tank volume : 0,44 L for Scorkl, 0,50 L for MiniDive Pro, so logically more than 10 % difference on capacity impact as much underwater time / we says 5 to 10 min autonomy with our 0,50 L tank, we wonder how you could have ’’10 min’’ with the 0,44 L Scorkl
- For security : no wrapped tank, only PSI unit (pretty unclear underwater by the way) for Scorkl gauge / warning information for non-divers are different between MiniDive and Scorkl systems (to not says ‘’opposite’’)
- 2 filling possibilities for Scorkl, 4 for the MiniDive Pro, without mention the fact that you can only fill Scorkl with a Yoke adapter from a scuba tank, MiniDive has DIN and Yoke systems for both types of scuba valves
- MiniDive already tried the Scorkl’s hand pump, we decided to take another one (more expensive) for the reason you can imagine
- To dive 2 times, you have to buy 2 x Scorkl whereas MiniDive sell the tank separately so you don’t have to buy 2 x MiniDive Pro Now about the price, yes, Scorkl is cheaper. Just because, capacity, manufacturing (for tanks and hand pumps), systems specs and contents package are different.
Tell that the price of the MiniDive package is almost the double compare to the Scorkl one suits you well because to compare with your current Kickstarter prices. Public prices comparison (so excluding crowdfunding campaign) for the pack with the hand pump is : US$ 591 for Scorkl, US$ 640 for MiniDive (+ customs fees in both cases). So 8,3 % difference and not 83 % like you mentioned. Finally, for the filter of the hand pump, you indicate that your filter can filter « air moisture and impurities » in the page presentation. It seems a little bit in contradiction with your last answer « Scorkl air filter is also superior since it is comprised of the same materials and performs the same function, as a filter fitted to a mechanical dive compressor ». Indeed, dive compressors don’t have a simple « air moisture and impurities » filter system like that, there are more components that filter more elements. Hope you’ve a better filter system for your backers. MiniDive’s hand pump has a filter system similar to dive compressors filters to allow a breathable compressed air.

 Regardless of that, you're doing undoubtedly a great campaign !

I see a problem. When you swim underwater, how to ensure the bottle stay in place?
Also will there be warning LED light for 5 mins left of air?

You absolute legend, David. You've got no idea how long I've been waiting for a portable kit like this. I've mucked around with pony bottles in the past but they're just as much of a drainer as normal scuba diving kit. Two questions: 1. How can I get 4 Scorkls and 1 pump but no case? 2. Can you hurry up and deliver it already!? Haha

HI, How can I upgrade to a pack with the case and an extra scorkl unit? I have got a single scorkl and pump and want an extra scorkl and a case. Does the pump and two scorkls fit in any of your cases? Good luck for the last few days and thanks!

Hi, why you charged on my amex 215,20 AUD after 2 hours?

Will the credit card charge be in AU dollars or US dollars ???
Andrew

I was the first to comment, and my comment was about my safety concerns for this device. I'm a PADI Master Scuba Instructor, and the concerns I had are still there. No matter how many warnings you put on this device, snorkelers will still use it until they run out of air, then they will hold their breath as they ascend. The air in their lungs will expand, and some will die. Hopefully a big chunk of your Kickstarter earnings go toward insurance for the inevitable lawsuits. There is a very good reason a scuba shop won't fill these tanks for non-scuba-certified divers. They don't know what they're doing, and we in the scuba industry have decided it's not worth the risk to give that service to people who don't know what they're doing. However, let's assume they don't hold their breath, but they still run out of air. They will run out of air, because the tank just doesn't hold very much air! So when they do, what's to keep sea water from getting in, causing corrosion? Also, scuba tanks need to be visually inspected on the inside once a year, and in the US, they must also go through a hydrostatic test every five years. Snorkelers won't know this, and they will inevitably not assure these things are done. They'll continue happily filling their corroded tank with air from their bicycle tire pump, and eventually there will be significant problems. Do these tanks have a burst risk? Or is the eventual rupture from the corrosion going to send shrapnel flying around? What's to stop someone from overfilling them, aside from their arms getting tired? I'll reserve judgment about whether or not this idea was copied. It certainly does look a lot like other products out there. The big difference as I see it between this product and other similar ones is that this one is marketed to snorkelers who won't know how to use it safely. That's a bad idea. Sell this thing to certified divers, and most of my concerns go away.

Pls adv why I can not make another pledge ? Kenny Wang

Hi everyone. 11 days to now so please pass on the campaign to anyone that you think needs a Scorkl! Thanks as always for your questions and comments. My responses to the most recent below: -
Couldn’t agree with you more thanks Ellie. Under the right circumstances the Scorkl will hopefully be able to be used to great effect in introducing people to the world of scuba by instructors such as yourself, particularly those that are scared of strapping full scuba gear to their body. Great to hear you are interested in purchasing a “Captain’s Pack” (or two!). In regards to pricing, I can’t tell you for sure how the pricing of the different packages will change after the Kickstarter campaign I’m sorry. I have shown however what the expected retail prices will be. All the Kickstarter prices as shown are 33% less than expected retail (or 40% less in the case of the Captain’s Pack). The Scorkl is a new product so these prices will evolve over time but you can be sure that they are at their most affordable right now on Kickstarter so get in while you can! -
Thanks Owen. Feel free to spread the word :D -
Scorkl customers who do not have a scuba-licence will not be able to go to a dive store, or dive operator, to fill up their Scorkl, as you say. They will however be able to fill it up using the Scorkl hand pump for shallow water use. Scuba-trained customers will be able to fill the Scorkl directly from a scuba tank whether that be at a dive store, with a dive operator or from one of their own tanks. The Scorkl cylinder and regulator are made to the same international specifications and standards as normal scuba cylinders and regulators (including the US) and their sale and use will be regulated as such, appropriately, worldwide. -
I have been happy to provide the general product specifications for the Scorkl but sorry, no, I can’t provide you with the OEM or technical specifications for the Scorkl or its component parts for confidentiality reasons. -
Being able to simply hang the Scorkl out of one’s mouth makes the Scorkl a much more portable, fun and user-friendly experience than using the MiniDive. The MiniDive needs to be strapped to your chest much like normal scuba gear. An equivalent MiniDive package (with pump) is almost doubly as expensive (83% dearer). The Scorkl air filter is also superior since it is comprised of the same materials and performs the same function, as a filter fitted to a mechanical dive compressor, whereas the MiniDive filter doesn’t. -
Thanks jooungseo ki :D

Dive instructor myself here Dave. Well done on the campaign and good work on making those safety warnings more prominent now. I’ve taken hundreds of Introductory Dives (sometimes known as a “Discovery Dive” or “Resort Dive” in other locations) where the client doesn’t have a scuba licence but nevertheless puts on full scuba gear under my supervision and dives in shallow parts of the reef. What I’ve found over the years is that a lot of the time it’s the gear that scares people, not the depth. The Scorkl will be perfect for these people in particular so I’m going to buy a “Captain’s Pack”. Tell me though, what will the prices be like after the Kickstarter campaign ends? I see the “Captain’s Pack” is quite affordable now but am worried that if I want another I’ll get stung with a big price hike after the 8 July. Keen to know what your prices will be after the Kickstarter campaign please? Thanks and good luck. Ellie.