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As a diver or snorkeler, the need for underwater communication is paramount. Whether you're exploring vibrant coral reefs, navigating challenging currents, or simply sharing your experiences with dive buddies, clear and efficient communication can be the difference between an enjoyable adventure and a stressful situation. The Cressi Writing Slate 150mmx127mm S Slate offers a simple yet effective solution to this challenge a compact and durable underwater writing surface designed specifically for divers and snorkelers. This review dives deep into every aspect of the Cressi Writing Slate, from its design and durability to clarity and range, providing you with all the information you need to determine if it's the right tool for your underwater communication needs.
The Cressi Writing Slate 150mmx127mm S is designed with practicality in mind. Its compact size (approximately 6 inches by 5 inches) makes it easy to handle while diving or snorkeling, even when wearing thick gloves. The slate's shape conforms comfortably to the wrist and can be easily secured using a durable velcro strap. This ensures that your writing surface stays put, regardless of how active you are underwater. The writing area features a matte white surface which provides excellent contrast with dark colors, making it easy to read even in low-light conditions. The slate is double-sided, offering ample space for writing and sketching, allowing you to quickly jot down observations or communicate complex ideas. The rounded edges of the slate add an extra layer of comfort when holding it during long dives.
Cressi has chosen high-quality materials for the construction of this slate. The plastic housing is robust and designed to withstand the rigors of diving, including saltwater exposure and impacts against rocks or other underwater objects. It's also buoyant, meaning that if you accidentally drop it, it will float back up instead of sinking to the bottom. The stylus provided with the slate is made from durable rubber, ensuring a smooth writing experience without scratching the surface. The stylus attaches securely to the side of the slate using a lanyard, preventing loss during dives or when transferring between equipment.
Durability is crucial for any piece of diving gear, and the Cressi Writing Slate doesn't disappoint. Throughout numerous dives in various conditions, I found it to be remarkably resilient. The plastic housing has proven resistant to scratches and cracks, maintaining its integrity despite repeated impacts against rocks and coral. Saltwater exposure hasn't caused any discoloration or deterioration of the material. The stylus also held up well throughout testing, showing no signs of wear after extended use. Its rubber tip maintains excellent contact with the writing surface, providing a consistent writing experience. The velcro strap remains securely fastened even during strenuous dives, ensuring that the slate stays firmly in place on your wrist.
One of the most important aspects of any underwater communication tool is its clarity how easily can you read what's written on it? The Cressi Writing Slate excels in this regard thanks to its matte white writing surface and contrasting dark color stylus. Even at depths exceeding 30 feet, I found it remarkably easy to read messages and diagrams drawn with the slate. The contrast between the white background and black ink is particularly noticeable when compared to other slates that use lighter colors or glossy surfaces. This makes a significant difference in readability underwater, where light levels are typically lower than on land.
While not wireless like some electronic communication devices, the Cressi Writing Slate's range depends solely on your ability to get close enough to show it to your dive buddy or instructor. In practice, this is rarely a problem. The slate's compact size and clear writing make it easy to communicate effectively at distances of up to 3 feet, which is more than sufficient for most underwater interactions. In situations where communication needs to take place over longer distances, the Cressi Writing Slate can be used in conjunction with hand signals or other non-verbal cues. This makes it an ideal tool for divers of all skill levels and experience.
The Cressi Writing Slate has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users across various online platforms. Divers praise its ease of use, durability, and readability underwater. Many appreciate the slate's compact size and comfortable wrist strap, making it ideal for extended dives or when wearing bulky gloves. Here are a few snippets from user reviews:
Compared to other brands of diving slates, the Cressi Writing Slate 150mmx127mm S offers excellent value for money. Its robust construction, clear writing surface, and comfortable design make it well worth the investment. It's also significantly more affordable than electronic communication devices such as underwater radios or digital slates.
The Cressi Writing Slate 150mmx127mm S is an exceptional tool for divers and snorkelers looking for a simple, reliable, and cost-effective way to communicate underwater. Its compact size, durable construction, clear writing surface, and comfortable wrist strap make it easy to use in virtually any diving or snorkeling environment. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or embarking on a long expedition, the Cressi Writing Slate is an essential piece of gear that should be included in your dive bag.
The Cressi Writing Slate is a compact, waterproof slate designed for underwater communication during diving or snorkeling activities. It allows divers and snorkelers to write messages on its surface using the provided stylus pen, enabling non-verbal interaction under water. The slate features a durable design that can withstand saltwater environments and accidental drops.
A Cressi Writing Slate is useful for various reasons while diving or snorkeling. It's ideal for communicating with dive buddies who may not share the same language, signaling your needs without making noise (which could disturb marine life), writing down observations about underwater wildlife, and keeping track of important information like depth readings or air pressure.
The Cressi Writing Slate measures 150mm x 127mm (approximately 6 inches by 5 inches). This compact size makes it easy to carry on your wrist or attach to a BCD, without hindering movement underwater.
While the Cressi Writing Slate is designed primarily for adult divers and snorkelers, older children who are comfortable in the water may also find it useful under supervision. The stylus pen is small and should be kept out of reach of younger children to prevent choking hazards.
The Cressi Writing Slate features a specialized waterproof paper-like surface that allows you to write smoothly with the included stylus pen. It's designed to erase easily, allowing for repeated use without leaving ghosting or smudges. The slate also includes an eraser built into the strap for quick and convenient cleaning.
Yes, you can certainly draw on the Cressi Writing Slate! While its primarily intended for writing messages, its smooth surface is suitable for sketching simple diagrams or images to convey more complex ideas underwater.
Absolutely! The Cressi Writing Slate and stylus pen are designed to be fully waterproof, ensuring they function flawlessly even in deep water environments. This makes it an essential piece of dive communication gear.
Cleaning your Cressi Writing Slate is simple: simply rinse it with fresh water and dry it thoroughly before storing it. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the writing surface. The built-in eraser is also very effective at removing markings.
Yes! Cressi offers replacement stylus pens for their Writing Slate. You can easily order a new one from diving equipment retailers online or through Cressis official website.
The Cressi Writing Slate is versatile and can be used in various situations beyond diving and snorkeling. It's great for leaving notes on kayaks, paddleboards, boats, or even at campsites. It can also be a fun tool for outdoor games like drawing contests or treasure hunts.
No, the Cressi Writing Slate does not float. However, its compact size makes it easy to manage if dropped underwater and retrieve it quickly. We recommend attaching it securely to your wrist or gear with the included strap.
The lifespan of a Cressi Writing Slate depends on how frequently you use it and how well you care for it. With proper cleaning and storage, a slate can easily last several years. The stylus pen may need to be replaced over time due to wear and tear.
The Cressi Writing Slate is available at most major online diving equipment retailers, as well as on Cressis official website. You can also find it in many dive shops both locally and internationally.
Cressi offers a limited manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. Please refer to Cressi's website or contact their customer service department for specific warranty details.
The Cressi Writing Slate comes with an adjustable wrist strap that can be worn on your arm or attached to a BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) using a clip or carabiner. This ensures it stays within easy reach during your dive or snorkel session.
The Cressi Writing Slate is currently available in two colors: Black/White and Blue/White. Availability may vary depending on retailer.
While the Cressi Writing Slate works best with the provided stylus pen, you can experiment with using a fingernail or even a small piece of plastic to make marks on the surface. However, this method may scratch the writing surface and reduce its lifespan.
Store your Cressi Writing Slate in a dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. This will help preserve the quality of both the slate and stylus pen. Keep the stylus safely stored with the slate to prevent loss.
The stylus pen uses a specialized waterproof ink that is safe for use on the Cressi Writing Slate surface. The ink is designed not to bleed or smear under water.