Here at SubGravity, we are constantly working to create the best gear possible. If our equipment isn't better, we might as well not make it.
When we first looked at launching our own line of DPVs, we had one rule: "Don't make just another scooter". We looked at what was already available to consumers in the U.S., then expanded our search globally. During these months of intense research, it became very clear that there was already a scooter manufacturer with a design that was clearly above the rest- Bonex. We were so impressed by the German craftsmanship and engineering, we knew we had to bring them to the North and South American market.
SubGravity DPVs, engineered by Bonex, are all about high performance and reliability in a compact package. These innovative scooters have been developed and tested extensively with these features in mind. Exploration dives are only possible when the equipment meets the demands of the project, is light and is 100% reliable.
Simple operation as well as the easy handling makes diving in advanced environments safer and more enjoyable. State-of-the-art technologies such as lithium-manganese (LiMn) cells and modern servo technology are used in our DPVs. These features (along with many others) offer the safety and runtime that exploration divers expect from their high end equipment.
Keep on scrolling and let us walk you from top to bottom!
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Warning: No person should attempt to operate, or use in any way, a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV or Scooter) without the proper training. Please read carefully and understand the instructions for use before using a SubGravity DPV for the first time. |
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Nose
Locking System
The locking system is located centrally in the nose. This dispenses with the need for housing snap catches. It is opened and closed quickly and reliably by releasing the central lock. Interior ventilation compensates for pressure fluctuations.
When unlatched, it automatically balances internal and external pressure, meaning you never have to fight to close your scooter.
Nose
This material grade is highly regarded for its impact strength. It also features the needed flexibility to, for example, absorb impacts even in a low temperature environment. At the same time it is strong enough, to avoid deformation. POM is used for the nose and various attachment parts.
Weighting
Comes out of the box perfectly weighted for fresh water.
Easily adjust weighting and trim from fresh water to salt water with included weight.
Weight plates are easily removed or added for on the fly weight changes (adding a camera and lighting system to the scooter for example).
Body / Internals
Body
All carbon fiber models from SubGravity are rated to an impressive 200 m (656 ft).
Internal Structure
Remove the carbon tube, and industrial experience and expertise come to light. Sealed motors, cables, and connectors along with tested and proven battery technology all come together for a perfect blend of:
- Safety
- Performance
- Reliability
- Efficiency
- Balance
- Beauty (Bonus)
Custom Brushless Servo Motor
Brushless motors require that a controller be installed as well. Until now, the practice has been to externally wire a controller to the motor. While this does work and has for years, it introduces unnecessary clutter and complication to the overall design. The solution to this was obvious, integrate the controller into the motor itself! Seen here is the result of that idea, a fully sealed and integrated, brushless servo motor.
We didn't just make the motor cleaner and simpler, we made it more efficient too.
- The industry standard for motor efficiency is 92%. By designing a motor to specifically serve our underwater needs, we were able to bring our motors' efficiency up to an astounding 96%. Higher efficiency means longer run times at higher speeds, with a much lower total weight.
- With the motor being fully sealed, we have reduced the risk of immediate failure and permanent damage due to flooding.
- Utilizing CAN Bus technology, the motor parameters and the battery are monitored to ensure sustained functioning of the Scooter.
- Thanks to the electronics integrated into the motor, the scooter monitors its motor temperatures at all times, allowing it to automatically reduce the speed output when heat levels get too high, preventing damage to the motor, and without the risk of sudden shutdown experienced on similar vehicles.
Battery Technology
The highlight of the SubGravity DPVs, engineered by Bonex, are the powerful servomotor and specially designed battery pack. The DPVs rely on tried and proven lithium manganese technology.
Conventional DPVs normally use lead gel batteries, whereby two 12V blocks are assembled in series in a 24V unit. Although these packs are very robust, they are also very heavy and only have a short life. Our scooters operate with lithium manganese cells. These offer a high power density and also ensure long, trouble-free operation. After 500 charging cycles, the battery pack will still retain 80% capacity. Most divers will only reach this value after many years of use. The lithium cells have no memory effect and a very good self-discharge rate (less than 2%/month). They are safe in the case of any cell defects and insensitive to long periods of non-use.
Features:
- LiMn power pack
- High power density
- Long life
- No memory effect
- Low self-discharge rate
- No danger of cell damage
- Capacity stability at low temperatures
- Power pack easy to remove
Safety Features
Functional Safety
An effective direct main switch is provided on all SubGravity scooters. This can be used to immediately switch off the drive in all diving situations. A soft start increases the operating safety by preventing abrupt movement. The power supply is increased temporarily when starting so that more thrust is available. This boost function can also be activated on the move and serves for maneuvering narrow openings with an increased current or starting up with heavy loads. The motor switches off immediately if an object gets caught in the propeller. The obstruction can be removed without danger and the dive continued. This cut-off protects both the operator and the entangled objects as well as the drive assembly of the Scooter.
Emergency Bypass System
The emergency drive switch is part of its own circuit which maintains drive operation in the event of an electronic failure. Cave divers, in particular, appreciate this safety feature as in certain cases, the DPV is critical to a safe exit.
Flood Tolerant
All components of the DPVs are water-tight, and the electronic components have been additionally encapsulated. The SubGravity scooter, engineered by Bonex, will continue to operate even when water penetrates (partial flood). Should any problems arise, emergency operation is also possible by switching to a second, bypass control circuit.
Prop Stop Feature
Instead of a mechanical clutch, Bonex has developed an electronic cutoff for the safety of their divers. Were anything to impede the prop, it will automatically shut down. The diver can then safely remove the item (equipment, line etc), reset the DPV and continue on their way.
Tail
Aluminum Tail End
Aluminum is produced in numerous alloys. For stability and better corrosion resistance there are no welds in the tail section. By using a sacrificial anode of zinc, the diver can effectively avoid corrosion. SubGravity DPVs, engineered by Bonex are ready for years of enjoyment in both fresh and salt water.
Power Controls
Harder not to love.
- Easy to operate knobs - even with dry gloves!
- Infinite speed adjustment on Reference RS and Discovery RS
- 5 Speeds on the Ecos +
The most effective form of speed change is the rev speed regulation. As opposed to most, instead of simply adjusting the voltage supplied to the motor, SubGravity scooters regulate the propeller revs directly by the servo drive. In simple english, this means that the speed regulation knob is sending a signal to the motor with the desired RPM. The propeller speed is set by the knob and changes the end speed of the scooter. What does this mean to the diver? This means, at a given setting, the RPM will be the same whether your battery is at 100% or at 35%.
These settings can also be made conveniently while moving. This enables a diving team to adapt quickly and easily to changing conditions.
Custom Carbon Shroud
The custom manufactured carbon shroud, is designed specifically and exclusively by Bonex for DPVs. It offers a smooth and corrosion resistant surface, is unaffected by pressure all the while being lightweight. Using the experience, testing and design work employed in the nautical industry, the shroud was designed to maximize dynamic thrust and dramatically increase the overall efficiency of the entire system.
Patented Torque Control Device
Patented device allows for a perfectly symmetrical scooter ride. By not using an offset weight in the DPV, the SubGravity DPVs can remain perfectly balanced. Meaning the handle stays upright, where you left it.
Prop
Custom designed propeller designed especially by Bonex. The scooter’s specially designed propeller finds the sweet spot between fantastic coordination and maximum efficiency for converting power into propulsion.
User can easily remove the propeller during the dive in case of line entanglement, or if your looking for something to do while you wait for your buddy to catch up...
The most sensitive functional part of the Scooter is the propeller. Its job is to convert the motor power into thrust as efficiently as possible. A top class Scooter therefore features a high efficiency which is achieved preferably by a rigid propeller. This is optimised both in terms of the jet and the motor speed. The propeller can be unscrewed and screwed back on easily underwater if a line gets tangled.
- 3 blade standard prop
- 3 blade performance prop (RS)
- 5 blade high-thrust prop
Quick Shift Programing
Standard on all Reference and Discovery models from SubGravity!
The Quick Shift feature, engineered by Bonex, allows the ultimate in usability by the diver. A simple "double click" of the throttle allows the instant adjustment to 100% speed from whatever the diver had selected with the speed regulation knob. Cave divers in particular love this feature, as it really comes in handy when you need that "extra boost" for the high flow in a passageway, or you need to catch up to a buddy. The quick shift feature was designed an implemented based on experience and the desire for the ultimate user experience.
Please note this features is not available on the Ecos + model.
ECOS +
The old adage “Big things come in small packages” could not be more true in the case of the Ecos +.
This handy, lightweight scooter is the ideal companion for any and all types of diving. With its light weight at 32lbs, and comfortable front handle, the Ecos + you will be happy to haul it wherever your adventures take you, through mud, rock, rain, or snow!
The Ecos+ holds a special place in tech divers hearts- popular because of it’s eager willingness to accompany you anywhere, even leading the way down to 200 meters (656 feet!). Dogs may hold the title above the water, but below surface, the title of “mans best friend” belongs to the Ecos +.
ECOS S
Build on the same platform as the Ecos +, the Ecos S weighs and measures the same as the +, while offering the more advanced features enjoyed on the reference and discovery.
Changes over the Ecos + include an emergency bypass, Quickshift programming, infinite speed control, slightly increased speed (70mpm), and slightly increased thrust.
This handy, lightweight scooter is the ideal companion for any and all types of diving. With its light weight at 32lbs, and comfortable front handle, you will be happy to haul it wherever your adventures take you, be it through mud, rock, rain, or snow!
Reference RS
The perfect combination of performance, ease of handling and stability. This flagship DPV, has been exceeding the expectations of demanding technical divers around the globe. The compact Reference RS is equipped with a unique emergency drive switch as a standard feature. The emergency drive switch is part of its own circuit which maintains drive operation in the event of an electronic failure. Cave divers, in particular, highly appreciate this safety feature. The Reference RS is only 19 kg (42 lb) -including trim and battery. With a up to 210 minutes, this is our most popular scooter. This puts an end to strenuous equipment hauling, even for demanding dives and approaches.
Discovery RS
The Discovery RS is equipped with 2 redundant LiMn batteries standard. Each battery can be selected independently via the main switch to provide the highest standard of safety. Equipped with our emergency drive switch standard - this switch is part of its own circuit that maintains drive operation in the event of an electronic failure. Cave divers in particular will appreciate this unique safety feature. With a runtime up to 420 minutes the Bonex DPV is a world leader. Weighing only 55lbs -trim and batteries included- the Discovery is easy to transport, even over difficult terrain so that dives with lots of equipment become effortless. Explore the unknown with the safety and high performance of the lightweight and easy to handle Discovery RS.
Ordering Information
Ecos +
5100
Ecos S
5995
Reference RS
6995
Discovery RS
8995