The LEFEET S1 Pro, The Perfect Holiday Gift

The Holiday season is rapidly coming towards us, and you may be thinking of what special perfect holiday gift you should give your favorite scuba diver, even if that diver is you. Maybe you should be considering an underwater scooter also called a diver propulsion vehicle (DPV). Many scuba divers have been in awe of underwater vehicles. They were devices that only advanced scuba divers and often commercial divers would use. They could get divers over incredible distances in short periods of time, going 4 or 5 times faster than a diver could on their own. There were some downsides. First, they were very expensive, often thousands of dollars. They were also heavy, with units weighing over 30 pounds the most common. Many were difficult to learn how to use, and recharging time often required an overnight charge. Notice the past tense!

Advances in different technologies have produced a new generation of diver propulsion vehicles. While there are still DPVs that are designed for heavy commercial use, the new generation is a great fit for recreational divers. Smaller, lighter, and easier-to-maneuver current models will meet the needs of most divers who want to experience one. They are also much more affordable. You will also see the name underwater scooter being used more often now. One reason is that they are becoming more common for snorkelers as well. In many tropical vacation sites, you will find snorkeling tours using underwater scooters.

What is an Underwater Scooter

Let’s get very basic here. A diver propulsion vehicle or underwater scooter is simply a small electric motor and battery in a waterproof case. The case is almost always torpedo-shaped with a rounded front nose to move through the water easier. The back end has a small propeller in a protective cage connected to the shaft of the motor. To better visualize this think of a boat’s outboard motor. On either side of the case is a handle of some sort for the user to hold on to. While the exact method varies by manufacturer and in some cases by model. The speed of the motor is controlled by a hand switch. There is generally an off position and three-speed positions. The higher the speed, the shorter the time before the battery needs to be recharged.

When a diver or snorkeler what’s to change directions with a DPV, they use their arms to point the nose of the scooter in the direction they want to go. Like an airplane, the scooter will continue to change directions until it is point straight ahead again. Also like an airplane, if you point the nose up or down, the scooter will go in that direction and take you with it. It is very easy to make rapid changes in depth if you are not careful.

The LEFEET S1 Pro As a Holiday Gift

A number of months ago, I did a review of the LEFEET S1 Pro. Since then, I have used it a few more times and I still remain impressed with it. You can go back and read the original review, however, I will summarize some of it here. The LEFT S1 Pro is a small lightweight unit that is easy to use and packs a great deal of power in its small size. At just around 5 pounds (2.27 kg) and a foot long, it is easy to carry with you aboard a plane or to pack with your checked luggage. Just remember to carry on the battery.

I had an old small water bladder backpack that I repurposed to carry my LEFEET S1 Pro. It easily fits under the set in front of me aboard a plane and was very convenient to carry when taking it to go snorkeling. I can get a full day of snorkeling or a couple of dives with a single charge.

If you live in an area where you can get in the water often, this would make an excellent gift. The unit is well-engineered and well-built. It should last for years. There are also optional mounts available to allow it to be attached to a kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). Unfortunately, my kayak is an inflatable with no place to attach the mount.

Product Specifications

These specifications are copied from the company’s website.

• Weight: 5.51lbs / 2.5kg (including battery)
• Size: 11.8” x 11.8” x 6.3” (Including Handle Bracket)
• Working temperature: 0°C ~ 40°C
• Waterproof depth: 40m
• Adjustable Speed: Three Speeds: low/med/high
• Endurance time: 45-70 minutes for the main unit / 2.5 hours for the remote control (normal use)
• 8kg/18 lbs of thrust
• Support for mounting sports cameras

Battery

• Charging Voltage: 25.2 V
• Charging Current: 3 A
• Rated Capacity: 4400 mAh
• Rated Energy: 97.68 Wh
• Charging Temperature: 50°F~ 113°F
• Charging Time: 2.5h
• Net Weight: 1.68 ± 0.044 lb

Battery Charger

• Input Voltage: 100 ~ 240V
• Output Voltage: 25.2 V
• Output Current: 3 A

LEFEET Holiday Gift Sale

Through the holiday season, LEFEET website has its holiday gift sale. the Biggest Discounts of the Year
Nov.7 – Jan.7. If Santa did not bring you a DPV and left you the cash instead, there is still time after his visit to order the model and configuration you want.