Author: nathalie martel

On Oct 31, 2024, DRYFOB had an external accredited lab perform depth certification of its entire product line including the DRYFOB (original), the DRYFOB-L, the DRYFOB-XL, and the newly released DRYFOB-TXL.

Having just released the TXL, we wanted to run depth testing and certification for this new canister as there had been interest in deep-reef applications using specialized equipment. Our original XL had already been used much deeper that its original depth-rating, and we wanted to have an accredited third-party lab rerun our IPx8 testing to an even deeper level to provide peace of mind for those using these products at those depths.

While our initial 330ft (100m) rating was generally sufficient for all but the most advanced technical divers, we took the opportunity of running all our waterproof containers through the re-certification.

We used an accredited US lab with specialized depth testing equipment and had them run all of our canisters through IPx8 water ingress testing right down to their maximum depth of 1200ft (365m).

While we were always confident in our patented DRYFOB design, we were also holding our breath a bit. 1,200 ft (365m) or 200 fathoms is over 35 bar and 530 PSI! That is a lot of pressure!

We are happy to report that all units passed with flying colors coming out of the chamber with absolutely no water ingress. The lab report even acknowledged that the new 1,200ft (365m) IPx8 rating is not a product limitation but simply the deepest they could perform the test.

We can proudly say that we have a new official IPx8 rating of 1,200 ft (365m) for all DRYFOBs including the DRYFOB (original), the DRYFOB-L, the DRYFOB-XL, and the new DRYFOB-TXL. Ultimately, the higher depth rating should provide peace of mind to divers and technical divers regarding the DRYFOB just knowing that there is plenty of margin even when on the deepest technical dives. It also opens up doors for other potential deep sea research activities using the DRYFOB product line.

Back to News

On Oct 11, 2024, DRYFOB released its new double length XL waterproof container, the DRYFOB-TXL. The new DRYFOB-TXL (or Tall XL), is over twice as long as the original DRYFOB-XL which has quickly become the go-to dive-rated container for PLBs and marine radios for divers all over the world.

The larger container is suitable for newer devices combining AIS/PLB with a long footprint as well as some of the larger PLBs and marine radios which did not fit into the original XL. Made up of two standard XL bottoms connected with a hollow sleeve, it is possible to mix and match parts with the XL to alternate between the TXL and the XL.

The new TXL opens the door for new devices and new marine applications for DRYFOB products. including deep sea research. An independent accredited lab performed certification testing of the new container giving it an official IPx8 depth rating of 1,200 ft!

The newly released DRYFOB-TXL specifications follow

The DRYFOB-TXL is currently only available on the DRYFOB online store here and is being offered at an introductory price of $150.00. It comes in our signature metallic red and blue colors.

Back to News

On July 2, 2024, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued patent D1,033,053 to DRYFOB for its waterproof car key container.

We are honored to have the distinction of being awarded our patent by the U.S. Patent Office recognizing our invention as unique and the first of its kind.

Our (now patented) waterproof design has not changed since its introduction in early 2021. The DRYFOB waterproof containers have all been certified to a depth of 330ft (100m) by accredited labs and test agencies.

We’ve been featured in multiple dive magazines, publications, dive related blogs, and forums around the world. We are humbled by the loyal following our DRYFOB has created.

Our practical invention allows shore divers to focus on their dive and not worry about their car or their car keys. Our larger sizes allow divers to carry PLBs or Marine radios with confidence and security. 

Above all, we are proud to say that our DRYFOBs are trusted by thousands of divers around the world.

Back to News

Our DRYFOB-XLs are keeping good company! We are honored to see our DRYFOB-XL waterproof containers being used in a deep reef research project with the Yang Center at the Cornell Lab  and the Smithsonian DROP project and Curaçao Sea Aquarium and Substation.

The goal of the project was to set up an economical way of assessing deep reef coral growth as a function of reef resettlement and biodiversity recruitment. A dozen DRYFOB-XL units were purchased for use in the project to house sensitive measurement equipment to perform monitoring at depth.

Much of the study is done using a manned submersible that descends to deep ocean reefs in the 700ft (213m) range for extended 3-4-hour dives. Equipment is positioned in strategic areas to collect measurements and later collected using the submersible to capture and analyze the results.

Instruments such as hydrophones are used to record various fish sounds, like croaks, grunts, and chirps. Depending on the sounds heard, and identified, adjustments can be made to the program including variations in the rate of replenishment and in the introduction of different coral types.

The DRYFOBs provide a unique and economical way of getting additional custom-made electronics down to depth. While the DRYFOB-XLs are certified and lab-tested to 330ft (100m), these field results going to over twice the rated depth for extended periods should definitely inspire confidence from divers and other researchers considering using the DRYFOB at extended depths.

We were told that some of the XLs will be sent to Catalina Island, California, where they will be deployed for longer term reef monitoring. The remaining 10 will continue in Curaçao for subsequent phases of the ongoing research project where we expect to see exploration taking place on even deeper reefs, potentially for months at a time.

We very much look forward to hearing more about the work when published, and the next phases of the project.

Back to News