In recent years, the Aralu cylinders offered by Technisub since 1973 have enjoyed renewed success due to the attention they have received from collectors and vintage diving enthusiasts in general. At one point, prices skyrocketed particularly for those twin cylinders whose large red sticker was in good condition. The same colour red is also featured in the cylinders’ eye-catching bottom caps, valve knobs, and clamp covers. Then, more and more of such cylinders started resurfacing from cellars, attics, and garages; the stickers were recreated, the "rarity" factor was reassessed, and the asking prices are now more contained, although still high.
What’s surprising, however, is the limited attention given to the different models that followed one another throughout the long life of these cylinder sets, which certainly should not be considered of equal value by passionate vintage gear collectors. Below, we summarise the main distinguishing features of the five series produced, bearing in mind that these are Alutron HE 30 aluminum alloy cylinders with a single capacity of 9 l/200 bar.
1973
1976 1981
1987 1990
1973 - Large label made up of three separate stickers – cylinder cups without red plastic covering – semi-automatic reserve lever without red plastic coating.
1976 – Identical label to the original from '73 – cups equipped with red plastic clamp covering – Semi-automatic reserve now covered in red plastic – Single cylinder without clamp covering – Reserve lever without the semi-automatic system.
1981 – Label consisting of a single rectangular sticker, with the large upper emblem reduced in size and now fitting within the width of the logo – Introduction of the "pony", a small single cylinder without bottom cap, also designed for quick attachment behind the twin cylinder as an independent air reserve.
1987 – Introduction of the twin cylinder with new "Air Systems" valves and a central connector covered with a practical black plastic handle for transport – Semi-automatic reserve lever without red coating.
1990 – Sets identical to the '87 series but now equipped with a red protective net, secured under the red plastic clamp cover.
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