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BUOYANCY COMPENSATORS

SYNCRO POWERTECH

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations. You have purchased one of the finest, most dependable B/Cs available in the world today. The end result of years of "evolutioneering", your Mares B/C uses processes and materials that are the result of thousands of hours of research. This means reliability, a feature that's in high demand and found in EVERY MARES product. This manual is intended as a guide for skilled technicians and not as an instruction book for beginners. It does not include every aspect of diving equipment repair. Technical training courses are offered periodically by Mares and provide up-to-date information and description of repair techniques. Before attempting any repair, you are advised to receive specific practical training in repairing Mares diving equipment. Read all sections of this manual carefully before attempting any repairs. Important: Any critical information or warnings that might affect the performance or result in the injury or death of the technician, B/C owner, or other persons are highlighted with the following symbols:

! DANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

! WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

! CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices. MARES reserves the right to modify any products, processes and manufacturing techniques at any time. It is the technicians' responsibility to acquire the latest information and parts from Mares for service and repairs to be performed. IMPORTANT: Should any warnings or information contained in this manual be unclear on not fully understood, please contact Mares before using a Mares B/C or performing any repairs.

! WARNING
Carefully follow these and all the other instructions concerning your Mares B/C and all other SCUBA equipment. Failure to do so could lead to serious injury or death.

! WARNING
As with all SCUBA equipment, Mares B/Cs are designed to be used by trained, certified divers only. Failure to fully understand the risks of using such equipment may result in serious injury or death. DO NOT use this B/C or any SCUBA equipment unless you are a trained, qualified SCUBA diver.

EN 250 CERTIFIED B/Cs


The Mares B/Cs described in this manual was certified by Notified Institutions compliance with EC Directive 89/686 of December 21, 1989. The tests were carried out in accordance with the EN 250 and prEN 1809 standards of the same directive, which establish the marketing conditions and fundamental safety requirements for Personal Protection Devices (PPD). The certifications were performed by Institution No. 0474, RINA, at Via Corsica 12, 16128 GENOA - I. Model Syncro PowerTech EN250 0474 PrEN 1809 0474 Marking CE0426

The CE 0426 marking appearing on all jackets identifies the Notified Testing Institution No. 0426, Italcert, at Viale Sarca 336, Milan - I, which supervises the production control of certified jackets, in accordance with the EN 250 standard.

REFERENCES TO EN 250 - OBJECT - DEFINITIONS - LIMITS


Object: The requirements and tests provided for in EN 250 are aimed at providing a minimum safety level for the operating of diving breathing apparatuses at a maximum depth of 50 m/ 162 feet. Scuba - Definition (EN 132): Self-contained, open-circuit compressed air underwater breathing apparatus in an apparatus which has a portable supply of compressed air carried by the diver, allowing him to breathe underwater. Scuba - Minimum equipment (EN 250): a) Air cylinder / cylinders b) Demand regulator c) Safety device, e.g. pressure gauge / computer or reserve or alarm. d) Carrying frame or holding device for air cylinder(s) to mount the harness, or carrying system, e.g. backpack and/or straps, B/C harness. e) Facepiece: mouthpiece assembly or full face mask or diving helmet. f) Operating instructions. Limits (EN 250) - Maximum depth: 50 m / 162 feet. SCUBA - Component units (EN 250): The SCUBA equipment may consist of separate component units such as cylinders, regulator and pressure gauge. The Mares B/Cs described in this manual may be used with any SCUBA components certified in compliance with EC directive 89/686. The air contained in the cylinders must comply with the requirements for breathable air set forth in EN 132 - Appendix A.

REFERENCES TO prEN 1809 - OBJECTS - DEFINITIONS - LIMITS


Object: The prEN 1809 directive examines the minimum safety requirements and the performance of inflatable buoyancy compensator vests. Buoyancy Compensator Vest - Definition (prEN 1809): A device allowing the diver to control his/her buoyancy during the dive. Limits: The object of the prEN 1809 Standard does not cover the requirements for floating devices or safety jackets. A buoyancy compensator vest is not intended to guarantee, on the surface, a head-up position to an unconscious or a temporarily disabled diver.

! WARNING
Read this manual carefully. The improper use of any diving equipment can result in serious injury or death. SCUBA diving equipment should be used by certified divers only. Professional training should be obtained exclusively from a certified instructor. For your protection, your equipment should be serviced by MARES or a MARES AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER. The BCs described in this manual have been tested and certified for temperatures between -20C and + 60C. The following warning label is stitched on the BC: IMPORTANT Read the instructions carefully. The BC is not a life vest: it does not guarantee a head-up position of the diver on the surface. If the instruction manual is lost, it can be re-ordered from your Mares dealer. Before use, check for any air leaks and make sure all the components of the BC are working correctly. Connect the LP hoses to a Low Pressure port of the 1st stage BEFORE connecting the regulator to the tank. After use, rinse the inside and outside of the BC thoroughly with fresh water. This operation is particularly important after use in a swimming pool. Inadequate maintenance may result in damage to the BC or impair its operation. Inflate the BC slightly before storing. Do not remove this label for any reason. Annexed to this manual: BC Maximum Lift Table.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS - SYNCRO POWERTECH


The "ultimate evolution of the Mares "back mounted" BC. The perfect technical solution for divers who want maximum freedom of movement underwater, without giving up the comfort and stability of a traditional BC. Unparalleled. Uncompromising.

Type Inflator Buoyancy bag material Sealing Backpack Waistband Integrated weights Overexpansion relief / quick air dump valve Air tank size limits Weight

"back mounted" single-bag BC - Power AirCell Ergo inflator, complete with deflator valve Cordura 1000, with multilayer polyurethane coating High frequency Syncro with padding and traction tank pad A.C.S. adjustable system Two-side quick-release system- max 16 Kg. (8+8) 32 lbs (16+16) 3 valve - 2 on the lower rears and one at the front on the right shoulder Single-tank set: Min/Max diameter 14.1/21.5 cm -Max. Vol. 20 lt. Two-tank set: Max.Vol.: 2x10 lt Kg 4

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BUOYANCY COMPENSATORS

INSTRUCTION MANUAL GENERAL TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

MARES BUOYANCY COMPENSATORS - use of innovative materials and technology - utmost care in the choice and construction of details - continual search for new solutions for all these reasons, Mares buoyancy compensators have long been the favored choice of thousands of divers the world over.

THE MARES PHILOSOPHY:


Premiere Line. Evolution Line. Classic Line. The uncompromising choice (black tab). High-tech materials and innovative design solutions for maximum comfort and top diving performance. The next-generation BCs (gray tab). Technical BCs which ensure comfort and stability even under the most arduous conditions. The traditional Mares BC (orange tab). Those still unfamiliar with them will learn to love the classic Mares BCs.

THE MARES ADVANTAGES - TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS:


Ergo inflator: All Mares BCs are equipped with the compact, ergonomic and completely reliable Ergo inflator mechanism. Power inflation, gradual deflation and quick air dump, oral inflation, power inflator hose coupling and corrugated hose attachment are all incorporated into a single unit. The power inflator hose runs along the inner side of the corrugated hose, and is held in place by a convenient sliding retainer. In every situation, Ergo is always in exactly the right place when you reach for it. The ergonomically positioned inflation and deflation control buttons feature proportional operation, and their large non-slip surface makes them easy to use even when wearing thick gloves. The mouthpiece is pre-oriented to facilitate oral inflation. Each part of every Ergo control unit is thoroughly tested, to guarantee perfect functioning and reliable performance as time passes. (Fig. 1) Buoyancy bag: first quality fabrics with multilayer polyurethane coating, sealed at high frequency, in a variety of styles to meet the needs of every diver. Backpack: Integrated backpack with traction tank pad, covered with a contoured neutrally-buoyant padding. Valves: For instant buoyancy adjustments, all Mares BCs are equipped with 2 front dump / over-expansion relief valves (one of which is incorporated into the Ergo inflator) and at least 1 rear dump / over-expansion relief valve. The rear valves have a positive-buoyancy knob on the pull string for easy air release in the head-down position. The overexpansion relief valves automatically vent air from the BC when the internal pressure exceeds the maximum permitted value, thereby avoiding accidental overpressure which may damage the product. The quick air dump is obtained by pulling the knob on the cord. Mares has positioned the valves so as to ensure easy air release in any underwater swimming position. (Fig. 14) A.C.S. (Adjustable Cummerbund System). Patented system. Ensures a custom fit of the BC on all body types. The A.C.S. system is integrated with two quick adjusting straps which, together with the adjustable shoulder straps, permit even the most minute adjustments and ensure total stability of the BC-tank assembly. (Fig. 2,3,4,5) Soft Grip. Neutrally buoyant padding specifically designed to provide unparalleled comfort and ensure maximum adherence between the wetsuit and the BC. B.P.S. (Back Protection System). A neutrally buoyant padding system which affords both safety and ruggedness, thanks to a combination of materials with different mechanical properties. Its capacity to absorb shocks is greatly superior to that of ordinary protection materials. What's more, the contoured cut and the special design of the seams ensure unparalleled adherence between the wetsuit and BC. I.W.S. (Integrated Weight System). This is the two-side quick-release weight system which Mares offers on several of its BCs for integrating the weights into the BC, thereby relieving the diver's back from the strain of a weight belt. The BC incorporates two roomy horizontal weight compartments with a quick release mechanism. The closure is in double safety Velcro and the weights are ditched by pulling on two opposing handles. S.A.H.S. (Self Adjusting Harness System). The self-positioning harness system developed by Mares for improved contouring of the BC to a woman's figure. This system consists of a pair of rings placed on the shoulder straps and inside the BC. They are angled in such a way that the shoulder straps take on the most natural position on the diver's chest, preventing discomfort and ensuring an excellent fit. S.S.S. (Sternal Strap System). Symmetrical, removable chest strap system with a single lengthwise adjustment and a 25-mm buckle, which allows the user to optimally position the chest strap according to his or her individual needs. When it is not needed, the SSS system can be easily removed. B.A.R. (Buckle Adjustment & Regulation). Allows adjustment of the position of the buckles on the straps, and their replacement in the event of breakage. Materials: - Tirpol, material characterized by superior rip-resistance to ordinary nylon fabric, ensures optimal adherence under all conditions and with any type of wetsuit, and high resistance to wear over time. - Spinnaker fabric, with outer Teflon coating and inner coating of triple polyurethane resin, extremely resistant to abrasion - 1000 denier Cordura, with triple polyurethane resin coating, extremely resistant to abrasion - 840 D nylon, with triple polyurethane coating, highly resistant to abrasion - High impact YKK technopolymer zips - YKK Velcro

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- stainless steel or technopolymer rings - valves, buckles and rings constructed from high impact technopolymer, resistant to knocks and to aging. - shoulder straps with quick-release "thumbledge" buckles, which can be instantly adjusted using only the thumb, permitting easy, quick and precise fitting of the BC on different body types. The buckle adjustment straps are finished with pull-rings which ensure a secure grip, even when wearing thick neoprene gloves. - quick-release waist strap with two-side adjustment - adjustable quick-release chest buckle keeps the shoulder straps in the correct natural position and prevents them from slipping. - double seam construction using 100% polyester thread, for maximum durability - practical swivel hose retainers ensure safe and optimal positioning of the octopus and console (Fig. 15). - Dual-tone DIN safety whistle, unbreakable (Fig. 17).

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

! WARNING
Read the following instructions carefully. The improper use of any diving equipment may damage your equipment or result in serious injury or death. The purpose of a B/C is to make diving easier by enabling the diver to maintain neutral buoyancy. Prior to diving in open water conditions, practice using your B/C in a swimming pool. Use all gear that you would normally use in an open water dive.

! WARNING
B/Cs are NOT designed to be personal floatation devices. You must be neutrally buoyant (no air in B/C) at the surface when using any B/C. No B/C will float you head up in all conditions.

A.C.S. ADJUSTABLE SYSTEM


Instructions for adjusting the BC To lengthen the waistband: 1. Pull the waistband out of the waistband loops (1) (Fig. 2). 2. Loosen the fastening band located behind the waistband (Fig. 3). 3. Pull out the waistband ends from the center waistband sleeve that is attached to the backpack to the desired length (Fig. 4). Be sure to pull both sides out equally, so that the Velcro closure of the waistband remains in the middle. 4. Thread the fastening band back according to the new adjustment (Fig. 5). 5. Reinsert the waistband in its loops (Fig. 2).

To shorten the waistband: 1. Pull the waistband out of the waistband loops (1) (Fig. 2). 2. Put the waistband ends back into the center waistband sleeve that is attached to the backpack so that the waistband is the desired length (Fig. 4). Be sure to put both sides in equally, so that the Velcro closure of the waistband remains in the middle. 3. Thread the fastening band back according to the new adjustment (Fig. 5). 4. Reinsert the waistband in its loops (Fig. 2).

! CAUTION
If you have followed the above instructions correctly, the waistband will be properly stretched and will not wrinkle. If any wrinkles are present, that means that the straps are too tense with respect to the adjusted waistband length.

I.W.S.
Integrated Weight System The maximum weight which can be accommodated depends on the size and model of the BC. - Assembling the weights - Soft weights - Quick-release system Assembling the weights Assemble the weights on the special strap as shown in Fig. 18, taking care to adjust the length of the weight strap so that the Velcro on the handle coincides with the Velcro on the weight pouch (Fig. 19). Soft weights It is also possible to assemble soft weights on the BC. Fix the soft weights as shown in Fig. 20. Insert the weight pack thus assembled into the special pouch and close the tie. Loosen the Velcro strap (B) (Fig. 21) to facilitate insertion of the weight pack in the BC. Inert the weight pack into the weight pouch (Fig. 21). Tighten the Velcro strap (B) and close the flap (C) of the weight pouch (Fig. 21). Quick-release system When wearing the BC, the weights can be ditched by pulling the two opposing knobs (Fig. 22).

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S.S. SYSTEM
Sternal Strap System (Fig. 23) 1. Pull the tape section (A) completely out of the triglide keeper (B).

! WARNING
In the operation described in point 1, there is no need to pull the tape out of the buckle (C). 2. Thread the tape section (A) through the large triglide (F), then back through the triglide keeper (B), inserting it - if possible - in the special slot (G) on the BC.

! WARNING
When threading the tape section (A) through the large triglide (F), check that the ribbon (D) is toward the outer side of the BC. 3. Running the ribbon (D) under the tape section (A), thread it through the inner slot of the triglide and then into the buckle (E). 4. Repeat steps 1-2-3 to assemble the S.S.S. on the other shoulder strap of the BC.

B.A.R. SYSTEM
Buckle Adjustment and Regulation system (Fig. 24) 1. Pull the tape section (A) completely out of the triglide keeper (B). 2. Place the buckle (C) in the desired position. 3. Thread the tape section (A) back through the triglide (B), inserting it - if possible - in the special slot (G) on the BC. 4. Repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 above to adjust the buckle on the other shoulder strap of the BC.

FASTENING THE B/C TO AN AIR TANK


Before putting the B/C on, fasten the air tank with the appropriate straps (Fig. 6-7).

! CAUTION
Your B/C was designed to be used with air tanks having the following minimum and maximum characteristics: Diameter: min. 14.1 cm (5.5 in) - max. 21.5 cm (8.5 in) Volume: single tank: max. 20 l; double tank: max. 2 x 10 l If the B/C is used with double tanks, the optional kit must be fitted (Fig. 8).

! WARNING
Always soak the tank fastening straps before securing the B/C to the air tank. Failure to do so could allow the tank to slip out of the B/C strap, causing serious injury or death.

INFLATOR ERGO
The "ERGO" inflator was designed to operate with a minimum supply pressure of 8 bar / 117 psi and maximum supply pressure of 12 bar / 176 psi. Check the technical specifications of your regulator before use. Connection to the first stage - Connect the LP hose to a LOW PRESSURE port of your first stage.

! WARNING
The hose can only be connected to a LOW PRESSURE port of the first stage. Connection to a high pressure port may result in serious injury or death for the diver and damage the equipment. - Connect the LP hose quick connect end to the inflator. - For easier connection, this operation must always be performed while the first stage is not pressurized. - Fasten the LP hose to the corrugated hose using the quick-connect hose retainer (Fig. 9). Inflating the B/C To inflate your B/C, simply depress the concave power inflator button (Fig. 10). When the button is released, air delivery must immediately stop; if it does not, refer to a MARES AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER.

! WARNING
Do NOT use a Mares or any other B/C that has a "sticking" inflator. Have it repaired before use at an authorized repair facility. Failure to do so can lead to serious injury or death.

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Deflating the B/C There are two ways to deflate the B/C: 1. depress the convex oral inflator button and lift the corrugated hose upward (Fig. 11) or 2. pull the inflator downward (Fig. 12). Oral inflation The B/C can be inflated orally using the soft mouthpiece (Fig. 13). Follow the steps below: - Put your lips on the mouthpiece. - Press the purge button while exhaling into the mouthpiece. - Then release the purge button. Repeat the above sequence for as long as is necessary.

! WARNING
Do not use your B/C as a source of breathable air. Do not inhale air through the inflator mouthpiece. The gas inside the B/C may be incapable of supporting life.

POCKETS
The B/C pockets are of the bellows type for increased capacity and can be easily accessed with the opposite-side arm. Always remember to close the zip or the Velcro flap to avoid losing any objects contained in the pockets.

HIGH-VISIBILITY LOGOS
Silver-color bands and logos are attached on the B/C; they are made of a highly reflective material to provide good visibility even when visibility is low in typical dim underwater environments. The reflective logos are located, anteriorly, on the shoulder straps (bands) and, at the back, on the bladder (MARES logos).

! CAUTION
Due to its highly technical properties, the reflecting material requires a special and difficult attachment procedure. Be careful, in particular, to avoid scratching your B/C against sand, rocks, stones etc.. MARES is not liable for partial or total detaching of these logos or parts thereof.

PRE-DIVE INSPECTION
1. Check that all fittings and valves are securely fastened and that the locking nuts are tightened. 2. Make sure that tank and backpack are properly connected (Fig. 6-7). 3. Inflate the B/C and wait for approximately 15 minutes. If the B/C deflates at all, do not use it and bring it to a Mares Authorized Service Center for inspection. 4. Test the inflate and deflate functions of the ERGO inflator several times. Carefully check the oral inflation system through the mouthpiece to be sure it operates properly. 5. Operate the overpressure / rapid exhaust valve (Fig. 14) to be sure it is functioning properly. 6. Do not leave the B/C in the sun and do not place or drag it on rough surfaces that might chafe or puncture it.

! WARNING
Failure to follow ALL of the steps contained in the pre-dive inspection checklist could lead to serious injury or death in case of B/C malfunction.

DONNING
- Loosen the shoulder straps all the way and put your left arm through the left arm hole of the B/C. Be sure the corrugated hose and LP hose are not tangled. Then proceed with the right arm. - Close the waistband securely (Fig. 16, part 1). - Tighten the shoulder straps (Fig. 16, part 3). - Buckle the swivel waist straps and adjust by pulling both strap ends simultaneously (Fig. 16, part 2). - Buckle the additional chest buckles, if any (Fig. 16, part 4).

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OPERATION
- On the surface If you intend to remain on the surface, inflate your B/C to increase your positive buoyancy.

! WARNING
A B/C is not a safety jacket or personal floatation device and is not designed to keep the diver on the surface with head up should he/she become unconscious. During the dive

Deflate the B/C either by pressing the inflator purge button while keeping the corrugated hose in upward position (Fig. 11) or, using the rapid exhaust valve, by pulling the inflator downward (Fig. 12). Neutral buoyancy

Once the desired depth has been reached, neutral buoyancy can be obtained by blowing in and/or exhausting the appropriate air volume from the B/C. Ascent

When ascending, the air in the B/C expands thus increasing positive buoyancy, hence your ascent rate. Therefore, it is important to control inflation to obtain a correct and consistent rate of ascent.

! WARNING
When ascending, your buoyancy must be controlled to avoid too rapid an ascent when approaching the surface. For information concerning a safe rate of ascent, refer to a certified diving instructor or your diving manual. Follow your decompression table or diving computer during the whole ascent. Failure to make a slow, controlled ascent could lead to serious injury or death.

! WARNING
Do not use your B/C to lift objects in the water. Should you drop the object, you could become too buoyant and your rate of ascent could become too rapid and potentially dangerous and serious injury or death could result.

MAINTENANCE
Proper maintenance will ensure long and trouble-free life to your B/C. For that reason, it is essential for you to follow the instructions listed below: 1. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. 2. Do not leave any pointed or hard objects in or around the B/C. 3. Store the B/C only when completely dry. Store partially inflated in a cool, dry and dark place. 4. At the end of every dive, always insert the protection cap on the quick connector after disconnecting the LP hose (Fig. 17). 5. At the end of every open water or swimming pool dive, always rinse your B/C inside and out with fresh water. To rinse it inside, do the following: - Fill the B/C approximately 1/4 full with fresh water (to get water inside the B/C, depress the red oral inflator button and allow the water to enter through the inflator mouthpiece). Use only a gentle water stream while filling. - Inflate the B/C orally and shake it from side to side and up and down. - Keeping the bladder up and the corrugated hose down, purge water through the mouthpiece while keeping the oral inflator button down. 6. Rinse thoroughly all hardware and accessories on the B/C.

! WARNING
Do not use any solvents or detergents for cleaning your B/C. Such chemicals may damage your B/C to the extent that it could malfunction underwater, leading to serious injury or death. WHEN REPAIR OR SERVICING IS REQUIRED, THIS SHOULD BE PERFORMED ONLY BY MARES OR BY A MARES AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER.

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Fig. 1

1. Tubo corrugato / Corrugated hose / Faltenschlauch / Tuyau annel / Tubo corrugado / Tubo traqueado 2. Sagola azionamento valvola / Valvet trigger line / Ventilbettigungsleine / Cordonde commande de purge / Sedal accionamiento vlvula / Vlvula de ativar o cordo interno 3. Boccola aggancio sagola / Line bushing / Leinenbuchse / Manchon darrimage / Casquillo de enganche del sadal / Bucha de engate do cordo interno 4. Corpo / Body / Gehuse / Corps / Cuerpo / Corpo 5. Pulsante di scarico / Purge button / Luftablaknopf / Bouton de purge / Botn de descarga / Boto de descarga 6. Boccaglio / Mouthpiece / Mundstck / Embout / Boquilla / Bocal 7. Pulsante di carico / Air intache button / Lufteinlaknopf / Bouton de gonflage / Botn de carga / Boto inflvel 8. Boccola porta valvola / Valve bushing / Ventilbuchse / Support de soupape / Casquillo porta vlvula / Bucha porta vlvula 9. Filtro / Filter / Filter / Filtre / Filtro / Filtro 10. Innesto rapido / Quick connector / Schnellanschlu / Raccord rapide / Conexin rpida / Pino de engate rpido 11. Tappo coprinnesto rapido / Protection cap / Schutzkappe / Capuchon de protection / Tapn cubre conexin rpida / Tampa do engate rpido
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Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

25

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

Fig. 10

Fig. 11

Fig. 12

Fig. 13

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Fig. 14

Fig. 15

Fig. 16

Fig. 17

Fig. 18

Fig. 19

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Fig. 20

Fig. 21

G A B

C
Fig. 22 Fig. 23

G A

Fig. 24

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/11.99

cod. 158804 - printed by BCD -

HTM SPORT S.p.A. - Salita Bonsen, 4 - 16035 RAPALLO - ITALY - Tel. 01852011 - Telefax 0185669984

ABK 361/99

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