KISS Rebreathers under New Ownership

Walt Stearns · October 26th, 2012, 10:34 PM

KISS Rebreathers under New Ownership; Moves Manufacturing to United States

KISS Rebreathers, the industry leader in manual closed circuit rebreather (CCR) technology, is under new ownership, and will move production facilities from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Fort Smith, Arkansas. In the fall of this year, Mike Young acquired Jetsam Technologies, manufacturer and distributor of the KISS brand; from company owner Kim Mikusch (Smith). Mikusch will remain with the company as general manager and head of international sales, operating from a Vancouver office. Young will oversee all aspects of production and distribution from the Arkansas facility.

"We have an excellent team in place, and that will not change." Mikusch says. The move to U.S. manufacturing and distribution is expected to result in greater manufacturing and distribution efficiencies, resulting in faster customer response and more favorable and stable pricing. In support of these goals, all phases of production will be centralized and brought in-house. The company's current quality assurance processes will remain intact, ensuring customers the same high level of service they have enjoyed in the past.

The company's Canadian warehouse will close as of mid October, 2012, and the U.S. warehouse will be fully operational at that time. This move will not affect current or future orders, and has not hampered current research and development efforts. The company will introduce a number of new products at the DEMA Show 2012, in Las Vegas, November 14-17.

Young has a background in engineering and manufacturing, and has been affiliated with Kiss for a number of years. Most recently, he oversaw design and production of the company's GEM semi-closed line of rebreathers. “Mike has provided valuable assistance designing new products for KISS, and I strongly feel he is more than ready for the challenge of running a rebreather company," says Mikusch.

KISS is one of the oldest continuously-operating rebreather manufacturers in the North American market. Gordon Smith first endeavor into his first non-electronic-dependent rebreather began back in 1995. Over the following years he made a few more versions before settling on one design, which is now known as the Classic KISS, in 1998 with Jetsam incorporated in 1999. After Gordon’s passing in 2006, Mikusch took over Jetsam continuing the line of manual controlled rebreathers Gordon started, including the introduction of the GEM semi-closed rebreather in 2011.

KISS products are known to embody two central design philosophies: simplicity and reliability. These qualities have earned their products a reputation within the rebreather community for ease of use, ease of repair and safety.

KISS Rebreathers is an ISO-registered company and a member of RESA, The Rebreather Education & Safety Association.

For more information, contact -- Kim Mikusch, email: kim@kissrebreathers.com, Ph: (479) 739-7726, or Mike Young, email: mike@kissrebreathers.com, Ph: (479) 285-1065

(Press Released prepared by Ocean Arts, Inc. email: info@oceanartsinc.com)

JimG · October 27th, 2012, 02:30 PM

Interesting, this post appeared on RW yesterday, posted by Curt Bowen, but was not there today.

My comments yesterday to that post were:

I've had a KISS Classic since 2004 (#114), and although it has been a great piece of gear, it has not really been developed. The KISS Sport seemed like a good idea at the time, but again, no significant development or improvements of the design. I have absolutely no interest in the GEM. I hear there is a new Jetsam RB coming out, but know nothing about it. I think Jetsam needs some vision to move forward and perhaps this change will bring it. But in the meantime I'm waiting expecting delivery of my new rEVO, but will be watching the developments from Jetsam with interest.

Walt Stearns · October 27th, 2012, 04:27 PM

Oh, there is new suff coming,

Revised Counter Lung Case for both Classic and Explorer
Sorb scrubber canister for the GEM
GEM Side mount model
New Spirit light weight/travel friendly CCR (replaces the Sport)
New KISS ppo2 display – features Fischer plug like a Shearwater.
New BOV with a smaller built in second stage
Plus a few more things underway in the KISS skunk works

which I will telling everyone as the week progresses.

Dave1w · October 27th, 2012, 05:58 PM

Sounds interesting!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

nadwidny · October 28th, 2012, 06:37 AM

Quote: (Originally Posted by Walt Stearns)

Oh, there is new suff coming,

Revised Counter Lung Case for both Classic and Explorer
Sorb scrubber canister for the GEM
GEM Side mount model
New Spirit light weight/travel friendly CCR (replaces the Sport)
New KISS ppo2 display ***8211; features Fischer plug like a Shearwater.
New BOV with a smaller built in second stage
Plus a few more things underway in the KISS skunk works

which I will telling everyone as the week progresses.

All nice but why don't you just use something like the GG BOV? All of the KISS offerings thus far stink so why not go with something that works?

Come to think of it the major problem with the KISS is that most of the items that come with the unit can be, and are, replaced with something better by the end user. Tank mounts, BOV, ADV, MAV, hose mounts, displays, VR3, etc, etc. So the end user pays for a lot of stuff that they will replace sooner rather than later.

Walt Stearns · October 28th, 2012, 01:52 PM

Actually we are, at least with the Classic, which we are now offering a "Basic Kit" which can come, your choice, without the BOV, the first stages, and even without the sensor plate and displays.

This way, you don't pay for what you don't want. Instead, you can go as I did with the brands you like such as a Golem BOV, pair of Apeks Tek 3's, and KISS sensor plate with Shearwater Predator and HUD from Shearwater, which are on my current Classic.

Dave1w · October 28th, 2012, 04:31 PM

Quote: (Originally Posted by Walt Stearns)

Actually we are, at least with the Classic, which we are now offering a "Basic Kit" which can come, your choice, without the BOV, the first stages, and even without the sensor plate and displays.

This way, you don't pay for what you don't want. Instead, you can go as I did with the brands you like such as a Golem BOV, pair of Apeks Tek 3's, and KISS sensor plate with Shearwater Predator and HUD from Shearwater, which are on my current Classic.

That's pretty interesting, a cheap upgrade from a Sport that way I'd think. Now waiting for details of updates to the Classic!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Walt Stearns · October 28th, 2012, 06:36 PM

Among some new products that will be coming from the KISS Rebreathers this winter is a newly revised counter lung case for the KISS Classic.

The most visible change to the Classic’s counter lung case is how it has been opened quite a bit more at the top, removing a small amount of the aluminum that ran above the counter lung’s locking rings. At the same, the annoying 3-1/2 holes that was intended for your fingers to fit through when installing the counter lungs have been done away with, and opened further in similar fashion as first introduced in the Explorer.

The changes in this not only provides easier access the to the top portion of the counter lungs and locking ring during installation and disassembly, it also takes almost nothing away from the cases structural integrity.

I have been diving with this redesign case (which replaced my original Explorer case) for the past 10 months and still find it to be as sturdy now as the day I installed it.

The new case also features the same four holes in the corners like the Explorer case for installing the Explorer wing and back plate. This way, Classic can accept the both the Explorer wing and back plate any time the owner decides too.

So if you haven’t guessed it by now, this redesigned case is also standard on all new Explorer’s built after November 1st, 2012.

silentbob · October 28th, 2012, 10:18 PM

I have the slightly older CL case on my unit.

I put a N@90 stand on and cut the lower CL case cross pieces (where the CL velcro usually attaches) so I could have a wider range of positions for the 1st stages. I can now get the height of the Dil and O2 tanks where I want them.

The case seems to have lost no strength, it's been a year and no problems.

Ivojima · October 28th, 2012, 10:56 PM

Looks nice! Seems like KISS is adressing some of the issues.

Will anything be done to the weak spot between ADV and o2 inlet that makes the head crack? Like a metall insert or something?

(I still like my KISS even with the cracked head

)

October 26th, 2012, 10:34 PM	#1
Walt Stearns New Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Palm Beach County, FL Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	KISS Rebreathers under New Ownership KISS Rebreathers under New Ownership; Moves Manufacturing to United States KISS Rebreathers, the industry leader in manual closed circuit rebreather (CCR) technology, is under new ownership, and will move production facilities from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Fort Smith, Arkansas. In the fall of this year, Mike Young acquired Jetsam Technologies, manufacturer and distributor of the KISS brand; from company owner Kim Mikusch (Smith). Mikusch will remain with the company as general manager and head of international sales, operating from a Vancouver office. Young will oversee all aspects of production and distribution from the Arkansas facility. "We have an excellent team in place, and that will not change." Mikusch says. The move to U.S. manufacturing and distribution is expected to result in greater manufacturing and distribution efficiencies, resulting in faster customer response and more favorable and stable pricing. In support of these goals, all phases of production will be centralized and brought in-house. The company's current quality assurance processes will remain intact, ensuring customers the same high level of service they have enjoyed in the past. The company's Canadian warehouse will close as of mid October, 2012, and the U.S. warehouse will be fully operational at that time. This move will not affect current or future orders, and has not hampered current research and development efforts. The company will introduce a number of new products at the DEMA Show 2012, in Las Vegas, November 14-17. Young has a background in engineering and manufacturing, and has been affiliated with Kiss for a number of years. Most recently, he oversaw design and production of the company's GEM semi-closed line of rebreathers. “Mike has provided valuable assistance designing new products for KISS, and I strongly feel he is more than ready for the challenge of running a rebreather company," says Mikusch. KISS is one of the oldest continuously-operating rebreather manufacturers in the North American market. Gordon Smith first endeavor into his first non-electronic-dependent rebreather began back in 1995. Over the following years he made a few more versions before settling on one design, which is now known as the Classic KISS, in 1998 with Jetsam incorporated in 1999. After Gordon’s passing in 2006, Mikusch took over Jetsam continuing the line of manual controlled rebreathers Gordon started, including the introduction of the GEM semi-closed rebreather in 2011. KISS products are known to embody two central design philosophies: simplicity and reliability. These qualities have earned their products a reputation within the rebreather community for ease of use, ease of repair and safety. KISS Rebreathers is an ISO-registered company and a member of RESA, The Rebreather Education & Safety Association. For more information, contact -- Kim Mikusch, email: kim@kissrebreathers.com, Ph: (479) 739-7726, or Mike Young, email: mike@kissrebreathers.com, Ph: (479) 285-1065 (Press Released prepared by Ocean Arts, Inc. email: info@oceanartsinc.com)
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October 27th, 2012, 02:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
JimG New Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Tampa, FL USA Posts: 20 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Interesting, this post appeared on RW yesterday, posted by Curt Bowen, but was not there today. My comments yesterday to that post were: I've had a KISS Classic since 2004 (#114), and although it has been a great piece of gear, it has not really been developed. The KISS Sport seemed like a good idea at the time, but again, no significant development or improvements of the design. I have absolutely no interest in the GEM. I hear there is a new Jetsam RB coming out, but know nothing about it. I think Jetsam needs some vision to move forward and perhaps this change will bring it. But in the meantime I'm waiting expecting delivery of my new rEVO, but will be watching the developments from Jetsam with interest.
(Offline)

October 27th, 2012, 04:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
Walt Stearns New Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Palm Beach County, FL Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Oh, there is new suff coming, Revised Counter Lung Case for both Classic and Explorer Sorb scrubber canister for the GEM GEM Side mount model New Spirit light weight/travel friendly CCR (replaces the Sport) New KISS ppo2 display – features Fischer plug like a Shearwater. New BOV with a smaller built in second stage Plus a few more things underway in the KISS skunk works which I will telling everyone as the week progresses.
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October 27th, 2012, 05:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
Dave1w Site Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Jakarta Posts: 133 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Sounds interesting! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
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October 28th, 2012, 06:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
nadwidny New Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Canada Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Quote: (Originally Posted by Walt Stearns) Oh, there is new suff coming, Revised Counter Lung Case for both Classic and Explorer Sorb scrubber canister for the GEM GEM Side mount model New Spirit light weight/travel friendly CCR (replaces the Sport) New KISS ppo2 display ***8211; features Fischer plug like a Shearwater. New BOV with a smaller built in second stage Plus a few more things underway in the KISS skunk works which I will telling everyone as the week progresses. All nice but why don't you just use something like the GG BOV? All of the KISS offerings thus far stink so why not go with something that works? Come to think of it the major problem with the KISS is that most of the items that come with the unit can be, and are, replaced with something better by the end user. Tank mounts, BOV, ADV, MAV, hose mounts, displays, VR3, etc, etc. So the end user pays for a lot of stuff that they will replace sooner rather than later.
(Offline)

October 28th, 2012, 01:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
Walt Stearns New Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Palm Beach County, FL Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Actually we are, at least with the Classic, which we are now offering a "Basic Kit" which can come, your choice, without the BOV, the first stages, and even without the sensor plate and displays. This way, you don't pay for what you don't want. Instead, you can go as I did with the brands you like such as a Golem BOV, pair of Apeks Tek 3's, and KISS sensor plate with Shearwater Predator and HUD from Shearwater, which are on my current Classic.
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October 28th, 2012, 04:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dave1w Site Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Jakarta Posts: 133 Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Quote: (Originally Posted by Walt Stearns) Actually we are, at least with the Classic, which we are now offering a "Basic Kit" which can come, your choice, without the BOV, the first stages, and even without the sensor plate and displays. This way, you don't pay for what you don't want. Instead, you can go as I did with the brands you like such as a Golem BOV, pair of Apeks Tek 3's, and KISS sensor plate with Shearwater Predator and HUD from Shearwater, which are on my current Classic. That's pretty interesting, a cheap upgrade from a Sport that way I'd think. Now waiting for details of updates to the Classic! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
(Offline)

October 28th, 2012, 10:18 PM	#9 (permalink)
silentbob New Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New Zealand Posts: 92 Thanks: 28 Thanked 15 Times in 4 Posts	I have the slightly older CL case on my unit. I put a N@90 stand on and cut the lower CL case cross pieces (where the CL velcro usually attaches) so I could have a wider range of positions for the 1st stages. I can now get the height of the Dil and O2 tanks where I want them. The case seems to have lost no strength, it's been a year and no problems.
(Online)

October 28th, 2012, 10:56 PM	#10 (permalink)
Ivojima New Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Sweden Posts: 7 Thanks: 9 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Looks nice! Seems like KISS is adressing some of the issues. Will anything be done to the weak spot between ADV and o2 inlet that makes the head crack? Like a metall insert or something? (I still like my KISS even with the cracked head )
(Offline)