While I still use a standard BC I have tried a few OMS wings (60lb dual bladder with retraction bands, & a 32 lb without retraction bands) and found them to be great. I prefered the dual bladder as the retraction bands controlled the bladder better and didn't allow it to butterfly out as much.
As I now dive from my kayak and have to limit carrying as much weight as possible, I am now about to start setting up for twin 5ltr and possibly 7ltr sidemount. My diving is very limited now so probably no need for the 7 ltr's. The key points being a redundent system as most of my diving is solo or with photographers who I may as well be solo with, and weight, I have spinal issues and need to break up the weight until I am in the water.
For use on and off the kayak, I like it's simplicity and possitioning of the tanks, though I am yet to try it and may find my opinion different when I do. The ability to only lift a 5 ltr at once appeals, also when diving in current and setting up, BC's are very awcward to put on while trying to stay in contact with the kayak. Withe the sidemount I am hoping I will be able to put my harness on out of the water and then with the use of a tether, be able to manage the small cylinders to clip them on.
I also like the fact of the valve positions and easy access, reaching behind is now out of the question, so having a valve tucked just under my arm will be good I feel.
I would be interested in anyones opinions if they have or do still use sidemount as well, I know, do a course. Well I only wish I could afford one and I would, this will be a slow self tought process.
HI there,
I personally stopped using bungeed wing. I used it when diving a dual bladder during Tec dives but when I came down to Mexico, my instructor for cave diving laughed out loud when I showed him my nice red bungeed wing. The reasons behind its non-popularity are simple. Number one, it is bulcky and create drag as well as an entanglment hazard. The caves here, in Mexico are very rough jagged limstone walls so anything can and will catch.
Second reason is the myth behind redundancy with the dual bladder. If you wreck or cave dive and puncture the wing, chances are, both bladders are punctured. If punctured, a bungeed wing will not be of any help as due to bungee tension you will loose all the air in one go. Not really possible to roll on opposite side of puncture and trap some air to aid with buoyancy. Solution is to become efficient in lift bag deploy for good.
And avoid red wing, it's for wreck diving only! :)
As for sidemount, I have to disagree in the sense of it being a trend. Well, maybe because I live in Mexico but, here in the caves most guides for example dive in sidemount for best redundancy during guided dive (the guide does not really have a buddy so to speak, although this is arguable). It is common to see cave divers using sidemount just because of the pure redundancy it offers and will not go in real sidemount caves. The other group of sidemount cave divers use this configuration to scrawl in small caves, go figure! :)
Yes, you still have the Sunday diver using sidemount or an equivalent to 'look cool' as you say.
On the other hand, about training, you are absolutely right Emanuel. Although due to it's 'old school' sticker, sidemount is an advanced way of diving and therefore is better done after getting trained by an instructor that dives it day in, day out.
There is much more to sidemount than just sliding 2 tanks on one's sides.
Remember, once you go side, you'll never go back. :)
Hey emanuel, in an earlier post, you mentioned Mount & Heinerth, have you read Brian Kakuk & Jill Heinerths book "Side Mount Profiles" and if so what did you think of it ?
And Merry Christmas to you as well, have a safe one cobber !!
Have I looked at Steve's video's, thats an understatement, it's all I dream about HaHa.
Simply brilliant diver, and yes, would love to have an opertunity to train from him.
As old as side mount is, there is not a lot of info around unless you really start to dig deep in the caving side of things.
I find it amussing to/at myself that I have always been very aware of sling tanks, but never concidered them as a side mount or new much of it, its only since the last year or so I have been looking at it and now going that direction.
I am waiting on some buckles for my harness, a close friend with an industrial sewing machine is making the body for my lower back BC (dual with split compartments) and I have found a bladder manufacturer who will make my bladderers. I have an old dual bladder that I have removed the dumps and inflators, serviced them and will use those on the bladders. Then a lot of trial and error as I try to configure it I geuss. Started to break down the consoles and will mount my bottom timer and compass onto an arm slate I use, and will have to get two new tanks and a second 1st & 2nd stage reg, apart from that I think I have everything.
I will bang some pics up when I get it done.
Anyway its Noon here Christmas day, so have a very safe and Merry Christmas cobber, all the best to you and your family.
Hi there,
long time no see!! :)
Been super busy working....but what fun!
As for Rebreather, Emanuel asked, I had the chance to try the Sentinel this summer...waow!! This a beast of a machine. I was support diver for an expedition this summer, Operation Pedestal, and 2 divers were using the Sentinel, Phil Short (IANTD UK Training Director) and Al Wright tester for VR Technologies. All the dives were bellow 100m and 4 to 5 hrs long. Another great divers was there, Paul V Toomer from Diving Matrix, he uses a JJ...You should have seen him kissing his machine after coming back, it was funny. He loves it! Check it out Pedestal report here. http://www.iantd.uk.com/exped-pedestal001.html
On the other hand, it is still backmounted unit... so 1990s!!! Time for a sidemount rebreather and few are on the way. :)