Deciding which scuba components to buy

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sytech@yahoo.com - 29 Jul 2006 12:25 GMT

I am getting dizzy regarding the variety of regs,octos gauges that are
available. I try to use ScubaDivng's ratings to guide me. I want gear
that is "low profile" for easier transportability and so that I can fit
the stuff on the largest carry-on the F.A.A. allows. For tropical use
only.

I have already purchased the Cressi Aqualight R BC. It has two pockets
on each side of the front for weights. What I can't understand is why
there is no place in the back to add a few more lbs. because it would
seem that it would make the BC "front heavy" or is that balanced
somehow by the way the air bladder works and the weight of the tank?

Anyway, I have also picked the Mares Proton reg. and the Mares Proton
Octopus. I read enough to convince me not to go with the integrated
octo/bc setup method.

I want to get a set of 3 gauges (analog), unless there's a digital one
out there that's not too complicated.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Sy

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barnegatdx@aol.com - 29 Jul 2006 13:43 GMT

> I am getting dizzy regarding the variety of regs,octos gauges that are
> available.

I think most of this stuff is designed for a " worst case" scenario";
So look at the specs.

Unless your " Doing " the Doria" ( IKK ) or Ice Diving,
mid range stuff should be OK..;

ask the guys in the LDS . . .

> I have already purchased the Cressi Aqualight R BC. It has two pockets
> on each side of the front for weights. What I can't understand is why
> there is no place in the back to add a few more lbs

Re: Cressi Aqualight R BC trim pockets.

Look 3 inches above the " bottom" dump valve in the back.

You will find a stiched seam. Run your hand into it;

It goes all the way to the front

This ( and the one on the other side ) are the " trim pockets",
suitable for small weights.

> Anyway, I have also picked the Mares Proton reg. and the Mares Proton
> Octopus. I read enough to convince me not to go with the integrated
> octo/bc setup method.
>
> I want to get a set of 3 gauges (analog), unless there's a digital one
> out there that's not too complicated.

Dive buddy got an all integrated gague / computer; ; - which promptly
failed when the batteries gave out.

Get new batteries before departure..

Analogue / mechanical wins as a bak up.

> Any suggestions will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sy

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sytech@yahoo.com - 29 Jul 2006 13:53 GMT

Thanks for your comments.

I followed your advice and ran my hand through the seam and it does go
all the way to the front. What I don't understand is that any weights
put into there would tend to slide forward towards the regular weight
pockets, adding more "frontal weight".

I would have thought there would be some type of pockets in the back
which would keep the added weight there. Am I missing something?

> > I have already purchased the Cressi Aqualight R BC. It has two pockets
> > on each side of the front for weights. What I can't understand is why
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
> >
> > Sy

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mike gray - 29 Jul 2006 15:35 GMT

> Thanks for your comments.
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> I would have thought there would be some type of pockets in the back
> which would keep the added weight there. Am I missing something?

I am always amazed at how few divers are willing to modify their
own equipment.

Necessary gear, for me, includes cobbler's needles and light
monofilament to modify or make pockets, move pieces, etc, on my
BC. Just be careful not to puncture the bladder, which is easily
repaired with Aquaseal and patches made from old gloves or thin
wetsuits.

Trim weights can be permanently sewn in, then easily ripped out
and repositioned, and the increase in comfort can be quite dramatic.

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barnegatdx@aol.com - 01 Aug 2006 01:38 GMT

> Thanks for your comments.
>
> I followed your advice and ran my hand through the seam and it does go
> all the way to the front. What I don't understand is that any weights
> put into there would tend to slide forward towards the regular weight
> pockets, adding more "frontal weight".

OK, think it through.. This is what I come up with . .

Trim Weights go in the back pocket opening, and go to the front /
bottom of the BCD..

If you're in a horizontal position, the "Trim weights" will be forward;

same i f you're head-down, descending..

However, if you're doiung a face up " Final Ditch" emergency ascent,

where you try to curve up so you end up face up at the surface;

- the weights would slip out the back opening..

( Hopefully No One will Ever have to use this design feature )

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Dillon Pyron - 31 Jul 2006 20:11 GMT

>> I am getting dizzy regarding the variety of regs,octos gauges that are
>> available.
[quoted text clipped - 35 lines]
>
>Analogue / mechanical wins as a bak up.

I've got a 20 year old Oceanic three gauge. SPG and depth on the
front, compass on the back. I wear a 12 year old Aladin Pro on the
left fore arm and a Casio (can't remember the model, and too lazy to
look at it) that records time and depth for 10 dives and will give me
a minute by minute playback of time, depth and temp for my last dive.
About 8 years old. So I've pretty much got all cutting edge, state of
the art gear.

>> Any suggestions will be appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Sy
>>

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dillon

JAFO

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ben bradlee - 31 Jul 2006 21:41 GMT

> I've got a 20 year old Oceanic three gauge. SPG and depth on the
> front, compass on the back. I wear a 12 year old Aladin Pro on the
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> About 8 years old. So I've pretty much got all cutting edge, state of
> the art gear.

LOL

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Dave C - 29 Jul 2006 13:57 GMT

> I am getting dizzy regarding the variety of regs,octos gauges that are
> available. I try to use ScubaDivng's ratings to guide me. I want gear
> that is "low profile" for easier transportability and so that I can fit
> the stuff on the largest carry-on the F.A.A. allows. For tropical use
> only.

You won't have a problem fitting a full regulator set into your
carry-on. My carry-on held an old, bulky, full regulator set with
console and extra computer, a pony reg with SPG, an Ikelite camera
housing, battery charger, batteries and a few other things, all padded
with a day's worth of clothes. Try it ahead of time.

> I have already purchased the Cressi Aqualight R BC. It has two pockets
> on each side of the front for weights. What I can't understand is why
> there is no place in the back to add a few more lbs. because it would
> seem that it would make the BC "front heavy" or is that balanced
> somehow by the way the air bladder works and the weight of the tank?

snip

You'll see very quickly how it balances in a pool in a checkout dive
before your trip. Figure to add 4 pounds later for saltwater.

The BC's weights will be mostly counterbalanced by the location of the
inflation.

When near empty at the end of your dive, the typical aluminum 80 tank
will be about 4 lbs buoyant and a little light in the boot end.

Try adding a little tank weight, if needed, but that most people don't
care about tweaking the balance to that degree.

> I want to get a set of 3 gauges (analog), unless there's a digital one
> out there that's not too complicated.

Aside from the slight advantages some find in wrist mounts, I'd suggest
a 3-guage console, all gauges on one side, compass at the far end and
angled for easy viewing. Something like the Genesis Pro, assuming
you'll get a computer.

http://tinyurl.com/pwn7m

If needed, navigation is easy with the console held just below and to
the side of your face, allowing a quick glance to tell you if you're
keeping the needle where you want it. I like the arrangement.

HTH.

Dave C

PURE TALC: Source, supplier of unscented, oil-free, USP grade PURE
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