Streamlining Console

[JP11283]

I just received my OW certification and will be making my first post cert dive this weekend at the Jetties in Panama City.

I will be diving with my university's scuba club and will be renting gear through a LDS that supplies the club's gear. We used the shop's gear for my OW class and the SPG and depth gauge consoles don't have any clips on them to attach to the BC for streamlining.

What can I use that's fairly cheap and can easily be moved from console to console to streamline my gear? I most likely won't have the same console each time I dive, so I need something that I can easily remove when I turn my gear back in. I'm going to see what the LDS has when I pick up my gear Friday, but figured I'd get some of your suggestions too.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[usmcguy367]

You can run the console under you arm and though the sholder strap. That will have the console right about the center of you chest.

 

[paddler3d]

Get yourself a nice large SS clip and some zip ties from home depot. Each time just zip tie the clip to your consul and cut the zip tie when you are done.

Also check out the hose clip set up from divegearexpress.

Stainless Steel Snaps - Dive Gear Express

 

[k374]

I run it under my cumberband, works nicely!

 

[Doc Harry]

IWhat can I use that's fairly cheap and can easily be moved from console to console to streamline my gear? I most likely won't have the same console each time I dive, so I need something that I can easily remove when I turn my gear back in. I'm going to see what the LDS has when I pick up my gear Friday, but figured I'd get some of your suggestions too.

The best way to streamline a console it not to have one. Put your instruments on your wrist. Most console instruments can be popped out of the console and placed in standard wrist boots. The SPG should be the only thing the console.

My 2 cents.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Although I also prefer the wrist gauge solution, I understand that if you're using someone else's gear that's most likely not an option. Therefore I'd recommend the zip ties and clip solution.

Also something to consider ... if your gear config allows. Run the gauge console across and clip it to your right D-ring such that the console faces up. That keeps it in close to your body and you can look at it "hands-free" while you're diving. You'll only need to unclip it when using the compass (assuming there's a compass on the end of the console). It'll help you immensely while teaching yourself to keep a constant monitor on your depth, time and air pressure.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[gypsyjim]

I too have run the console hose under my left arm, under the chest strap, and tucked in against my chest. Easy to locate, didn't dangle and was handy to read, or quickly extend in front of me to use the compass when I needed it.
Had a few instructors and DM question my set up, but when I don't want it to dangle its quite convenient.
I usually hang it on a retractor these days, but not when I'm in tight spots.

 

[Texasdivechick]

Until I get a wrist mount, I configure mine exactly the way NWGratefulDiver suggested- under my left arm and clipped to my right shoulder D-ring. When I'm completely horizontal it hangs just a few inches parallel from my body at an angle I can read easily without using my hands or having to unclip it. To prevent it from hanging down even a few inches if I am "flying low" I bring my arms in closer to my chest (see avatar). This works well for me until I can afford to get everything wrist mounted.
Just something to think of before trying this method:
1) Make sure that your buddy is aware of this configuration and is able to unclip it quickly in case of an emergency where your BC needs to be quickly removed.
2) This works very well for me because I don't need to monitor my air as frequently as someone who is newly certified. I would test it first to make sure you can read the console without having to unclip it constantly. Fumbling around for the clip and D-ring throughout the dive can cause you to miss some great stuff!

 

[sabbath999]

Although I also prefer the wrist gauge solution, I understand that if you're using someone else's gear that's most likely not an option. Therefore I'd recommend the zip ties and clip solution.

Also something to consider ... if your gear config allows. Run the gauge console across and clip it to your right D-ring such that the console faces up. That keeps it in close to your body and you can look at it "hands-free" while you're diving. You'll only need to unclip it when using the compass (assuming there's a compass on the end of the console). It'll help you immensely while teaching yourself to keep a constant monitor on your depth, time and air pressure.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

That's what I do with my SPG (I don't use a console). Works great, keeps me streamlined and informed.

 

[waynne fowler]

good suggestions folks...
SS and zip ties... nice... don't get the cheap SS clips or you'll buy that bugger over and over and over and over and ov.... well you get the idea!