My venture into Sidemount.

[LakeCountyDiver]

Anyone else please chime in. Be brutal and honest, I know I have more to do and accomplish.
BTW; This is a Razor/Hollis SMS100 hybrid setup, LP77s

Well for my own personal preference I like my tanks to be a little higher (inline with body) and to be a little further back (valves at the back/bottom of armpit. I use worthington HP100s and also use the rails on my hollis. Its just they way that works for me.

Assuming that was me in that gear I would do just as you said shorten the bungees and rais the D-rings.

 

[LakeCountyDiver]

-and just wondering how I can orally inflate -- my neck doesn't twist as well as it used to--- however, wondering if you have to *stretch* your neck to reach it?

The hose that came on my Hollis would not even come near close enough for me to oral inflate. I switched it out with the Diverite one it stretches MUCH better.

 

[irishsquid]

How do you like the LP77s? I'm looking at a set of those as well -- you seem to have rigged them so they hang perfectly parallel.

Also, how is switching the inflator to the bottom working for you? I have the SMS100 as well (not a razor hybrid... the whole rig), and just wondering how I can orally inflate -- my neck doesn't twist as well as it used to (too much Brazilian JJ w/ 20-something year olds). I take everything Rob says as gospel in this area, that the hose will stretch in time, etc., however, wondering if you have to *stretch* your neck to reach it?

As I only have 2 dives on this, I'm still waiting to see if the hose stretches. I'll give it some time since I trust Rob's advice and experience. It takes a bit of contortionism (is that a word?) to do it, but it's possible. I like my 77s. I have used them for my BP/W singles setup and couldn't swing purchasing new ones. They work OK for me at this time, and getting 2800-3000psi fills isn't too hard here if I let the folks know I'm cool with it.

Well for my own personal preference I like my tanks to be a little higher (inline with body) and to be a little further back (valves at the back/bottom of armpit. I use worthington HP100s and also use the rails on my hollis. Its just they way that works for me.

Assuming that was me in that gear I would do just as you said shorten the bungees and raise the D-rings.

Thanks, that was my first thought. The setup as is didn't feel too awkward, but; I could just tell that if they went back and up a bit it would be better. I hugged the tanks and pulled them into that position (back and up) and it seemed right.

The hose that came on my Hollis would not even come near close enough for me to oral inflate. I switched it out with the Diverite one it stretches MUCH better.

That was my first impression, but felt I could give it some time and see if it conforms. What length did you get?

 

[BKP]

Btw, I see you're in Chattanooga... are those pics from Loch Low-Minn (I'm up there often)?

 

[irishsquid]

Btw, I see you're in Chattanooga... are those pics from Loch Low-Minn (I'm up there often)?

Yes they are. Let me know when you might head up there, maybe we can get a dive in.

 

[LakeCountyDiver]

That was my first impression, but felt I could give it some time and see if it conforms. What length did you get?

I believe it is 18" but not sure it just stretches real nice.

 

[Dive-aholic]

:huh: I'd have to mount it under the buttplate to do that. Is that what you mean?

You could mount it under there. It just needs to be just under the fold between your thighs and your butt. Oh, and don't tell anyone I'm looking at your butt...

Jimi, cylinders are definitely too low. It's difficult to tell from the photos, but you may be able to pull them up by shortening the leashes. You definitely need shorter bungees. While routing the bungee over the wing will prevent tacoing, it may also trap air in the bottom of your wing. So watch for that. Move the cam bands up an inch or 2 to correct your trim.

Barry, the Dive Rite hoses stretch quite easily. The Hollis hoses are a little different. If there's a significant shortage of hose you might want to consider a longer hose. The Hollis hose won't stretch very much.

 

[Hollywoodivers]

I've been lurking, I love this thread and I would like to compliment all of you sidemounters on your polite
conversation and helpful nature
Dive Rite Nomad 1st Gen
dual lp steel 72's
Loving every minute of it

 

[irishsquid]

...Jimi, cylinders are definitely too low. It's difficult to tell from the photos, but you may be able to pull them up by shortening the leashes. You definitely need shorter bungees. While routing the bungee over the wing will prevent tacoing, it may also trap air in the bottom of your wing. So watch for that. Move the cam bands up an inch or 2 to correct your trim.

Barry, the Dive Rite hoses stretch quite easily. The Hollis hoses are a little different. If there's a significant shortage of hose you might want to consider a longer hose. The Hollis hose won't stretch very much.

Thanks for the tips Rob. When I mentioned moving the D-rings up it's because I don't have any leash left to shorten. The snap bolts are at the Tri-glide already. Checking it out, I really can't move the D-rings much either as they will have the wing pulling/bunching together. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the butt plate Tobin makes. I'm thinking it will allow me to use a slightly longer leash on the snap bolts, yet pull the tanks up and back. On the second dive that day (no photos), I ran the bungie over the wing and Insta-Gator said the taco effect was greatly reduced and I didn't have any air entrapment issues at that time. When I shorten the bungie, that may change due to the increased tension. I'm already thinking of a sleeve for the bungie, in the event it does pinch the wing; trapping air. I'm still going to give my inflator hose some more time to stretch. I can always order one from you later.

 

[Jax]

Waiting to see video, Squid!! :cool3: