SideMount Setup Fine Tuning

[wetb4igetinthewater]

@Andrew Dawson,

It looks like you have your cylinders set up correctly now. You may want to experiment with shorter hoses to help make things more snug. I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but did you go through Andy Davi's sidemount articles here? Technical Diving Articles | Techniques | Knowledgebase

 

[Andrew Dawson]

@Andrew Dawson,

It looks like you have your cylinders set up correctly now. You may want to experiment with shorter hoses to help make things more snug. I'm not sure if I mentioned it, but did you go through Andy Davi's sidemount articles here? Technical Diving Articles | Techniques | Knowledgebase

Eh, sorta...the cylinders still need dat fine tuning

Yes, shorter LP hoses are probably the next step...just...4-5" LP hoses are something I need to get my mind around lol

Cool, I will check out that link

I would love to get a trial SM harness and wing...the HOG is OK...but not the greatest BCD ever, IMHO...again, "Poor is the carpenter who blames the tool...."

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Eh, sorta...the cylinders still need dat fine tuning

Yes, shorter LP hoses are probably the next step...just...4-5" LP hoses are something I need to get my mind around lol

Cool, I will check out that link

I would love to get a trial SM harness and wing...the HOG is OK...but not the greatest BCD ever, IMHO...again, "Poor is the carpenter who blames the tool...."

I should have said your regs. The placement of the bands probably need to be adjusted, as well as the two d-rings per side on your waist. How to find the Optimal Height for Sidemount Cylinder Bands %

 

[Andrew Dawson]

I will have to go over the bands, bungees, and hoses...I ordered much shorter hoses that should work.

I did not get a 7' hose, tho...will try to make this one work...as I am not doing any cave or wreck penetration dives...

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I will have to go over the bands, bungees, and hoses...I ordered much shorter hoses that should work.

I did not get a 7' hose, tho...will try to make this one work...as I am not doing any cave or wreck penetration dives...

I can sell you for cheap a 7' hose as I'm not using it.

 

[Andrew Dawson]

Thanks!! How necessary is the 7' hose those for only open water use?

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Thanks!! How necessary is the 7' hose those for only open water use?

For OW, I won't claim that it is critical, as long as you don't ever go through swim throughs of any sort. Not sure when I'll be diving, but hopefully we can meet up and do some basic drills and you can determine if you want to invest. You can borrow the 7' hose for that and see how you like it.

 

[Andrew Dawson]

Thanks, Kosta...I used 7' hose on my twins for tec diving...and it was great. Using one for SM [Ow only] would only be necessary if the way to store/control the long hose required it...which, it sounds like it does not require a 7' hose.

No, I do not do swimthroughs...no, not even curious about them...or "spur of the moment" little jaunts...I simply have no desire to do so...I am not really afraid of it [or maybe I am and just not aware of it]...I just do not really care about them...I love OW and floating/flying

OK, my gear should be dry soon...and I will make adjustments then.

Anyone have any comments after seen the pics?

I will get a pic of my gear setup soon so the hose routing can be seen...

I need the lengthen the right bungees...maybe with a quick link...

 

[Mike1967]

I need the lengthen the right bungees...maybe with a quick link...

Why not just longer bungee?

 

[ScubaWithTurk]

I need the lengthen the right bungees...maybe with a quick link...View attachment 549836

No, don't use that. The best way I have found is to cut your bungee longer than you think you may need. Attach it to the harness and go for a dive. Then if you decide it needs to be tighter, you move the knot down, if it needed to be a bit more loose, you move the knot up a little. The key is a little!! Small adjustments until you have the cylinder valves sitting where you want them. Then you can cut any excess bungee and burn the end.

With a dive buddy who knows Sidemount, the bungee can even be adjusted underwater.

One quick note since you are new to SM, you should check the condition of your burgees prior to each dive. I add that into my pre-dive checks before donning the harness. If I see fraying or something I do not like, I have extra bungee in my bag available for a quick swap so I don't snap one on a dive. I also teach this to my students.