Best sidemount equipment brands/models in for recreational diving in 2019 ?

[Roger Hobden]

What would be the best sidemount equipment brands/models for recreational diving in 2019 ?

Recreational diving: Air or Nitrox. No Trimix. No caves or other overhead environments.

Maximum depth around 30m.

Please list your favorite or not so favorite brands/models, with all the relevant pros and cons !

 

[MichaelMc]

XDeep Tec 2 - Easy to dive or adjust trim. It is a little big though, I'm 5'9" ~140lb. ETA: I don’t need my tec redundant for my tiny tanks, but it covers expansion later, plus I dive a very thick suit. Eventually I’ll get a Deco as well.

Turret DIN regs - I like my Deep6, but my Mk25 works well also. A minor difference is that the HP hose for the Deep6 goes straight 'down' the tank, while the Mk25 angles out a bit. Straight down seems better.

SumpUK - Nicer hardware bits. Drop D's angled better. Slim fixed D's. Alternate buckles.

DGX Elastic Hose Retainers - They have a woven cloth thread surface, so re-stowing the hose is easier underwater. I've used the EPDM ones, but they seem a bit too sticky to slide the hose under easily; super secure, but harder to re-stow. I've used the wide Dive Rite Deluxe hose retainers, they're nicely done, but the extra width makes more work to stow.

RubberMaid shallow tub - to lay tanks in as gearing up/down. Mine are small tanks...

AL40/LP50 tanks - a sweet size.

I need to get one of the hose quick release 'clamps' for my long hose. They look good.

 

[runsongas]

xdeep tec is overkill for a pair of al40s or lp45/50s recreationally. go with something smaller like the classic or DECO or apeks wsx25 instead.

 

[JohnnyC]

In all seriousness, a DGX single tank bp/w.

That being said, in general, xDeep Classic, any turret swivel first, I'm partial to Deep6, Dive Rite XT's.

 

[scuba-flea]

I am using XDeep Stealth Classic 2.0 with Apeks reg sets.

I trained via sidemounting.com – Online video training courses for Scuba Divers then did the physical training in Florida with one of their instructors. The majority of my dives are lakes, and standard open water. I took the cavern course at the same time as sidemount but usually I am nowhere near a cave opening. Just in a lake orb ocean. Steve has a lot of good gear comparisons on that site and his youtube site.

 

[Roger Hobden]

In Montreal, I have located these different options:
Go Sidemount Razor 2.5
Dive Rite Nomad XT and LTZ
ScubaPro X-TEC sidemount
XDeep Stealth (Classic, Rec, Tec)
Apeks WSX sidemount

What would be the pros and cons of each system ?

 

[ofg-1]

I use a Nomad LT. The LTZ is basically the same with more lift. The LT works fine with 2 al 80's or lp 50's in a wet suit, or I have used it with lp 85's in a dry suit. The LT is small and light. If I am doing anything that requires stages, I revert back to my Armadillo. I have not tried the others cause, well, how much gear do you really need?