Search results

Excellent instructional, thank you.

I wondered the same when I first started diving. It's also one of those things that you'll know when you experience it. I've only only been on two cattle boats and both were vastly different sizes. Both had no space above and below the water as noted below. Well said.

I use the same fins for drysuit or wetsuit, except in a smaller size. Mares Super Channels or Apeks RK3 HDs in my case. I should think "too heavy" can be rectified pretty easily by slightly adjusting your tank up.

Mine was on a boat with a nice view in the background.

Yes, for me diving in New England I prefer a slight head-down position because I find it easy to search/catch lobsters. SS plate with a good amount of lead to allow for bulky drysuit garments. Surprisingly, this setup was one of the easiest to trim out for me. As stated in one post above I...

Certainly, it wasn't a knock to the system. If I feel off I always have my buddy verify trim position. My most recent issue was in high salinity water for the first time while also using an aluminum plate for the first time. The biggest mistake I made was not bringing 4 cam band pouches instead...

I found managing trim to be the biggest difference after switching. I seem to be much more susceptible to head down or feet up trim than when I used a traditional BCD. It's not difficult but it does take some patience depending what type of exposure protection or tanks you're using.

1)No, but two crew dove single sidemount. I'm sure they could accomodate dual tank dives, particularly on the wrecks. 2) Smoking only allowed on the bow. Never smelled it which was nice. 3) Yes. A tank for cameras, a tank for misc. items (lights, watches, etc.), and a tank for wetsuits.

Our trip left a few weeks before yours. It was my first time in the Red Sea and first liveaboard. It was a fantastic time with many really cool divers on board. I brought a new 7mm suit and wound up adding a 5mm hooded vest a few days into the dives. Chef Abdulah became a proud dad towards the...

Only been to Key West once, but Lost Reef was fantastic.

I have two USIA suits and like both very much. My second is a full custom and I find it very durable despite it being a bi-lam. For what it's worth, I've never dove any other brand.

I can second swimming out to the island on the left. I've never been that far towards Front beach. Old Garden Beach usually has quite a bit of life if you've not been there before.

No issues sticking with my Suunto.

Get a DRIS 1k or the shorty version if you want to stow it. I think it's a 10 or 11 degree angle and it works great for NE water. It does throw some light with a halo, but when it's murky it won't get through except for the hot spot.

Is there a pin that slides out to capture a loop on the cord? That's how my Aeris works.

I have a couple BigBlue lights and three DRIS lights. There may be different models, but the BB lights are far too wide for the waters in New England where I dive. The DRIS 1k has a tight beam angle and cuts through particulate like butter. I've abused the heck out of it and it keeps on going...

I've got about 180 dives on my MC9 (Ellipse Titanium) between servicing and have had no issues. It performs nice, but it's a royal pain to find dealers around here that stock parts. In NY, I suppose you won't have the same issue. The primary nag I have about it is that the adjustment knob...

I dunk it in a clean trash can filled with water and baby shampoo. For more thorough cleanings I run it through the washing machine as above.

I've done about 70 dives with LTD. They're a stellar group of people and I can't recommend them highly enough.

I have a Cressi Castoro. They're pretty nice and fairly flexible, but Cressi wetsuits do not hold up that great to a lot of use. The seams (cuffs) are not nearly as nice as more expensive suits like Henderson or AL.