Search results

When connecting hoses to first or second stages, would it be a good idea to put a dab of silicone grease on the threads? I know that some threaded fasteners should be lubricated to achieve the correct torque, and for others, the torque spec assumes the fastener is dry. Are there any shop...

Are there particular times of the year when it's better (or not so good) to go diving in Cozumel?

I have decided to go the BP/W and long hose approach. I would like to get help with adjusting the harness and routing the long hose and so forth. I am happy to pay for help from an instructor or diver who is expert in setting these things up. I contacted a local DIR instructor, but he's been...

I'm looking for a backpack-style gear bag for carrying gear from car to beach or boat. I'm not looking to check it with an airline or carry it onboard a plane. If the bag folds down and packs flat for taking with me in a suitcase, great. But my #1 use will be local. The shoulder straps should...

From a New York Times article published today: I'd love to post the entire article here, but it would violate the NYT's copyright. So here's a link: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/09/upshot/why-you-should-pay-frontiers-carry-on-bag-fee-with-a-smile.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&src=ig&_r=0 At some...

Introduction Many times I see a thread with a post about an equipment failure and the responses are to take some action that was purportedly learned and drilled in the open water class. Most often, I don’t remember any such drill being taught, and many other posters indicate that they...

The user manual for the Mares SPG that I just bought states: Why would that be? Do people who use nitrox replace the SPG's HP hose every two years?

I recently purchased a Mares SPG, and the user manual has this warning: I know that once a tank has been filled with nitrox, it shouldn't be filled with air and vice versa (unless cleaned), but I have never heard of not using a pressure gauge with a nitrox-filled tank once the pressure gauge...

Now that I have a new wetsuit, I'd like opinions on storing it once it's been rinsed and dried. I know that shops display their wetsuits on a hanger and sell hangers too for divers to hang up their wetsuits, but I read somewhere that hanging will stretch out the suit and the suit should be...

Yes, yet another wetsuit fit question, but since we are all different shapes and sizes, the answer to someone else's question may not be right for me. I just received a Body Glove Men's 7mm EVX Full Wetsuit. Size: Large. According to the size chart, I should be a Large. I am 6' 1/2" (but have...

I have started to buy equipment, and I am going with a BP/W setup instead of a BCD. What are the weighting options? I know that some BCDs have pockets for weights but that seems like a non-starter with a BP/W. My setup will be a Hollis steel backplate (around 6 lbs. right there) with an OxyCheq...

I have seen on some dive shop websites a suggestion to wear a bodysuit under a wetsuit to make it easier to get in and out of a wetsuit, particularly if the wetsuit is wet. Having struggled in the past with (rented) wetsuits, this seems like a plausibly good idea. Does anyone use a bodysuit...

I am inclined to go with a BP/W instead of a vest BCD, but I have no experience with a BP/W and no knowledge about what a reasonable set up is. Assume single tank use in the ocean (Monterey Bay) and a full 7/5 wetsuit with a 5 mm hooded vest. How much lift is needed from the wings? Is steel...

It's my understanding that the water temperature in Monterey Bay ranges from 50º to 60º F. What would be the pros and cons of different wetsuit configurations for that kind of cold water diving? First off, I recognize that many divers won't dive around here wet. But I am not ready for a dry...

Here are the features I found important in choosing the Zoop: 1. Big, easy-to-read display. 2. Ease of use. 3. Nitrox ability (O2 setting of 21%-50%). 4. Audible alarms (user-adjustable as to whether they sound). 5. Altitude setting. 6. Personal adjustment (to make the computer more...

If a dive computer does not have a fresh-water setting, does using such a dive computer in fresh water result in a dive that is slightly more aggressive than it would be in seawater? Seawater = 1 ATM @ 33 feet. Fresh water = 1 ATM @ 34 feet. If you are in fresh water 68 feet, the computer...

Of course, the price will vary by shop and location, but I assume some manufacturers charge more for their parts than others, and some regs may be more complicated to service than others. So do some regs/brands have a reputation for being more thrifty in the maintenance department?

Aside to pass certification testing, is there a need to be able to doff and don one's cylinder/BC? Under what circumstances would one either doff or doff and don?

Can you use the same regulator for air and regular Nitrox (32 or 36)? I see from the ScubaPro website they offer Nitrox versions of their regs. Is that for more than 40% O2?

I am planning on buying a compass. It looks like the Suunto SK7 is highly regarded (though there are complaints of too-frequent failures). Aside from the risk that the SK7 would fail, any reason not to go with it? Any recommendations for a better compass? I am not interested in saving money if...