1st stage hoses routed so that it needs to point down, opinions?

[Paco II]

I just bought myself an Atomic B2. At the shop the guy suggested I route the hoses such that the positioning of the 1st stage turret is pointing down (as opposed to up) for a more streamlined setup. I excepted the suggestion.

However, having had a night to sleep on it, I am wondering if I made the right decision. My concern is that when I do group dives or boat dives (etc.) that people (the divemaster, etc.) will see my setup and think I have set it up incorrectly, and get the idea that I am a total novice and have no clue what I am doing. This could then result in a not-as-good-as-it-could-have-been dive, if they think they need to 'worry' about me.

If had a few hundred dives logged, this would probably not be an issue. But I don't - I only have about 40. So I worry about the perception that I don't know how to put my gear together, and what impact that could have on dives I do.

What do you all think? Stick with the current setup, or 'be safe' and have them switch it so that the turret points up?

 

[Cheekymonkey]

Last I checked the turret on most regs does go down so that it is in line with the tank valve not 5 inches above it. But who cares what people think the real thoguhts they have of you will be made as you dive. And if anyone comments on it point out that it works for you and it is more streamlined, end of story.

 

[Gil57usa]

First of all, there is no right or wrong way to mount the first stage. Second, who cares what others think? Third, you should set up your own gear and if any one tries to change it without your permission, you should knock them out. On my Doubles, the turrets are horizontal. If someone makes a comment about them, I just look at them like I can't believe what they just said and shake my head.

 

[diversteve]

My T2 is like that. I had it done purposely also. It works the same but is more streamlined and the hoses lay along the top of the BC better. And you can make the case that it's less likely to catch on something if someone asks about it. Especially in the kelp.

Another point, I dropped my whole setup off the back of a pickup truck last week. It end'od and landed on the top of the tank valve. Had the turret been up, it would've taken the hit.

Don't worry about what other people think. Do what works for you.

 

[Paco II]

I really appreciate the feedback everyone. Some great points made here. Going to stick with the setup. Now I just need to get into the water and try the new reg. Thanks all!

 

[miketsp]

Turret up or down is just a case of personal choice unless you are going into an overhead environment where you can bang the turret. Many regs have a protective plastic cap on the side opposite the turret.
Provided you set up correctly without crossing the hoses no-one should think you any less competent.
I have however seen many boat crews setting up regs incorrectly and crossing the hoses of clients because they mistakenly believe a turret has to point down.
The big advantage of turret up is the ease of doing a reg recovery by just putting your hand on the turret and following the hose. Provided, of course that it's not uncomfortable banging you on the back of your head.

 

[muddiver]

I allways keep my turret loaded and activated so I can return fire effectively when some "know it all" tries to tell me my rig is set up wrong. The 4mm projectiles leave pretty nasty welts.

 

[knotical]

There is one cylinder/valve combination in our shop's collection of bottles that I avoid because the cylinder shoulder interferes with my Atomic reg turret (down). Otherwise, no worries.

 

[Paco II]

That was actually another thing on my mind. So there are some situations where this would actually be a problem. Interesting.

 

[djanni]

Turret down. Allows you to carry the tank higher without hitting you in the back of the head. This makes it easier to reach the air valve if you need to. I always rent tanks and have yet to see a tank that configuration will not work on. Hose routing... if you had to, you could change out all the hoses in 10 minutes.