360 observe mirror

[freename]

I hadn't seen this product before, but a few months ago I (re)made two of my own for about $5 CAD... so, about €1.69 each (at the current exchange rate). That's a pretty impressive markup (885% if my calculation is correct?).

I gave my previous one away to someone in Cozumel, to someone thinking it'd be helpful to see above/behind them in swim throughs. I've found them very handy when leading dives, especially in a drysuit when I don't want to be moving my head all over to track people.

 

[Zef]

I dive with a suunto sk-8 compass on the back of my left hand in a bungee mount. Since the compass is read from the little window on the side, it would be neat if there was a similar mirror that could be mounted in the space on top of the compass, and if it had a luber line inscribed on it even better. Hmmm...I should pull out the vernier calipers and see what is available on amazon.

-Z

 

[Sam Miller III]

@Zef
It is a Do it your self project- DYI

Go for it !--- but you will not be diving with official approved equipment
Oh! the Horror DIY diver !

SDM

 

[Zef]

@Zef
It is a Do it your self project- DYI

Go for it !--- but you will not be diving with official approved equipment
Oh! the Horror DIY diver !

SDM

Not sure what "official approved equipment" means...and totally understand the DYI nature of what I suggested. I also don't see the great utility in a mirror device either and am not going to go out of my way or invest any money in a device like this. .but if I were to try it out I would attach one to my compass with double stick foam tape if I could pick up a mirror for $2 or less.

I am usually too busy enjoying the zen of blowing bubbles underwater to give rats behind about the accessories another diver adorns themself with...as long as the person I am partnered with is not a safety hazard then no worries from me.

-Z

 

[NothingClever]

Despite a slow frog kick, I tend to unintentionally outpace other divers and I end up doing a LOT of helo turns on a dive. I have a pretty good SAC rate but it would be nice to make it even better by reducing the number of helo turns (albeit from the ankle) to check on other divers,

I also like the idea of being able to check my manifold. That would make for a much calmer experience if I were to have to conduct a valve drill below 40m.

 

[mmerriman]

Just started using one, I dive solo mostly and very useful for bubble checks, kit alignment etc and also for trim feedback.

Not used it with a buddy yet tho.

I have something simlar on my arm. as an instructor it lets me look quickly at the situation behind me - plus its a spare surface signalling device, and lets me check my drysuit neckseal and mask positioning....

 

[Fastmarc]

Just yesterday I discovered that I can get a very good look at my 1st stage using the face of my computer on my right forearm.
This would be better of course and I plan on getting one. I wish it was on Amazon.

 

[Zef]

I just led a night dive last night with 4 divers for a NAUI advanced diver course. The dive went well but the students went 2 by 2 in their buddy pairs in line behind me and they were concerned about swimming to close so they hung back further to the point that I could not see their torch where the light hit the bottom, this caused me to turn around quite often during the dive....not a problem but it would have been nice to have one of those mirrors so I could just glance at the back of my hand and count how many torches/bodies were there.

One of the things I noticed with these students is that each time I turned around they would go from a horizontal position to a vertical position and that would cause them some difficulty as when they went vertical they would stop forward motion so they would immediately start having problems with buoyancy, either sinking or floating....not my students as I was just helping out with the night dive. I think they would have had an easier time had they been able to stay horizontal longer, and it is definitely a skill they need to develop but when you assist with a class like that you can only set the example and have to adapt to the skill level of who you get.

Overall a good dive but I think something like the mirror would have contributed to less struggle for the students by allowing me to manage things slightly differently.

-Z

 

[The Chairman]

I end up doing a LOT of helo turns on a dive. I

Learn to drop your head and look between your fins instead of turning around. It's a bit disorienting for some when you first begin, but you get used to it quickly. Also, learn to listen to your buddy throughout your dive. Make sure you listen carefully at the beginning of the dive to determine the sound and rate of their breathing. You can discern several different divers just by listening. If you can't hear them, you're moving too fast. You can also figure out if/when they're in trouble by an increased rate in their breathing.

 

[NothingClever]

Learn to drop your head and look between your fins instead of turning around. It's a bit disorienting for some when you first begin, but you get used to it quickly. Also, learn to listen to your buddy throughout your dive. Make sure you listen carefully at the beginning of the dive to determine the sound and rate of their breathing. You can discern several different divers just by listening. If you can't hear them, you're moving too fast. You can also figure out if/when they're in trouble by an increased rate in their breathing.

Thank you very much. I’ll work on both of those tips. I especially like the second one...that sounds like a great challenge.