If you are asking if everything I use will be vintage, I'd like it to at least look that way. The mask, for example, is going to be from VSS or similar, so although not from the period, it will look reasonably like it is. I also picked up a pair of US Divers full footed swim fins that look like the old 75 era full footed swim fin, though are more modern. I'd like everything that isn't period correct to at least look basically like it is in terms of appearance. I just don't want to dive any gear that is so old that it borders on being in disrepair. My plastic tank pack, for example, is rigged with modern 2" nylon webbing like a typical hog harness. Most of the plastic tank pack setups I've seen had what looked like 1" webbing, but I figured it was easier to find buckles, rings, and such for 2" so I went with that. Is that more eclectic than vintage?
The Al tanks made prior to 1990 were of an alloy that was allegedly prone to cracking in the neck. Many tanks of this alloy were traded in and replaced. Also many LDS will NOT fill the pre-1990 Al tanks. Also for that matter some LDS won't fill 72s either, however they are in the minority. As for the plastic packpacs; by the 1970s any company selling them was using 2" nylon for the webbing. Some used softer material, others used weight belt type. I have no idea what HOG is so I won't comment on that. There are some really nice, very usable items available, just ask at the right places. You do not have to use old, worn items. You can use old, perfectly great items to complete your vintage thoughts. Or, you can use modern reproductions to achieve the same goal. The ultimate choice goes back to my original question. Vintage or eclectic? [Def. 1. Selecting from various sources. 2. Composed of selections from various sources] Or mixing time periods. Basically, like, Goodyear tires on a Conestoga wagon or 10X scope on a Brown Bess musket. As you can tell, I am more of a purist when it comes to vintage. Be it scuba or living history.
