Banging my head on the first stage

[Sam Miller III]

"Demone" was a company in the 1960 who addressed the problem of head bumping. The valve they produced was tilted at a 45 degree angle. It was a great idea at that time and still is but perhaps due to patent infringements which should no longer apply and/or manufacturing cost never appeared on any other American produced SCUBA valves.

It may be time, probably past time, for the major dive manufactures to reexamine the long dormant Demone valve concept.

SDM

 

[Ayisha]

I have head bumping with my AL 63 if it's not set exactly right ie.) I don't like anyone else setting up my gear. So a 63 doesn't necessarily solve the problem, although it's way better than an AL 80, for which I need to choose for it to hit either my head or legs. A steel HP 80 is also good and can be set to avoid my head.

Why must SCUBA tanks be a certain shape and length? It would be nice if they were much shorter, wider and flatter.

Dr Sam's description of the Demone valve sounds like a great idea. Can one still reach the valve to turn it on/off?

 

[Griffo]

I have head bumping with my AL 63 if it's not set exactly right ie.) I don't like anyone else setting up my gear. So a 63 doesn't necessarily solve the problem, although it's way better than an AL 80, for which I need to choose for it to hit either my head or legs. A steel HP 80 is also good and can be set to avoid my head.

Why must SCUBA tanks be a certain shape and length? It would be nice if they were much shorter, wider and flatter.

Dr Sam's description of the Demone valve sounds like a great idea. Can one still reach the valve to turn it on/off?

Faber does short fat wide tanks, but they tend to be heavier than the equivalent "normal" size.

 

[Nemrod]

The overall length of the tank is not causing the issue, the length from the tank shoulder to the valve is the issue and that is similar for almost all tanks, aluminum or steel of any size. N

 

[dyandiver]

Thanks everyone for the good suggestions. I lengthened the straps on the front of the BC and lowered the tank on my back, and that seems to make a world of difference. I just needed a fraction more clearance for my head and I think I've got it . Thanks again for all good ideas.