Came across an older manifold and bands

[kramynot2000]

I came across an ad on craigslist for two sets of AL80 doubles cheap and had a GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) attack and bought them sight unseen. My wife picked them up while I was at work and when I got home I found they didn't have the traditional highlands style bands and isolation manifold. Both sets had a US Divers solid J-valve manifold. One set had some butchered bands that I'm guessing were used with LP72's on a backpack. However, the other set had some bands with cuts in them for a harness I guess.

I need the AL80s for stage/deco bottles so those are going in for a viz (still had current hydro). But I'm not quite sure what to do with the manifold and bands. I was going to put them up on the auction site but I started having visions of diving with Mike Nelson so I thought I may set up a vintage set and dive them.

Anyway, a couple of questions:
1. Can anyone point me to a diagram, pic, etc. of what type of harness was used with these?
2. Can anyone point me to a website that explains how folks used to dive without a BC? I'm guessing I could use a horse collar, but I don't recall ever seeing a horse collar on the old Sea Hunt episodes.

Thanks,
Tony

 

[captain]

The bands are already slotted for the nylon military strap harness.

Proper weighting and using the lungs is the key to diving with no BC.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/vi...5132-diving-without-buoyancy-compensator.html

Me with no BC 5 mil suit, single steel 72 with strap harness.

 

[james croft]

That is good gear and the solid manifold is bulletproof. It is one still currently in use by the US Navy. You can get a reproduction vintage harness for it from Alan Kalauda. Here is a link:
http://www.vintagedoublehose.com/st...dex&cPath=25&zenid=aukgl0nqjsigm8bkmf99m0li67

 

[simonbeans]

A BC. What is that?

 

[duckbill]

A BC. What is that?

Ballistic Coefficient, I guess

 

[kramynot2000]

I think I'm gonna get one of those harnesses and try this out!

 

[John C. Ratliff]

Kanynot2000,

I think you'll be surprised at how comfortable the military harness is, and will enjoy the unit a lot. That is a really nice manifold too. Here are some photos of the military harness.

SeaRat