Question Choptima Rebreather Users and Trimming

[inquis]

Some use a strap & boltsnap to attach the Choptima behind their neck rather than clipped to upper D-rings. I'm not a choptima diver, so just throwing it out there for thought.

 

[addohm]

For different reasons we have the same problem with our Se7ens. In configuration we have them they're insanely "ass heavy" and even with floaty fins turn us upright in seconds.

The only solution we came up with that works - lead on shoulders on the harness. Perfect trim, no more problems.
Lead is where lift from lungs / counterlungs is, can be adjusted well.
Working on printable releasable attachment.

Maybe I'll try straping a piece of lead to my helmet. Adding and removing weight to the harness is not a great option for me.

 

[The Chairman]

I would love to see some pics!

 

[grantctobin]

Maybe I'll try straping a piece of lead to my helmet. Adding and removing weight to the harness is not a great option for me.

Your neck likely won’t appreciate this very much. Obviously a slew of possible outcomes, but what harness is it such that you can add lead there (if that ends up being the optimal solution)?

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

Maybe I'll try straping a piece of lead to my helmet.

I don't think that is a good solution.

 

[lostsheep]

Maybe I'll try straping a piece of lead to my helmet. Adding and removing weight to the harness is not a great option for me.

Throw a soft weight in the front pocket?

 

[AeroSpartacus]

Are you diving dry or wet? When going from OC to Choptima, right now I add I think 3 (maybe 4) pounds to the topmost weight pocket in the Katana and on top of that just move the drysuit bubble moreso into my feet intentionally and it trims out fairly well. I'm still playing around a little with the exact weight, but a drysuit helps with the trim.

I did also move the unit a little higher on my chest from where I started, that's another lever to play around with but sounds like you already are.

 

[Michael Greenberg Manfish]

I would love to see some pics!

Some use a strap & boltsnap to attach the Choptima behind their neck rather than clipped to upper D-rings. I'm not a choptima diver, so just throwing it out there for thought.

How about using the Choptima the way it was designed to be used.. or Just wrap the strap 2 times around your neck to assure death.. I admit, it can be difficult to clip up on the boat.. I have the flat lip clips.. big difference and use the brilliant designed bungie clips below. Too bad DiveRite has not made the bungie clips with a flat lip clip.

 

[Twiny]

Hi,

"and raising the chop as high as possible (almost to the point where I can't unclip the top clips)" : why are you doing that? the higher the choptima is, the more feet heavy you become, even if the loop volume is kept to a minimum ...

I also dive my Choptima with Xdeep Stealth and I do not use anymore the drop (square deco) Drings to attach my Choptima but 2 additional Drings on the waist strap instead. Drop Drings were too low for proper attachment.
Trim control with a Choptima is always dual : The Choptima loop is a kind of a second wing : if you become feet heavy : make sure you keep the Choptima loop to its minimum volume (you do not want positive buoyancy in front) and inflate a bit your Xdeep (add buoyancy on the back).
It was already said, but do not use heavy rubber fins if you are feet heavy. The best "not heavy" fins with true power I could find for myself are the DiveRite fins : you can not go wrong only 1 model!

PS : btw why other manufacturers like Aqualung/ScubaPro have dozens of fins/regs/BCD models!!!

 

[Invader]

Maybe I'll try straping a piece of lead to my helmet. Adding and removing weight to the harness is not a great option for me.

They make weight plates that bungee on and hold weights on the webbing on the shoulders.

I use 2 of these to trim out while on the chop. 2-3 lbs helps a lot.

Also, what valve do you have on the AL13? A lighter weight one may help.