dir equipment

[scuberd]

I'm taking baby steps towards DIR right now and I have a couple of questions:
1. what kinds of regulators are DIR approved and why?
2. what kinds of fins?
3. whats up with black?

that's all I can think of at the moment, but there will probably be more later.

 

[jonnythan]

I'm no DIR guy, but I've read the answers to these questions a lot, so I'll take a stab at it. Let's see how I do.

1) Apeks, mostly. High enough performance, proven reliable, sealed first stages, and downstream second stages that are easy to disassemble (and clear of grit) while underwater. IIRC the WKPP has a lot of safety tanks in the caves that have SP regulators - I read George saying that the first stages (don't remember which ones) are rock solid forever as long as they're wet.

2) Jet Fins. They're heavy and indestructable. They're stiff so they're suited to many different fin techniques. I'm sure a lot of DIR guys use other paddle fins (I see people talking about the Mares Quattros a lot). No splits or Force fins.

3) It's cool Seriously, there's nothing wrong with color. George himself has a drysuit that's half red. The problem is color coding hoses and regulators and things like that - complicates the issue for no reason whatsoever. Tank markings are used to identify tanks.

 

[Cave Diver]

In spite of popular belief, there is no "special equipment list" for DIR diving.

They have certain standards that equipment is expected to meet, and any brand is acceptable as long as it meets the standards.

The best place to get the equipment recommendations is out of the "Doing it Right: The Fundamentals of Better Diving."

To answer your questions:

1) For regulators, a high performance balanced second stage is preferred by many for their primary reg while a slightly lower performance unbalanced second stage for the back up (reducing the tendency to freeflow) The balanced reg provides better breathing, while the unbalanced provides a reliable backup. Diaphragm regs are preferred for cold water use where regulator freeze up is a potential hazard.

2) Any stiff fin that allows you to adequately perform a variety of different kicks and provide the power to move large amounts of heavy gear easily.

3) Black is a preference by some, not a requirement. There is nothing that I have ever seen regarding color and DIR.

 

[bwerb]

the local DIR instructor wears a pink mask simply for the irony of wearing something so completely "uncool" .

Wear any color you want...

 

[ElectricZombie]

scuberd once bubbled...

1. what kinds of regulators are DIR approved and why?
2. what kinds of fins?
3. whats up with black?

1. High performance balanced regs as primaries, unbalanced regs as backups. (For increased reliability) Most people choose either ScubaPro or Apex. I favor ScubaPro because I think they breath better.

2. ScubaPro Jet Fins. Durable and versitile. Can do any type of kick with these. Offer a good amount of power.

3. Black is cool!! Actually, it does not really matter what color your gear is. I personally HATE colorful gear and find it distracting and annoying. So, everything I own is black. A lot of this gear only comes in black anyway.

 

[boomx5]

bwerb once bubbled...
the local DIR instructor wears a pink mask simply for the irony of wearing something so completely "uncool" .

That's a total rule#6 violation. If I were you, I would have to exersize option #1 on him.

 

[sheck33]

Are you kidding

Wear black or DIE! :wacko:



My regulators are Oceanic's
And i have turtle fins.

 

[Bob3]

... ScubaPro Jet Fins.

Scubapro's patent ran out on their design for the Jet Fin. IDI makes a clone that is every bit as good & is frequently found for less $$. IDI also makes the Turtle Fin, the Godzilla size for folks big feet.

 

[Diver0001]

scuberd once bubbled...
I'm taking baby steps towards DIR right now and I have a couple of questions:
1. what kinds of regulators are DIR approved and why?
2. what kinds of fins?
3. whats up with black?

that's all I can think of at the moment, but there will probably be more later.

1. George Irvine wrote an article describing a DIR rig you can get at www.wkpp.org. On the GUE website there is probably also some of the information you seek. I think the thing with the regulators was diaphragm 1st (or at least environmentally sealed) and balanced downstream 2nd that you can take apart under water. And DIN, of course. I think the octo was supposed to be detuned to avoid free-flowing.

2. fins are Scubapro jetfins XL. Only one size. It assumes, of course that you'll be diving dry. If you don't then you might find the jetfins very heavy. The fins are also modified. They use spring straps instead of the rubber ones they come with.

3. You can have gear in any colour you want as long as the colour you want is black.

R..

 

[jonnythan]

Diver0001 once bubbled...
2. fins are Scubapro jetfins XL. Only one size. It assumes, of course that you'll be diving dry. If you don't then you might find the jetfins very heavy. The fins are also modified. They use spring straps instead of the rubber ones they come with.

3. You can have gear in any colour you want as long as the colour you want is black.

R..