I've learned quite a lot about diving DH regs from you and others here (on SB) and on VDH. We used DH regs for some of the pool skills in my open water course (in 1986, a university YMCA/NAUI course), but I never dived one in open water until I purchased my PRAM c. 2016 in 2015 from a SB member.
I owe my now favorite solo shallow rec rig (alum VDH classic DH plate, VDH Argonaut 23# singles wing, USD alum 72 with USD pillar J-valve and pull rod, and PRAM) to invaluable knowledge you all have freely shared. A couple of years ago I attached my SP BA as a secondary to use if another diver, unfamiliar with DH regs, approached me needing to share gas, and also if I were to dive with an op that requires a secondary.
I'm going to miss your posts sharing your DH knowledge and insight.
rx7diver
I bought and started diving a stock "pure" DAAM
based on reading VDH and scuba board. I got to the point where I could comfortably go out on my own spearing fish alone using the DA Aquamaster with J rod, no bc, tank in a basket harness.
I would hike goat trails down the cliffs to entry points and jump in with spear gun in hand.
I could relax enough and not think about the quirks of the double hose and just concentrate on wrestling and dispatching the 3' lingcod I just shot and getting it onto the game hook and moving on, all the while keeping track of time and depth to maintain an idea of when my air would start running low.
I have to admit, when coming out of the water on a beach or in the parking lot or along the side of the road in a turnout, people and especially other divers would gawk, and my getup was always a fun conversation piece. "Like something out of Seahunt" was a common comment.
One guy called it "It's like taking the '57 Chevy out for a cruise on Sunday", which I suppose is true, or maybe the Model A?
I proved to myself that I could do it. At some point I got tired of having to tear down the while reg every time I used it to keep it clean and funk free. I also realized I didn't need to prove to anyone or to myself that I was able to use a double hose "pure" proficiently any longer.
Single hose just proved to be more time efficient and hassle free.
To me there is a practicality standpoint. I view gear as a means to an end and not necessarily an end in itself. I started to think of the whole vintage scene as a "thing" in itself and not necessarily a means to a further end. And besides, around here I was the only one doing it, a lone wolf. There was no one else around to share the enthusiasm with.
I did it, I had loads of fun with it, and I moved on.
I currently do not own any double hose regs.
. Make that a pair of G250s please and a Mk 11 and a nice, reliable Shearwater computer.
