Dive shop damaged my 1st stage? do I need weights? Fin help?

[ThePokemonDentist]

Hey gang,

I have a few questions and would appreciate some advice. Thank you in advance.

TLDR
1. weighs and feeling like my setup wants me to roll over on my back while diving
2. Serviced my minty regulator 1st and 2nd stage and 1st stage came back with a few chips on it
3. Fins making my feet hurt like hell or go numb, tips for buying fins?

I went on a dive recently and with my diverite steel back plate/wing and rash guard (Florida) I ended up not having to use any weights based on my calculations. I noticed my trim was way off compared to when I dive with a 3mm wet suit and 1lb in each pocket and steel100. I feel like i kept wanting to roll onto my back.. if that makes any sense. I had to actively keep myself from bobbing over and diving upside down.. Someone mentioned it's much safer to dive with some weight so you have something to release in an emergency. Mind you my wing feels like a limp balloon with that current setup so I can add more weight.

I had my diverite XT1/XT4 x2 regulators and 1st stage serviced for the first time in 2 years when I bought them new. I've only dived with them maybe 12 times. I am meticulous about cleaning them and storing them. Had them serviced and noticed a handful of chips, 1-2mm, when the setup came back. I inquired about the chips and they said that oxidation can be unnoticed with the naked eye but when they open it up it can pop off pieces. Also that these diverites are known to do this... This is a very reputable LDS near me and I believe them but it was surprising. I think I would have just gone along with it but when I checked my setup before leaving one of the regulators was almost free flowing and then sputtering. They said it clearly was not put together properly and they will need to take it back to fix whatever is going on. So then that had me more thinking that possibly the person servicing my equipment isn't very careful and possibly mishandled my gear. Is this normal during a servicing and I should just move on with my life?

I wear a size 12 wide brooks shoe and cannot seem to find a pair of fins that don't hurt my feet when I'm diving.. They all feel snug and comfortable when trying on dry but once in the water it's unbearable to the point it's hard to kick I'm in so much pain. First pair was aqualung phazers and my feet were going numb during the dive. Switched to Avanti Quattro and the pain is significant. When I try a size up it feels like I'm wearing clown fins there is just too much room. Any tips for finding the best fit. Someone on a dive trip recently said I might have a high arch and recommended the RK3s as that was their issue too.

I appreciate any help and if you read all that I sincerely thank you.

Matthew

 

[Nemrod]

1. You are overweighted and a few other things. Such as an aluminum tank would be preferable for the described condition for it not being as negative. A very negative steel plate and a very negative steel tank, you will feel top heavy.
2. Learn to service your own gear. Most likely, with no info or pics, if the chrome or plating is broken in a place a tool would have been engaged, it is the tech. If the damaged areas are otherwise then it may well be poor plating, peeling coatings or whatever those first stages use.
3. Scubpro GoSport and perhaps a thinner bootie. I assume you are being squeezed from the sides.

 

[Outbound]

I’ll just add that you need to use the weight you need, no more and no less. Whoever suggested you use more weight so you can ditch it if necessary is an idiot.

 

[TNEngineer]

Fin fit is a combination of your booties and then the fins themselves. Are your booties comfortable to walk in by themselves? If not, fix that first. Then find a set of fins that fit your booties when they're on your feet.

 

[Still Kicking]

Fin fit is a combination of your booties and then the fins themselves. Are your booties comfortable to walk in by themselves? If not, fix that first. Then find a set of fins that fit your booties when they're on your feet.

Boots should be snug without any pinching, toe bunching, crunching etc.

Boot should fit inside fin pocket at least past arch of foot with a snug connection across the top of the foot so the power from you leg goes into the fin and doesn't get lost with a sloppy connection.

 

[bradlw]

numb feet make me wonder if your straps are too tight.

My other fin/bootie comment is re. the type of booties.
All of my dives up till recently were in hard soled booties...Mhy old ones have soles similar to something like a pair of vans skateboard shoes or Converse all stars basketball shows... just sort of a flat-bottomed show, but they offer some stiffness and structure.
Recently, since mine are very old...and they're shorty tropical length, I bought a cheaper pair of soft-soled booties like these. I only have a few dives with them...using the same old fins I've always used so fins are not a variable. I had a lot more foot discomfort with these.
Not to be bashing these booties...they are fine, I just prefer the stiffer soled option.