DiveRite package

[Blackwood]

You REALLY need to try the long hose configuration before dismissing it. Apart from being safer in an OOA - hopefully a rare event - it is WAY more comfortable because there is absolutely no hose drag on the regulator when you turn your head. It is much more streamlined, with no loops of hose sticking out to catch on stuff. Having your backup protected and close to your mouth is also a big plus. We made this change before even going to a back inflate and we would never go back.

I like the short secondary on a necklace, but I'm still leary about a 7ft primary around my neck. I usually secure my 3ft primary to my shoulder (able to easily get it off to share air) in such a way that I can turn my head without it pulling on my mouthpiece. Yes, that puts me pretty close to an OOA buddy, but I've been trained to grasp shoulder straps on ascent and at the surface until said buddy can orally inflate, so I'll be close anyway.

I guess I don't want a setup where I can get careless and end up snagging the end of a hose that's wrapped around my neck and cause breathing problems. I suppose it's unlikely to happen, but still... imagine going through narrow openings in a wreck and suddenly having the hose around your neck tighten up. Not my idea of a fun situation.

 

[Grajan]

I like the short secondary on a necklace, but I'm still leary about a 7ft primary around my neck. I usually secure my 3ft primary to my shoulder (able to easily get it off to share air) in such a way that I can turn my head without it pulling on my mouthpiece. Yes, that puts me pretty close to an OOA buddy, but I've been trained to grasp shoulder straps on ascent and at the surface until said buddy can orally inflate, so I'll be close anyway.

I guess I don't want a setup where I can get careless and end up snagging the end of a hose that's wrapped around my neck and cause breathing problems. I suppose it's unlikely to happen, but still... imagine going through narrow openings in a wreck and suddenly having the hose around your neck tighten up. Not my idea of a fun situation.

You should try it - it really is a non-issue. There is no way it can 'strangle' you as it only goes part way round your neck anyway. In the very unlikely event of it catching on something (it stays totally flush to your body) I think I would rather get a bit of a pull on the back of my wetsuit neck than have my reg pulled out of my mouth.

It is MUCH easier to control an OOA ascent if both parties can independantly control their bouyancy. We pactice this a lot and I sometimes keep taking photographs while on my wife's reg. It is very easy.

 

[airsix]

I don't know nuthin' but what I've been reading here, but I've just been through this same decission process. I narrowed it down to three options:
1) NESS diverite package (no STA)
2) DSS package
3) Hammerhead plate & somebody elses wing

I ended up going with a Hammerhead plate/harness/STA ($99) and an Oxychec signature wing from Samish Divers($270). I went with this combo because both the hammerhead and the Oxychec signature series wings are getting great reviews here and this combo will include a weighted STA (I only dive singles). I had not originally planned to use an STA, but everybody who's tried to use a single with cam-bands through the wing and plate say get the STA. This made the hammerhead look like a great package deal. The total seemed to add up to a great deal. It should all be delivered today! :yl2jump:

-Ben

 

[matt_unique]

I like the short secondary on a necklace, but I'm still leary about a 7ft primary around my neck. I usually secure my 3ft primary to my shoulder (able to easily get it off to share air) in such a way that I can turn my head without it pulling on my mouthpiece. Yes, that puts me pretty close to an OOA buddy, but I've been trained to grasp shoulder straps on ascent and at the surface until said buddy can orally inflate, so I'll be close anyway.

I guess I don't want a setup where I can get careless and end up snagging the end of a hose that's wrapped around my neck and cause breathing problems. I suppose it's unlikely to happen, but still... imagine going through narrow openings in a wreck and suddenly having the hose around your neck tighten up. Not my idea of a fun situation.

I never liked the neck/body wrap concept either. I like the 7' hose now that I bungie the excess to my right tank (doubles). The same could be applied with a single. It's the best of both worlds in my opinion - benefits of a long hose without the wrap. The bungie ensures a clean deployment without any loops for entanglement. For any real OOA situations are heading to the surface so restowing the hose is a non issue. If for training or practice purposes you deployed your hose you simply need to finish your dive with the neck wrap. The wrap is not rocket science, I just don't like it.

In terms of weight, I prefer weight integrated pouches over a belt. I find it more comfortable than a belt. This disadvantage is if you need to exit your rig at depth you need to keep one arm looped in your rig at all times.

--Matt

 

[Blackwood]

You should try it - it really is a non-issue. There is no way it can 'strangle' you as it only goes part way round your neck anyway. In the very unlikely event of it catching on something (it stays totally flush to your body) I think I would rather get a bit of a pull on the back of my wetsuit neck than have my reg pulled out of my mouth.

It is MUCH easier to control an OOA ascent if both parties can independantly control their bouyancy. We pactice this a lot and I sometimes keep taking photographs while on my wife's reg. It is very easy.

Hmm... maybe I'm just not exactly clear on how it's wrapped, then. I thought you looped it around your neck entirely.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

What do you guys think of this package?

http://www.diveriteexpress.com/dive_rite/packages/st1065-2.shtml

I'm sort of between that and the DSS package (most likely with the Hogarthian Harness... I'm not into wrapping a hose around my neck, but I certainly appreciate the single, continuous, no plastic harness): http://www.deepseasupply.com/page12.html


If I go with the DSS, I'll probably get a ditchable weight system for 2" webbing. What to you guys think about BP/W setups with "integrated" weight systems. Are belts better?

I've owned both systems, and dived both extensively. My comments ...

Backplate - DSS is the superior product, hands-down. I currently own backplates from four different manufacturers, and the DSS plate is my favorite for a number of reasons. Features-wise, it's the only one that offers the integrated plate weights that screw into the back of the plate (effectively becoming part of the backplate), and the molded elastomer grommets in the web slots (eliminating the problem of harness wear). I also like the fact that it's a relatively flat plate, which keeps the cylinder in really close to your body.

Wing - the DSS singles wing performs a lot better than the Rec wing. It's smaller, shaped more appropriately for a singles wing (longer, narrower footprint), and vents easier. Both wings are quality-constructed products. The Rec wing is larger, and for those who might want to dive small doubles without purchasing a second wing, the Rec wing will allow you to do that. But it's a compromise wing, which means that in order to accommodate both singles and doubles, it compromises optimal performance for either.

Harness - this is a matter of personal preference. Both are nice harnesses, and neither offers the simplicity of the basic Hogarthian rig ... but my preference between the two would be for the Dive Rite TransPlate harness. I use a canister light, and the DR harness accommodates it better than the DSS harness. I'm also not a big fan of molded billy ring hardware, although in fairness a lot of people really like it. The down side to either of these harnesses is that they are pricy to replace. Of course, Tobin's DSS backplate really reduces the need for that with the molded grommets I mentioned earlier. His plate will reduce the wear on any harness you use tremendously.

FWIW - my current "warm-water" rig is a Dive Rite AL plate with TransPlate harness and DSS wing.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Hmm... maybe I'm just not exactly clear on how it's wrapped, then. I thought you looped it around your neck entirely.

No ... the hose routes from underneath your right arm, across your chest (bandolier-style), behind your head, and across your right shoulder to your mouth. It's physically impossible to get it "wrapped around your neck".

To deploy for an OOA you simply take the reg out of your mouth, and as you're handing it to the OOA receiver you duck your head a little bit. The hose slides over your head and deploys very quickly and easily.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Blackwood]

No ... the hose routes from underneath your right arm, across your chest (bandolier-style), behind your head, and across your right shoulder to your mouth. It's physically impossible to get it "wrapped around your neck".

To deploy for an OOA you simply take the reg out of your mouth, and as you're handing it to the OOA receiver you duck your head a little bit. The hose slides over your head and deploys very quickly and easily.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Yah, I was just taking a look at some pictures (http://www.sfdj.com/hogarthian/shot4.jpg). That makes sense.

 

[Blackwood]

I've owned both systems, and dived both extensively. My comments ...

Great info.

What do you think of integrated ditchable weights vs. a belt?

 

[Blackwood]

Tobin (or anyone who knows):

What is the advantage of an STA versus two cam bands. Does it add noticable tank stability or is it just for ease of switching between singles and doubles?