Dork Divers introduction

[JeffinMichigan]

Hello all

Browsing through the forums', sub-forums, I found this area. After reading the pinned post, I realized that this is were my type of diving falls. I'm a gear nerd, with a focus on historical regulators and diving systems. However I have conformed to the modern safety standards through hybrid systems, for the majority of my dives.

My current standard (hybrid) setup is a double hose regulator, paired with a horse collar BCD.(redundant air integrated) The cylinder is mounted with a Ranger BCD back/bottom section, which in turn mounts the Code 3 Horse Collar BCD. The Code 3, belly mounts a 27cf steel cylinder for air integration and redundant supply.(Octo)

I personally love the simplicity of early setups. The military harness,(1" cotton webbing) is the most free feeling I've ever had while driving. Hawaiian backpacks are a close second. Fins, mask and nothing more.
(Disclaimer: theses are dove on a 72, -3lb full, neutral empty)
The lack of a weight belt, or floatation device is a strange but amazing feeling.
However the season is very short here.(>Month)
Once I need something to keep warm, the buoyancy dance would start. So the vintage systems are put away for another year.

I look forward to seeing anyone on this sub-forum, to discussing minimalist diving/techniques, as well as double hose diving and regs.

Jeff

 

[Waterwulf]

I have dove with a separate tank harness, separate BC harness and weight belt since the early 70's when I was first exposed to Horse Collar types. I tried a jacket type BC and a Wing type but both kept face planting me unless I was constantly working at staying upright. Maybe it's my short legs under big shoulders that causes it.

Now to complicate things, my belly has conspired with gravity to push my weight belt down. So I decided to go with a harness type, like with suspenders. Then I had an idea. I have the equipment to make my own harnesses so I started on a project to make my own weight harness with integrated Horse Collar type BC.

It's almost completed and looks like it will fit my requirements. A comfortable, adjustable harness to hold weights in Q/R bottom drop pockets and serve as a mounting system for my chest mounted BC. I was also able to add some pockets. I have not got it wet yet so I'll be carrying all of my original rig on the first few trips just in case.

 

[johndiver999]

Nobody even knows what a hawaiian backpack is, do they?

 

[Waterwulf]

Sure do but I never used one. Looks like a drink holder to hang on your car window.

 

[happy-diver]

hawaiian backpack - Google Suche

The purpose of the hawaiian backpack question interests me more

here's some stuff

going for a swim

it's a shame people have time for talking but no time for photos


double hose I'm over it doesn't have the oompf for the ocean shore diving I'm doing today