Equipment question for beach divers.

[So Cal Divin]

Hi

I have a couple of gear questions for beach divers pertaining to sand intrusion.
First question is who makes the best wrist mount compass ?
In the winter I dive with 5mm kevlar gloves and have a hard time moving the bezel on my console mounted compass.

B: Does anybody beach dive with an Atomics B2 regulator?
I was looking at this reg. at my LDS and really like the looks of it. But I was noticing that it has a nice smooth acting swivel joint at the reg. Is this a problem with sand ?

Any facts and comments welcome.

TIA Jeff

 

[ScubaRon]

A: Suunto SK7
B: don't know

 

[Gary D.]

Hi

I have a couple of gear questions for beach divers pertaining to sand intrusion.
First question is who makes the best wrist mount compass ?
In the winter I dive with 5mm kevlar gloves and have a hard time moving the bezel on my console mounted compass.

B: Does anybody beach dive with an Atomics B2 regulator?
I was looking at this reg. at my LDS and really like the looks of it. But I was noticing that it has a nice smooth acting swivel joint at the reg. Is this a problem with sand ?

Any facts and comments welcome.

TIA Jeff

If you’re having trouble operating the compass with those gloves on your bezel is most likely caked up with crud and needs cleaning. A good clean one should be easily moved with a finger but still be tight enough not to let the elements move it.

If you’re still having trouble try a console mount instead of a wrist mount. That way you can cradle the console and use both thumbs to rotate the bezel. It’s simple to do. Put one open hand on top of the other so your thumbs are pointing up or outward. With your palms hold the console firmly while you use your thumbs to rotate the bezel.

Try it at home. Very easy to do and effective.

As far as sand goes carry a "Space Blanket" with you. Lay your gear out on it while suiting up. Once your ready to get wet fold it up and stick it in a pocket or inside a wet suit.

Gary D.

 

[gcbryan]

Are you talking about boat vs shore diving or is their some reason you have to gear up on the beach rather than at your car?

 

[pt40fathoms]

Best compass, wrist mount or otherwise is easy, Suunto SK7.

Second question it seems like you are asking if the swivel will give you a problem. Short answer no. Just don't drag the reg in the sand, mud, muck and so on. Oh, and have the reg serviced at least yearly so the swivel remains nice and smooth. As a point of interest, all regs have a swivel joint at the second stage. Without it your reg would be almost impossible to keep in your mouth when you turn your head from side to side and up and down while looking at all the pretty fishies.

As for the make and model of the reg. I'll have to leave the product evaluation to someone who has one or has used one.

 

[Mo2vation]

Hi

I have a couple of gear questions for beach divers pertaining to sand intrusion.
First question is who makes the best wrist mount compass ?
In the winter I dive with 5mm kevlar gloves and have a hard time moving the bezel on my console mounted compass.

B: Does anybody beach dive with an Atomics B2 regulator?
I was looking at this reg. at my LDS and really like the looks of it. But I was noticing that it has a nice smooth acting swivel joint at the reg. Is this a problem with sand ?

Any facts and comments welcome.

TIA Jeff

ScubaRon may be a So Cal... who knows.

Did I mention beach diving blows? Its been a few days, I may have not mentioned it recently.

Again - the SK7. Tough as nails. Bungee rigged, you'll never have a problem in any environment.

I dive with a B1. Same deal without the swivel. There really is no reason for your reg to get in the sand. Short of a face plant on the way in or out, I clip it off to my right D-ring when not in use.

The tollerance is pretty tight on that swivel - I wouldn't worry.

About beach diving, tho...

K

 

[lamont]

Again - the SK7. Tough as nails. Bungee rigged, you'll never have a problem in any environment.

Hella nasty bruise, but I'm having trouble figuring out what it has to do with the SK7...

 

[Snowbear]

Hella nasty bruise, but I'm having trouble figuring out what it has to do with the SK7...

Maybe it has something to do with beach diving?

 

[Mark Vlahos]

Must have somthing to do with the face plant!

Mark Vlahos

 

[PhotoTJ]

I beach dive 3-4 times a week, my suggestion would be to get a gear set for beach diving, and one for boat. I use a Cousteau for my beach stuff, it hasnt given me a lick of trouble. Just do a good rinse in-between.

Know why I like beach diving? It's free!