From Tech To Rec

[CNTdiver]

As for me, I have two different rigs: one technical setup and one recreational. However, I am seeing so many more advantages to the technical setup that I want to move to the recreational realm. I would like to address several points:

1. Pony Bottles: Does anyone have any recommendations on using pony bottles for saftey on recreational dives. Now I am not necessarily talking about to a reef at 30 feet or water, but more like a wreck at 110 feet.

2. DIR setup: Who breathes from the long hose while rec diving? Also, how have you setup your reg (particularly the first stage) for a single tank?


Any words of advise or recommendations would be great. Thanks for your time.

 

[theskull]

1. Aluminum 40 with standard stage bottle rigging is hardly noticeable, even when diving an Al80 single tank setup. I take one along regularly on deeper rec dives.

2. (I am not DIR--not a disclaimer, just a fact.) I dive recreationally occasionally with the standard short hose, but much prefer diving the 7-foot hose. Even more so than the ease of sharing air (which I have done only twice except during drills) I like the comfort of the long hose--it lays nicely out of the way and gives just enough slack to reach my mouth without any tension. Some times when diving with the standard-length hose I feel uncomfortable when turning my head all the way in either direction because the short hose doesn't want to "give" any. First stage reg is set up just as usual except for the longer hose going to the primary second stage. Some times I set up with the standard octo clipped to my chest strap, and most times with the bungeed back-up second stage--either way the reg is right there below my chin when I grab for it.

When diving deep in cold water I ALWAYS either take the pony bottle or dive a tank with H-valve and 2 regs. That is, unless I'm diving my doubles. Have not yet had a free-flow at depth myself, but I have practiced for it many times.

theskull

 

[diverbrian]

1. Aluminum 40 with standard stage bottle rigging is hardly noticeable, even when diving an Al80 single tank setup. I take one along regularly on deeper rec dives.

2. (I am not DIR--not a disclaimer, just a fact.) I dive recreationally occasionally with the standard short hose, but much prefer diving the 7-foot hose. Even more so than the ease of sharing air (which I have done only twice except during drills) I like the comfort of the long hose--it lays nicely out of the way and gives just enough slack to reach my mouth without any tension. Some times when diving with the standard-length hose I feel uncomfortable when turning my head all the way in either direction because the short hose doesn't want to "give" any. First stage reg is set up just as usual except for the longer hose going to the primary second stage. Some times I set up with the standard octo clipped to my chest strap, and most times with the bungeed back-up second stage--either way the reg is right there below my chin when I grab for it.

When diving deep in cold water I ALWAYS either take the pony bottle or dive a tank with H-valve and 2 regs. That is, unless I'm diving my doubles. Have not yet had a free-flow at depth myself, but I have practiced for it many times.

theskull

Let me add that I typically use my doubles and stage for recreational diving if it will be cold and deep. If my doubles are not available, I dive a single 120 with an H-Valve and the same drill applies.

An AL40 slings beautifully under the left arm and the long hose has the advantages that Skull refers to.

I have had free flows at depth, but mostly because I set my regs sensitive and sometimes, well.... . I can have a FF isolated and be on my back-up reg without thinking about.

If I have to use recreational gear with an AL80, I do have the option of that stage bottle and it is nice to have.

Good luck!

 

[Jason B]

2. DIR setup: Who breathes from the long hose while rec diving?

I just wanted to add that the long hose is not necessarily a DIR thing, it's also a Hogarthian configuration.

Jason

 

[CNTdiver]

I just wanted to add that the long hose is not necessarily a DIR thing, it's also a Hogarthian configuration.

Jason

You are absolutely correct. Sorry for not specifying!

 

[chrisch]

I use the same kit for both standard rec and deeper dives. The "secret" as such is an H valve single tank that allows you to use the two reg and long hose setup (singles are H as standard here anyway). All you need is a little more weight to compensate for the missing tank. A weightbelt with velcro pockets that allows easy adding or removal of lead sorts that out, or add a little lead to the single tank with an old weightbelt, which is a better option for trim.

I don't like pony tanks and the H valve gives enough redundancy IMHO. If you need some spare gas put the twins back on or use a deco stage (ie if diving under ice).

This saves having another tank to have tested as well and saves some money!

On point about the long hose - if you are diving with a rec buddy that has never seen or used one it can be an issue. I dive with the wife so we are both equiped in the same way and familiar with the 2meter hose. Its much better and everyone should have one!!

Chris

 

[CNTdiver]

I would like to thank everyone for their imput in this discussion. I dove with a single tank (h valve) and my DIR setup and loved it. Everything went perfectly. Now I must work on my weighting a bit, but I was very pleased. Thanks again.

 

[chickdiver]

I once had separate setups. Now I have double 80's. 99% of my diving is deep wrecks or caves, and I have grown so accustomed to the setup that dislike diving in a single tank. I have a 36# wing that has never been wet. I even teach OW in doubles on the rare occasions that I teach recreational classes these days.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The only time I will change to a single tank for rec diving is on shore dives where a hike is involved. In those cases, the only changes are using a smaller wing, adding weight to adjust for the single tank, and slinging a 30 cu ft pony. Using the pony rather than adding an octo minimizes the changes to the primary reg and adds redundancy. Worst case, I have to add a dry suit hose to the primary reg in the winter.

Even despite the rarity of single tank dives, the goal this winter is to buy another BP, harness and set of weight pockets so that I can have separate setups for singles and doubles and not have to bother swapping wings and weights. I'll need a new harness soon anyway and I figure can get the few dives left in the current one with it attached to the single tank BP/wing.

 

[DepartureDiver]

1. Pony Bottles: Does anyone have any recommendations on using pony bottles for safety on recreational dives. Now I am not necessarily talking about to a reef at 30 feet or water, but more like a wreck at 110 feet.

As everyone else has said, definitely a 40 cubic foot. You won't notice a difference between a 40 and a 30 (and anything smaller gives no benefit), so the extra gas is worth it ... plus there is no price difference.

2. DIR setup: Who breathes from the long hose while rec diving?

You breathe from the long hose until there is a need to share, then you give the long hose to the person needing the gas and then start using the second regulator with the short hose that has been secured around your neck (for ease in locating) with bungee cord or surgical tubing.