I'm 99% convinced I'm going to learn to dive on a choptima. Convince me I'm wrong.

[VikingDives]

You don't define what your goals are (deep wrecks, mexican caves, shallow reefs, getting an RB to impress my clientele. etc.) That will make a difference in recommendations.

However If the choice is between a Chop or a JJ (or a Meg) I would go with the JJ/Meg 100% of the time

Good point - locally just deep diving, also deep wrecks and caves in general. I do go to Mexico several times a year, and would be flying to FL as well, so travel weight is an issue.

 

[Tracy]

Just dive it with a single tank if you don't want to use doubles. That is how I dive mine on vacation trips.
I have an opening in a choptima course first week of December if that fits your schedule.

 

[VikingDives]

Just dive it with a single tank if you don't want to use doubles. That is how I dive mine on vacation trips.
I have an opening in a choptima course first week of December if that fits your schedule.

I'm not sure I have a dry suit that would accommodate enough undergarment to dive the Great Lakes in December.

 

[Tracy]

I'm not sure I have a dry suit that would accommodate enough undergarment to dive the Great Lakes in December.

Class will be in High Springs Florida.

 

[stretchthepenn]

Class will be in High Springs Florida.

It's the ideal place to do a Choptima class, right by Dive Rite's HQ.

 

[Invader]

Is it possible to dive the Choptima with inverted BM baby doubles (e.g., LP46's or LP50's)?

rx7diver

I dive the chop w/ inverted BM LP46s (boat), SM LP50s and SM LP85s (cave).

 

[rddvet]

bm doubles style valve drills. I don't have the mobility

Unless you have a medical condition such as a limited mobility due to an injury, surgery, or obesity, this is a huge minsomer. I felt I was in the same camp for a long time, but the reality it was a skills and bp/w set up issue. It took a well seasoned instructor to really show me what I was doing wrong in my setup. For those that truly just need better mobility, as long as you don't have a previous injury, there are a ton of exercises to help mobility. And if you can't reach your valves simply due to mobility, you're life will be improved long term fixing it, not just for diving.
I don't mean to be too off topic or asking you to explain any conditions that would make your statement true. I simply used to dive sm for a long time because I felt the same way. The problem was me and it was fixable. I also hear that comment all the time from people who suddenly can do valve drills with an appropriately set up bp/w or a minro skill adjustment.

 

[davehicks]

Like the title says... I'm leaning towards the chop.

I like the simplicity of the kiss, but I am hundreds, maybe 1k+ miles from shallow caves. Most of my training is going to be in deep cool water.

I'm also partial to the jj.

The only no-go for me is bm doubles style valve drills. I don't have the mobility

You can get a back mounted KISS Spirit, which is basically the same unit as the Sidewinder. I've been diving this for over 10 years and am very happy with it. Simple, reliable, durable, and very easy to travel with due to its light weight and size.