My venture into Sidemount.

[Jax]

Jax, look at this pic.. (I think originally from DA Aquamaster) - that's how you are supposed to do it.

This (the clip, not the webbing) could be useful in retaining the pull at a proper position - I haven't tried it myself, but I can tell you that the tube will slide up eventually with just zip ties, no matter how much you tighten it up.

Webbing - Dive Gear Express

And also keep in mind it's always an option to go back to the usual configuration until you are actually making dives where you'll see a benefit... it's not like they HAVE to be swapped around.

My problem is I have to pull on it ungodly hard to open it, if the pull comes off at any angle except close to 90 degrees. It's not sticking or anything, it's just a strong spring and the friction of a side pull makes it very hard to overcome the pull needed. I have no problem pulling up at it, so if I can stablize the end so I can find it every time, it'll be fine.

 

[Jax]

I will wait for the experts to give their input, but I think that your tanks could be in tighter at the top.

I agree - I don't know if that is a function of the small bungee cords I'm using. It's only 3/16", doubled.

 

[noreastDIVER84]

I agree - I don't know if that is a function of the small bungee cords I'm using. It's only 3/16", doubled.

I think that if you give the ring bungees a shot and clip into the ring, I think that you may be able to get closer to where you want the tanks.

 

[hudson]

I agree - I don't know if that is a function of the small bungee cords I'm using. It's only 3/16", doubled.

It's because you have another bungee around the neck of the tank and then you have a double-ender in between. The bungees on the Nomad are supposed to be stretched over the valve knob and regulator (easiest) or unclipped, pulled under and around the valve and reclipped.

Even then 3/16" bungee will probably sag a little but shouldn't be too bad.

Check this video:
YouTube - Sidemount Scuba Diving Course (Training Skills)

 

[JahJahwarrior]

They hit the nail on the head. KISS. Keep it simple.... Take the bungees that come with te nomad, pull them over your valve.

Your hose routing looks as odd as I thought it would. Your SPG's need to be visible. I bungee mine to the first stage, a lot of people make them stick out in front. If you orient the first stage like I sugested, the SPG will naturally stick almost straight up, right where it's easy to read. You can experiemtn by turning hte first stage a little bit to get it just right.


SM is highly individualized, and it's expected for it to take time to adjust. Do what works for you, and for your diving.

 

[Jax]

Okay . . . Laugh on!

 

[Jax]

They hit the nail on the head. KISS. Keep it simple.... Take the bungees that come with te nomad, pull them over your valve.

Your hose routing looks as odd as I thought it would. Your SPG's need to be visible. I bungee mine to the first stage, a lot of people make them stick out in front. If you orient the first stage like I sugested, the SPG will naturally stick almost straight up, right where it's easy to read. You can experiemtn by turning hte first stage a little bit to get it just right.


SM is highly individualized, and it's expected for it to take time to adjust. Do what works for you, and for your diving.

Well-l-l-l-l, I think I'll follow you experts' way of doing things!

I will have to experiment with the first stages, and the placement of the hoses. This time, I was breathing only the pony because I needed it empty, and who wants to waste an EAN40 fill?

 

[Kevin Carlisle]

Jax, go to some of my pics ( you know where to look ) and compare them. Since your gonna do a class with Rob talk to him and disregard some of the other stuff. SM isn't as hard as its made out to be. The only thing I saw I agree with was what JaJa said. A lot of us dive it very different from others.

 

[Jax]

Some of the underwater detail isn't clear enough to make out the hose mounting and routing. Trust me, Kev, I've been studying your pics intently!

Hey, did anyone notice that this thread is purely about diving? :shocked2: On ScubaBoard, no less. :lol:

 

[Jax]

Well-l-l-l-l, I think I'll follow you experts' way of doing things!

I will have to experiment with the first stages, and the placement of the hoses. This time, I was breathing only the pony because I needed it empty, and who wants to waste an EAN40 fill?

Here's a question - if you had an arrow coming out of the DIN opening on a tank, which way would each arrow point?

For example, the left tank, I'm horizontal, the arrow would point? straight inside? Inside and up some 15 degrees?