Need Advice on Sidemount

[NorthWoodsDiver]

I picked up Golem's sidemount setup (the armadillo CCR sidemount system found here http://www.golemgear.com/pc-220-2-armadilloccr-sidemount-system.aspx).

No I dont own a rebreather and no I'm not a "tech" diver but I wanted to give sidemount diving a try. The system didn't come with any kind of instructions or tips and after getting it assembled on my back plate I tried putting my steel 19 on just to see how things settled and something just doesn't seem right.

Now I know that the system is designed to be used with a rebreather and probably with larger bailout bottles than a 19 but something just didn't seem right on land.

Is there any recomendations for the hardware configuration, bungee lengths, or other adjustments that I should investigate. I have looked at some pics online but most are not really clear enough.

My future hopes would be to use the sidemount for carring my pony or stage/deco bottles or maybe for use as independent twins. Any opinions on such use. Can you use sidemount 40's for deco with double 80's on your back for is it best to stick with what I know works and use the standard sling setup.

Thanks alot. Trav

 

[karstdvr]

Personally I'd prefer the configuration of backmounting and then carrying the 40s stage style versus sidemounting. When you sidemount a tank like that it will be much more difficult to remove tanks and move things around if you need to,plus it will more likely to interfere with the backmounted items you want to check ie spgs. But to answer you questions,the bungees don't need to be real tight,only tight enough to lift the valve up and close to the body,and the tail attachment point with the same thought in mind-basically you want the tanks to be in alignment with your body.

 

[Meng_Tze]

I picked up Golem's sidemount setup (the armadillo CCR sidemount system found here http://www.golemgear.com/pc-220-2-armadilloccr-sidemount-system.aspx).

No I dont own a rebreather and no I'm not a "tech" diver but I wanted to give sidemount diving a try. The system didn't come with any kind of instructions or tips and after getting it assembled on my back plate I tried putting my steel 19 on just to see how things settled and something just doesn't seem right.

Now I know that the system is designed to be used with a rebreather and probably with larger bailout bottles than a 19 but something just didn't seem right on land.

Is there any recomendations for the hardware configuration, bungee lengths, or other adjustments that I should investigate. I have looked at some pics online but most are not really clear enough.

My future hopes would be to use the sidemount for carring my pony or stage/deco bottles or maybe for use as independent twins. Any opinions on such use. Can you use sidemount 40's for deco with double 80's on your back for is it best to stick with what I know works and use the standard sling setup.

Thanks alot. Trav

I am by no means an expert in SM, still learning myself...

If I read your post correctly, you want to use this harness with a single tank and use the sidemount bungees and butt plate for deco/stage?

First off, you may need a STA if the plate is not holding tank as you need it. Secondly, setting up a sidemount system is completely individual. There are some basics (bungee, connection point on slung tanks), but where and how high everything goes is up to the individual. There is a manual for the armadillo online as well, that may give you some ideas.

If you are thinking of going truly sidemount, maybe the full package would be a better choice? This would give you a streamlined BC and harness along with the bungees.

On the other hand, I also prefer to sling deco/stages from chest/hip d-ring. It works and everyone knows where things are. The classic way works.

But, you can experiment and if you come up with a novel way of doing things, please do share the ideas.

Good luck

 

[digital_steve]

I want to bump this post to see how northwoodsdiver went this this setup
I was thinking of getting this setup and using it with my BP/W as well