Need Help Setting Up BP/Wings

[SM Diver]

detroit diver once bubbled...


One small step for Scott...

It's just a matter of time now.......

I'll be the first to admit if I find the set-up superior.

I am very intriqued by the equipment and philosophy of DIR(redundancy, being physically fit). It does take somewhat of a blind leap of faith, in that no one rents this stuff. The local dealer here in Tampa explained that if he rented a halcyon to me, it would fit only me afterwards. So, I'm doing it, buying the whole set-up. I'll run my equipment list by here for any suggestions. If I don't like it, I'll post my link on eBAY.

I do have one question. I have seen photos of steel HP tanks used with BP/wings. Why can't I continue to use my HP 100s with DIN? I am told that by swithing to steel LP, I can be assured that I won't need a weight belt? The one thing I have learned about dive shops, is that 50% say, "We hate HP, and here is why," While the other 50% say, "We hate LP, and here is why." Personally, I dislike LP. My God, I can't imagine lugging two LP 120s on my back. I'm strong, but I'm not Hulk Hogan. Furthermore, all my primary and back-up stuff is already HP and DIN, so the idea of swithing everything around, and buying new tanks,is not appealing.

In DIR, is one recommended over the other (HP v. LP).

 

[detroit diver]

Scott,


First of all, the local Halcyon dealer is not too swift. He could rent you a backplate and wings, and sell a 10 foot piece of webbing to you for $10-$15. Include the fitting charges in the rental cost. That would fit EVERYONE and he'd make some money. But I digress..

DIN is not the issue. In fact, it's the recommended adapter. Are you diving drysuit or wetsuit?

 

[SM Diver]

Detroit Diver,

Good point. I'll go ahead and buy the stuff anyway, just because I want to give the system a totally fair shot, which will involve several training dives, followed by some wreck dives.

I'm diving wetsuit only. 75% of the time I use only a 1/2 mil skin (or t-shirt), 15% a 3 mil, winter diving (10%) up to a 5 mil w/ hood. I might get a 7 mil if the Gulf temp plummets, but that would represent a very small fraction of my overall diving. Thanks.

Scott

P.S.: I am now back to considering the Zeagle, since it may be better suited for spearfishing, as long as it handles doubles well.

 

[JamesK]

If you are going to be diving wet in the ocean, get a set of AL80's and double those up. Steel is almost impossible to swim up where you can't crawl out.