New Gear! Breaking it in?

[kf6alc]

Got my new gear today!!! Chute 3 BC and Tusa RS 130 / Imprex octo reg setup, can't wait to try it out!

Now, is there anything I should do before use? I am mostly concerned about the tank strap stretching, is there anything I should do to make sure it works fine the first dive? (yes, this is my FIRST new BC, last one could probably vote)

Anything else I should look out for? (also my first new reg, but I would like to think it should just work, right?)

TIA,
Greg

 

[BEM]

I would go to a pool and try the gear out.
BC - become familiar with the valves, weighting system(s), buoyancy characteristics and adjust the fit. Make sure the tank stays in place, after wetting the strap. One thing I still practice is finding my valve dump cords - many times, depending on my position, they've moved or wedged in a strap or under a harness. This way I am better prepared for an emergency. Become confident in taking it off and putting it on in the shallow end, then the deep end.

As for the reg - make sure the octo positioing is secure, easy to get to and you can use it if your buddy grabs your primary. Try breathing in all positions (upside down, sideways, etc.) Get familiar with both 2nd stages.

After you are comfortable and confident in their use, get in open water, but watch your depths. Nice if you can find a 25 - 30 foot solid bottom and become more familiar with the new equipment. I wouldn't take brand new regs and BC to depth (past 40 feet) until I'm confident in their operation and functioning. Take it easy, you're doing this to enjoy yourself, not for a challenge (my 2 cents!)

 

[herman]

As a very first step, I would put it all together at home (better yet at the LSD) with a full tank and make sure everything works. Breath off both regs, add and release air from all the dumps, oral inflate, check the gauges to see if they appear to be accurate, that sort of thing. Better to find a problem before heading to the dive site.


73's de KA4HAM

 

[Charlie59]

1. Put gear together
2. Put gear on
3. Get into water
4. If there is a problem, get out of water

Any other ideas?

 

[spectrum]

Simple dive at a sheltered site with a solid buddy. Make it a long shallow dive and be sure to do a skill review like D&D and all the air share stuff. Don't just make it a fun dive. Check and recheck all functions as you go. Make sure your buddy does several bubble checks.

If you aren't quite comfortable with that then go a round in a pool first.

It's more about breaking you in.

Pete

 

[ScubaMike14]

1. Put gear together
2. Put gear on
3. Get into water
4. If there is a problem, get out of water

Any other ideas?

My thoughts exactly!

 

[Charlie59]

I am not sure what the extreme caution is for. Scuba gear is very very very (and I mean it) reliable. Equipment failure seems unlikely if configured correctly. Of course, don't do Punta Sur as your first dive, but otherwise, enjoy the stuff. If you must dive in a pool, that should do it to ensure it is put together right.

Not knowing how to use it seems more likely than primary equipment failure. Just because it is new to you doesn't mean it hasn't been tested (it has).