I am trying to get some experience with my gear prior to enrolling in my first Tec course. I am gearing up using the same type of tank setup that I will be required for the course. This a back mounted set of al80s. Side mount and steels are not an option for the course.
So far a few issues have come up which I would appreciate some friendly advise on before I start the course in December.
My gear which I am using consists of a plastic Diverite plate and dual bladder Diverite rec xt. The harness and bands are Dolphin Tech. I am using 3mm wetsuit. As I will have to use in the class, I am using a set of al80s with a manifold.
First, I found out that the band bolts which are 4.75 inches were too short. It was necessary to go to six inch threaded rod with nylock nuts. The ends of the rods are not in danger of puncturing any exposure suit that I might be wearing. Are there any other potential issues with using the longer threaded rod?
Second, I found out that there was no way that I could reach the valves with the top band at the crown. Due to some injuries in my younger days, I cannot engage in any exotic shoulder maneuvers. By moving the band down a few inches, I found that could reach the valves under water. In the water, without any weight, the movement of the bands down allowed me to have good trim, at least in a 3mm. I am naturally feet heavy so moving the bands down appeared to coincidentally help address that problem. So, if I have good trim and can reach the valves, is there any reason why I would want to try to move the bands back up toward the crown and possibly cause me to lose trim?
I am really glad that I have started doing this in advance so I have had a chance to debug the setup.
Thanks.
So far a few issues have come up which I would appreciate some friendly advise on before I start the course in December.
My gear which I am using consists of a plastic Diverite plate and dual bladder Diverite rec xt. The harness and bands are Dolphin Tech. I am using 3mm wetsuit. As I will have to use in the class, I am using a set of al80s with a manifold.
First, I found out that the band bolts which are 4.75 inches were too short. It was necessary to go to six inch threaded rod with nylock nuts. The ends of the rods are not in danger of puncturing any exposure suit that I might be wearing. Are there any other potential issues with using the longer threaded rod?
Second, I found out that there was no way that I could reach the valves with the top band at the crown. Due to some injuries in my younger days, I cannot engage in any exotic shoulder maneuvers. By moving the band down a few inches, I found that could reach the valves under water. In the water, without any weight, the movement of the bands down allowed me to have good trim, at least in a 3mm. I am naturally feet heavy so moving the bands down appeared to coincidentally help address that problem. So, if I have good trim and can reach the valves, is there any reason why I would want to try to move the bands back up toward the crown and possibly cause me to lose trim?
I am really glad that I have started doing this in advance so I have had a chance to debug the setup.
Thanks.
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