Rig Reccomendations

[esperanza]

I second globaldiver's last comment, the bp/harness rig is also in my experience the most comfortable (read: unnoticeable) system once you're in the water. I wouldn't call it all too comfy when on land, but then again, it's in the water where you need the benefits of rig, not on the surface.

As for double bladders, I haven't used one, so I can't comment on the benefits. A single bladder wing has worked fine for me so far, and I'm inclined to believe that the dry suit would supply adequate redundance for buoyancy.

The hose lengths have been discussed numerous times, so I won't comment on those.

dive safe,

- e

 

[BigJetDriver]

Braunbehrens once bubbled...
The military uses all kinds of stuff that we don't use, and they also accept a much higher casualty rate. While it may be important for a soldier to ditch his rig at the drop of a hat and run up a beach, you probably won't need to do that.

In any case, do your research well before making any purchases, unless you don't mind wasting money and enjoy selling things on ebay. Many people who get into the tech diving thing end up buying their gear 3 times before they get it right.

Hint, a tried and true system has it's advantages.

While it is true that our military planners accept, due to the nature of the mission, that there will be casualties, they do not willfully give substandard equipment to the troops. The planners WANT the mission to succeed. High quality equipment helps the team succeed, and thus the mission objective will be accomplished. Hence, we find that Special Operations dive teams have some of the best and TOUGHEST equipment around. Why else do the teams wind up with cutting edge technology to dive with?

As pointed out, however, continue to do your research, and choose what will work for you. Try it beforehand if you can, and see what you think about it, before plunking down your cash.

Remember, there is more than just ONE tried and true system. As Caveseeker7 quotes: "What works, works!" Sheck Exley

 

[Diverdman]

My wife and I have been diving for over 4 years. No organisation dictacted a style we should follow, our diving did.$30000 dollars later and a house full of diving gear that is useless to us.
We dive with twin steel tanks,manifold,din, Poseidon 1st stages I dare not mention primary reg, the second reg is all metal calypso J
old ones but very reliable as backup, stainless steel plates,halcyon wings/diverite classic, harness to DIR config, canister lights on hip, computer on wrist, drysuits and that all important spare mask in leg pocket.
I am now trying to dive DIR as I have seen to much go wrong to rely on what I think is best for my safety or a couple of friends.

 

[Divesherpa]

globaldiver once bubbled...
By the way, I have heard good things about the Otter suit. It is supposedly extremely durable.

Anders

I absolutely love my otter. I sold a Clx 450 that became useless since the purchase of this suit. I also dive a TLS 350 and a cheap Abyss Kevlar suit. I like the otter the most of any of the suits.