Rubber D rings

[Nemrod]

I have experimented some with using large rubber (Buna N) hydrualic O-rings as a rubber D-ring in place of the metal D-rings on my Hog harness(es). It seems they are quite adequate for clipping an SPG or even smaller bottles (13/19/30 cf), lights etc. I would not count on them for heavy stages and multiple bottles or perhaps a strong scooter.

Why rubber O-rings, weight, I am trying to reduce weight. Once they are threaded on the webbing and secured under the keepers they look exactly like a standard D-ring except they are black and of course rubber.

The type O-rings I am talking about are the same thickness as a D-ring and are relatively strong and stiff. It is just as easy to reach back and clip my SPG with the rubber O-ring as it is with a metal D-ring.

N

 

[John_B]

How much weight does it save?

 

[Nemrod]

The metal keepers themselves weigh hardly nothing but four metal D rings do have some heft to them. I am removing all metal possible including using a composite buckle and the rubber D rings. The plate is the fabric Oxy plate (under 10 oz.) and I have a set of plastic cambands but at the moment I have an older set of ScubaPro metal cam straps installed (which are easy to use and at least a little bit lighter than the typical heavy duty cast metal cambands). In this exercise every once counts. The wing is an Oxy 18.

I realize most people don't care abut reducing weight but when you consider going from heavy Super Jets to light weight full foot fins, frameless mask, light weight Oxy wing/BP and other items the total weight reduction is beginning to add up. I have built a couple of homebuilt airplanes, I am applying the same weight reduction philosophy to my dive equipment, every once counts, nothing is free of scrutiny.

I also removed a lot of the fluff from my wife's BC and now the two together weigh hardly more than one alone previously. This may become important with increasing travel restrictions and unreliability of checked luggage.

Are the rubber D rings worth it, I don't know, it was just an idea I am experimenting with. They are about as strong as plastic D rings, perhaps stronger. They may be completely adequate for tropical vacation diving.

N

 

[ZzzKing]

Why didn't you also go with plastic keepers for the d-rings?

PS - you may be getting a little obsessed with this weight reduction thing.

 

[T23]

Well trimming weight for airline purposes has some advantages as it is hard to predict what they will change next or when. My full dive bag, less reg and computer, hits about 43 pounds.

I never carry any batteries for my lights either. (Learned that lesson the hard way after the TSA tried to turn my dive bag and our flight into an in-air disaster.)

There are not a whole lot of BC's where d rings can be swapped out without doing some heavy duty sewing so this probably isn't a practical weight reduction tip for most.

On the other side of the equation though... weight trimmed off will have to be made up with additional lead once at the dive site. Another consideration is that when swapping materials while the overall weight in air may decrease, the natural buoyancy in water may actually increase meaning even more weight around your waist.

 

[Nemrod]

Why didn't you also go with plastic keepers for the d-rings?

PS - you may be getting a little obsessed with this weight reduction thing.

Well maybe, but, I like to experiment and I am determined to pack everyting into a carry on. has anyone else used O-rings for this purpose?

The metal keepers are thinner than the plastic keepers and I weighed my plastic keepers on a micro scale vs the thin metal keepers and the weight is hardly nothing. Now, there are some thick metal keepers, I have some of those as well, not sure I recall where I got them but a handfull of them, enough to do a harness, is noticeably heavy to the hand.

The rubber O-rings don't clang and bang around when you handle the gear, that combined with the fabric BP there is none of the usual clanging that dive gear is famous for. .

The rubber O-rings are easy to use, you don't really notice they are rubber in use. I have clipped a 30cf pony and pool tested with no problems. I guess I need to do a pull test on them and see what their strength is before I dive them for real in a few weeks.

Never know until you try new stuff.

N

 

[Standingbear56]

Let us know how they work out. With every ounce being counted now by the airlines, the less things weigh the better.
Safe Diving,
George

 

[muddiver]

For heavy loads why don't you look into titanium or aluminum D rings.

 

[Nemrod]

Well trimming weight for airline purposes has some advantages as it is hard to predict what they will change next or when. My full dive bag, less reg and computer, hits about 43 pounds.

I never carry any batteries for my lights either. (Learned that lesson the hard way after the TSA tried to turn my dive bag and our flight into an in-air disaster.)

There are not a whole lot of BC's where d rings can be swapped out without doing some heavy duty sewing so this probably isn't a practical weight reduction tip for most.

On the other side of the equation though... weight trimmed off will have to be made up with additional lead once at the dive site. Another consideration is that when swapping materials while the overall weight in air may decrease, the natural buoyancy in water may actually increase meaning even more weight around your waist.

I generally dive in warm water in a swimsuit and rashguard. I usually require no additional weight even with an aluminum 80 tank. I rarely put any air in my wing, it just stays deflated--sucked flat--I suck it so flat it is invisible---it is just along for the ride anyways--I don't actually use it--I may remove the power inflator and just use oral inflation.

Yes, most conventional BC would require sewing, I was directing my experiment to Hog rig lightweight wing/BPs. However, my wife's Extreme Elle (one of several of her units) does have mostly plastic rings. I also removed the heavy plastic inner plate and substituted a 6061 aluminum plate drilled for weight reduction knocking off 6 ounces and it is much stronger.

The rubber rings may be useful for some people, perhaps not, it was an idea that maybe worthless in the end. Perhaps anodized aluminum rings?

Adding weight to offset a BC is a vicious circle, I learned to dive with NO BC and therefore actually still dive as if I did not have one even when I do. I just pretend it is not there.

Weight picked up at the destination is at least weight I don't have to pack and carry in transit even if it means having to carry a couple extra pounds on the weight belts/pockets or what have you once in the water. Just a thought.

N

 

[muddiver]

I dive a Dive Rite Transpac and all the goodies on it are also removable and relocatable, so your idea would also work on it.

I agree with the small wing for warm water diving. Why deal with the drag and bulk of a standard or large cold water wing when traveling.

I never thought about sucking the wing flat. Good idea.