Running console line under BCD hipbelt. Yay or Nay?

[navi_jen]

Hi all...

Female n00b diver really trying to focus on improving my trim and making sure I don't damage anything underwater. Even with a lanyard, my console drags around more than I would like. Several times, I've threaded my console line under my BCD's hipbelt. Doesn't seem to affect the usability, it's super streamlined and I still can easily reach it to do my periodic readings. But, does the potential pressure/crimping of the hose hurt its lifespan? Is this a bad habit to get into?

Seems like another option are retractors. Anyone used these? Amazon.com: Gear Keeper RT3-0013 Locking Scuba Console Retractor Snap Clip Mount with Q/C II Split Ring Accessory: Sports & Outdoors Or are these more like 'oooh, look what cool gear I have? Let me weight myself down some more'

 

[razorbackdiver]

Hi all...

Female n00b diver really trying to focus on improving my trim and making sure I don't damage anything underwater. Even with a lanyard, my console drags around more than I would like. Several times, I've threaded my console line under my BCD's hipbelt. Doesn't seem to affect the usability, it's super streamlined and I still can easily reach it to do my periodic readings. But, does the potential pressure/crimping of the hose hurt its lifespan? Is this a bad habit to get into?

Seems like another option are retractors. Anyone used these? Amazon.com: Gear Keeper RT3-0013 Locking Scuba Console Retractor Snap Clip Mount with Q/C II Split Ring Accessory: Sports & Outdoors Or are these more like 'oooh, look what cool gear I have? Let me weight myself down some more'

You could also make sure your hose is the right lenght and add a snap bolt to clip off on a hip d-ring.

 

[mala]

put console in the bin.

pressure gauge can be clipped on the waist d ring and the computer can go on the wrist.

sorted.

 

[phoenix31tt]

If it can be used while being under the belt, and its streamlined, i see no issue...

that amount of pressure should not damage your hose unless your hose is bent in some awkward position.

I myself am an advocate of single spg clipped of to the hip with the computer on your wrist... but I can also see that not many people would sell a perfectly good console to replace it with something else

 

[herr2720]

You probably just need a shorter HP hose, but if what you are doing works for you and doesn't bother you, you should be just fine.

 

[Searcaigh]

+1 on what razorback and mala have suggested above, both are valid.

 

[Donnah]

I always put my console through the left arm of my BC. It hangs right in front of me and is reasonably streamlined. Doesn't drag. I like to keep things simple.

 

[uncfnp]

I also found that a lanyard did not work well for me and would occasionally tuck my console into the belt of my BCD. Then I got a retractor and it works beautifully.

 

[Phil_C]

navi_jen, go for the keep it simple principal for now. It will not harm the hose or gauge to run it under your belt just so long as you do not kink/crimp it, which over time can cause a hose to wear and split.

If the console works for you then stick with it for now, and if and when your diving develops then you can think about other options available to you. This could be your air gauge on a hip D ring and wrist computer, air integrated computer or any combination of other gadgets people will sell you and tell you that you absolutely need.

I frequently dive with an air integrated comp on a side mounted tank with a hose that is just a bit too long and always tuck the spare hose under a bit of strapping to keep it neat. For the console I just use a snap bolt and clip it to a shoulder D ring and then tuck the spare hose out of the way.

If it works for you stick with it - don't rush to spend your money on gear - use the money to go diving and you will soon sus out what works for you. - P

 

[sphyrnidus]

I have the spg on my hip D ring, the comp on the wrist, but my dive master (the one who I'm married to has a console and after 1500 dives like that, she is happy as it is. She uses the exact retractor navi-jen posted in the link.
So if that works for you it is fine. Certainly when navigating is difficult like here where the viz is never more than 4 m and sometimes far less, having your computer in your line of sight is important, a console is easier to handle. I don't navigate, I film, and only keep a basic idea of where we are going. I have a compass with a retractor attached to de shoulder D ring of my wing.

If you want tp put it under your BCD, that is fine too, but only for occasional readings, if you want to navigate in murky waters, you'd look at it quite often and then it would be a bit cumbersome I guess.