Side Mount?

[SangP]

Hi,

I'm considering the benefits of side mount over conventional for all types of diving as the system is so modular.

Basically I have heard of these systems:
Armallio side mount system
http://www.advanceddivermagazine.com/armadillo.html

Explorer 1 Harness
http://www.farrworld.co.uk/harness.html

Anyone have any experience with the above mentioned systems?

Thanks

SangP

 

[Diver0001]

Hi,

I'm considering the benefits of side mount over conventional for all types of diving as the system is so modular.

Basically I have heard of these systems:
Armallio side mount system
http://www.advanceddivermagazine.com/armadillo.html

Explorer 1 Harness
http://www.farrworld.co.uk/harness.html

Anyone have any experience with the above mentioned systems?

Thanks

SangP

Just a side track to get my mind around your thinking. You've started by describing a solution.....what's the problem you're trying to solve?

R..

 

[SangP]

Hi Diver0001,

Point noted cept I'm not trying to solve any problems but rather, to find a system that is so well balanced that you could almost use it anywhere from recreational to tech and cave.

I know that's a tall order but something that can accept a single tank well, do double duty on tech and even cave... that would be awsome.

I like the idea of the side mount especially for people who are unable to take the load of tank or tanks on their back and a system that distributes weight well like a well designed backpack would really be great!

That why I thought of the side mount or more importantly, the Armadilo system. If that system allowed a single tank, double tank and even individual mount it would almost be perfect.

My thoughts,

SangP

 

[Vie]

Isn’t the whole point of side mounting to “allow the exploration of restrictive underwater cave passage that was not accessible by standard back mounted cylinders. Side mount configurations allowed the diver to maneuver through much smaller passage by placing the cylinders on the divers side, thus reducing the overall girth of the diver?”

As well as the system you mentioned, the Dive Rite Transpac II can also be used.

Wouldn’t a side mount config used in a recreational situation create unnescessary drag?

BTW, Curt Bowen of Advanced Diver Magazine is a member of this board—why don’t you PM him, SangP?

 

[SangP]

Hi Vie,

You are right but also I'm thinking of more than just a side mount as a system that allows you to place tanks wherever you need them to be. Back for single and doubles and everywhere else if you are going into tight quarters.

The Armadilo is just the starting point of this discussion as I'm throwing around ideas on a setup that is about the most modular as possible.

SangP

 

[MikeFerrara]

Wouldn’t a side mount config used in a recreational situation create unnescessary drag?

Sidemounted tanks don't increase drag. In fact, it probably reduces it some if there's any difference at all...the tanks are under your arms and tight to your body so they should be in your slipstream.

Some of the sidemound divers I know never go back to back mounted tanks. A few still use back mounted doubles for wreck diving but other use sidemounted tanks any time they dive open circuit.

 

[SangP]

Hi,

Vie you are right in that side mount allows divers to get into tighter gaps but this only applies to places where the girth is a problem where the enterences are nothing more than small round holes, side mount would present problem.

I would think that MikeFerrara is right about the drag issue but I have been advised that there might issues over air supply and I am not sure about the advantages of independents over manifold.

Still looking for the perfect setup.

SangP

 

[MikeFerrara]

Hi,

Vie you are right in that side mount allows divers to get into tighter gaps but this only applies to places where the girth is a problem where the enterences are nothing more than small round holes, side mount would present problem.

I would think that MikeFerrara is right about the drag issue but I have been advised that there might issues over air supply and I am not sure about the advantages of independents over manifold.

Still looking for the perfect setup.

SangP

The other advantage of sidemount is that each tank can be easily removed for narrow passages. In low wide bedding planes, which are common, it's perfect.

 

[Diver0001]

The other advantage of sidemount is that each tank can be easily removed for narrow passages. In low wide bedding planes, which are common, it's perfect.

Just don't forget to plug the hole in your head before you push your tanks through a restriction in a low wide bedding plane.....

R..