scuba127
Contributor
Whats the best method/product to utilize when attaching lower portion of sidemount tanks to butt plate/d ring? Thanks in advance.
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Whats the best method/product to utilize when attaching lower portion of sidemount tanks to butt plate/d ring? Thanks in advance.
I use a piece of braided nylon (static) line looped (loop is ~ 5.5" long) around a large bolt snap (I personally prefer to avoid butterfly snaps). The loop is held in place on the tank by a cam band, with the loop knot positioned above the band, and the loop and bolt snap extending below the band. I don't use hose clamps for SM - they don't allow me to change the cam band position on the tank during a dive if I want to accomodate changes in tank buoyancy as I breath them down. For 'full size' tanks (7.25" and up) I use 2" cam bands. For smaller bottles (e.g. AL40s), I use the DR 1.5" bands. Tried those on bigger tanks and didn't feel they were secure enough.karstdiver:The question that isn't asked is what is the best way of attaching the hardware to the tank? I think cam bands are the worst due to the tendency to slip. I prefer hose clamps due to their secure fit,and streamlined.
...the latter is what I think some people call "suicide clips", is easier to handle with gloves but the potential risk to catch some stray fishing line or whatever...
Over 300 dives in sidemount with over 100 in very tight passage where the line is usually on the ceiling and I've yet to have line get caught in one of my butterfly clips. Position them facing in toward your back and it's not very likely.
they don't allow me to change the cam band position on the tank during a dive if I want to accomodate changes in tank buoyancy as I breath them down.
Interesting, I have seen several SM'ers who do that.I've had experience with sidemounting for 10 years,and that is a new one. I don't think I have seen anybody pull a tank during a dive and change a band positioning.
I find adjusting the cam band position to be quite easy, it isn't necessary in most cases but can be done if needed, and was part of the training in the SM instrcutor course for me.If someone uses the rear attachment point aka rails then tanks will float away,but that can be controlled by other methods than having to redo the cam band position.
Would appreciate more insights into your experiences here. When I started out, I assumed that SM could simply be approached like diving decos/stages, and that hip mounted placement of the bottom tank attachment point was appropriate. I now dive a Nomad, and using rails is second nature. But, would be interested in your perspective on the 'weaknesses' of rails.karstdvr:I have a strong preference for hip mounted tank placement on the harness,which prevents all the weaknesses of "rails".
Interesting, I have seen several SM'ers who do that.I find adjusting the cam band position to be quite easy, it isn't necessary in most cases but can be done if needed, and was part of the training in the SM instrcutor course for me.