SPG or not

[halocline]

Yep...... also have my pony 2nd necklaced now.

I still don’t understand why anyone would ever back mount a pony when you can so easily sling it, control the valve, easily see the SPG, and stow the 2nd stage on the pony like a stage or deco bottle. Everything is so clear. The tech divers figured this out decades ago. To each his own, I guess.

 

[Mike McG]

I’m not new to diving but I’m very new to dive computers and recently was suggested that in addition to my wrist mounted AI computer that I get a SPG too. Is this common and what’s the point? Why not a whole console?

The argument for using an SPG as well as AI is redundancy and the argument against is extra failure points on your rig. Personally I use a small Apex SPG on my rig as well as AI on my Garmin for the simple reason that if the battery in my transmitter runs out mid-dive I can continue the dive.

Some people don't trust digital devices but i've never had any problems.

 

[KenE]

I still don’t understand why anyone would ever back mount a pony when you can so easily sling it, control the valve, easily see the SPG, and stow the 2nd stage on the pony like a stage or deco bottle. Everything is so clear. The tech divers figured this out decades ago. To each his own, I guess.

Comfort and convenience is likely the motive. We all have different diving styles, equipment, and most importantly body types. Age and injuries have led me to back mount my pony. It is there, out of the way, and available when I need it. I also use a jacket BCD that does not have the D rings to sling anything on the left. Hopefully this will help you understand why some of us do it the way we want to dive.

Back on topic, I have a button on my pony so I don't need to turn on computer to ensure it is full when configuring kit. I also have a button that comes down my left shoulder with the inflator hose. So, if I loose the comms I continue my dive. I don't see the hose and button as an additional failure point, as it has been on the regulator long before the AI transmitter was added. I have had a transmitter failure and comms issue. So for now, it will stay there, as I don't believe it is hurting anything.

 

[Endler's]

Best reason to have an SPG on your regulator, is that in the extremely rare instance that your computer is left @ home, you can still go diving.

 

[gamon]

Best reason to have an SPG on your regulator, is that in the extremely rare instance that your computer is left @ home, you can still go diving.

What happens in the extremely rare case the regulator is left @ home?

 

[rsingler]

Hahaha! Perfect!
Now let's start the entire discussion all over again for the fifth time, making sure to not read anything that was written in the previous ten pages, not to mention the six prior threads referenced on the first page. After all, we each have a unique perspective!
1) An SPG offers redundancy
2) But but but, it creates a second point of failure on a HP hose
3) Believers then point out that any resultant HP hose leak is mitigated by the pinhole input on the 1st stage
4) Divert thread for accessory discussion of computer algorithms
5) Return to step 1

 

[KenE]

Now you are just taking away all the fun!!!

 

[halocline]

Comfort and convenience is likely the motive. We all have different diving styles, equipment, and most importantly body types. Age and injuries have led me to back mount my pony. It is there, out of the way, and available when I need it. I also use a jacket BCD that does not have the D rings to sling anything on the left. Hopefully this will help you understand why some of us do it the way we want to dive.

Fair enough, but you’d never convince me that age, injuries, or body type have anything to do with it.

 

[KenE]

Fair enough, but you’d never convince me that age, injuries, or body type have anything to do with it.

You have obviously never broken and dislocated a shoulder. Really makes tank handling very difficult on that side of your body. Now, add a broken neck on the other side with nerve damage and lets see how you do. Over 60 and a bit overweight does not help much either. Nerve damage makes working out significantly more difficult if not impossible. Not all divers fit in a single category. Diving does relieve a bit of pain, so I will continue as long as possible with a back mounted pony because it is safer than no pony.

 

[Endler's]

What happens in the extremely rare case the regulator is left @ home?

...
No diving for You!
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