Taking the DIR plunge (mostly)

[BVickery]

After reading a lot about DIR and such, decided to go and redo my gear and setup. I am currently saving for new BP/w setup (DSS) and already got a good regulator.

The question I have for everyone is that I have a rather large neck (about 19 1/2 in) and the thing is, if an item is to tight around it freaks me out and drives me nuts. Given that I'm an overall big guy (6'7 and broad build) any suggestions on how to properly secure my octo around my neck? I saw some items but given my neck size, would be more akin to me wearing a choker than anything else.

Another thing, it seems that use of retractors are pretty much frowned upon in DIR, and I am currently making plans to take some GUE classes. Another question I have is how verboten is the use of one? I only have one that I have attached to my SPG, I am VERY vigilent of monitoring my air and given some disabilities I have, it actually makes diving enjoyable and in a way.


Thank you all in advance.

Brian

 

[Rainer]

You can customize the bungee loop that holds the secondary regulator under your chin to whatever size is most comfortable. It'll cost you <50 cents in bungee.

As for the retractors, yeah, they're frowned upon (having used them when I first started diving, I can assure you, they eventually all fail, usually pretty soon after you've bought them). A double ender or bolt snap is cheaper and more reliable, and with practice, just as easy (if not more so) to use than a retractor.

 

[BVickery]

You can customize the bungee loop that holds the secondary regulator under your chin to whatever size is most comfortable. It'll cost you <50 cents in bungee.

Any place to see how to basiclly rig this? As far as i can tell no real DIR people in Jax that I know of. And trying to meet them but no luck.

As for the retractors, yeah, they're frowned upon (having used them when I first started diving, I can assure you, they eventually all fail, usually pretty soon after you've bought them). A double ender or bolt snap is cheaper and more reliable, and with practice, just as easy (if not more so) to use than a retractor.

I will look into it for sure. What exactly is a double ender, or is it just another variation of saying bolt snap? for the bolt snap, any particular material I should look for/stay away?

 

[Rainer]

Double ender is just a bolt snap with gates at both ends (bolt snap just has one gate). They usually serve slightly different purposes. I'd highly recommend stainless steel snaps (with SS springs!). They're a bit more expensive than brass ones, but IME, hold up the best. Look online and you can usually find them for $5-6 each.

Hopefully someone will be along shortly to post a link showing how to tie the bungee necklace (it's really as simple as getting a length of bungee, making two knots on either end, and zip-tying it to the second stage; you can also attach it with fishermen's knots; again, hopefully someone can post a link).

Best bet would be to hook up with some of the DIR/GUE locals in your area. I'm sure they'd be more than willing to help you with any questions.

 

[TSandM]

HERE is an essay on making a necklace, although that is not the way I do it. HERE is a video of the fisherman's knot method, which is what I use.

As far as the retractor goes, you will hear a mantra often in the DIR world: Using an equipment solution for a technique problem. Retractors are frowned upon because they fail, but also because it's essentially impossible to use one on the pressure gauge when using stages or deco bottles. The DIR approach is one of setting the gear up in the beginning so that you don't have to change things when you go to more complicated diving, so solutions which are good enough for beginners are not implemented, even at the start. Using a snap tied to the gauge is much less likely to cause a problem, but does require some practice to acquire facility with its use. You CAN cheat a bit by using a larger snap, which I do on my cold water gear, even though it is frowned upon. If the left hip d-ring is in the right place, it really isn't hard to learn to unclip the gauge, look at it, and put it back.

 

[BVickery]

Double ender is just a bolt snap with gates at both ends (bolt snap just has one gate). They usually serve slightly different purposes. I'd highly recommend stainless steel snaps (with SS springs!). They're a bit more expensive than brass ones, but IME, hold up the best. Look online and you can usually find them for $5-6 each.

Hopefully someone will be along shortly to post a link showing how to tie the bungee necklace (it's really as simple as getting a length of bungee, making two knots on either end, and zip-tying it to the second stage; you can also attach it with fishermen's knots; again, hopefully someone can post a link).

Best bet would be to hook up with some of the DIR/GUE locals in your area. I'm sure they'd be more than willing to help you with any questions.

Very much trying to, but no luck. I even offered to tender the boat w/o diving to break into 'the group' so more can dive.

Thanks for the info, going to switch over to the double enders ASAP.

 

[BVickery]

HERE is an essay on making a necklace, although that is not the way I do it. HERE is a video of the fisherman's knot method, which is what I use.

As far as the retractor goes, you will hear a mantra often in the DIR world: Using an equipment solution for a technique problem. Retractors are frowned upon because they fail, but also because it's essentially impossible to use one on the pressure gauge when using stages or deco bottles. The DIR approach is one of setting the gear up in the beginning so that you don't have to change things when you go to more complicated diving, so solutions which are good enough for beginners are not implemented, even at the start. Using a snap tied to the gauge is much less likely to cause a problem, but does require some practice to acquire facility with its use. You CAN cheat a bit by using a larger snap, which I do on my cold water gear, even though it is frowned upon. If the left hip d-ring is in the right place, it really isn't hard to learn to unclip the gauge, look at it, and put it back.

Thank you so much, gonna go switch out the retractor. And the next thing up would be a knife, any brands that would be good for a beginner? I am not looking for top of the line, but idea blade length? I dive FL so would blunt or pointed tip be more appropriate?

 

[LiteHedded]

I'm in jax a lot on business lately. if you have any questions maybe I can help sometime

 

[BVickery]

I'm in jax a lot on business lately. if you have any questions maybe I can help sometime

Right now I'm free a lot of days. I'm in the Arlington/Regency area so if you ever want to meet up for coffee and such, would love it.

 

[gsk3]

Thank you so much, gonna go switch out the retractor. And the next thing up would be a knife, any brands that would be good for a beginner? I am not looking for top of the line, but idea blade length? I dive FL so would blunt or pointed tip be more appropriate?

The classic answer here would be a flat-tipped steak-knife in a harness that leaves the handle exposed. I guess the idea is you can use the flat tip as a screwdriver in a pinch. Personally I have a knife that's a bit beefier, plus shears clipped off in a pocket (on a double-ender).