Great post, swimmer_spe, and great replies too. Much food for thought here.
I'm kicking around the idea of trying a few tech classes in the future as well, primarily with the idea of skill improvement toward an end goal of being solid enough underwater to do well with photography. Having lurked here for a while and done as much side reading as I've been able to find on the web, there are a few things I'm having trouble following (
italics are quotes from the GUE gear configuration page):
- Why a black mask frame? Seems like it blanks any chance of peripheral vision for large objects / shadows / motion.
- Goodman handle light head is something like a Light & Motion Sola light with a wrist mount okay?
- Mask strap any examples of strong / weak ones? (strong, will resist breaking)
- Corrugated hose: how does this relate to ear clearing? (Should be just long enough to allow for ear clearing and potential dry suit inflation while actuating inflator, but not so long that it drags or entangles easily.)
- Double burst disks is the increased burst pressure from doubling the discs a safety issue for filling/storage?
- Pee valves are diapers okay too?
- Compass on left arm + steel stages and/or valves on left side = magnetic variation issues? (In the ocean, a compass is of paramount importance, and, without interfering with other activities, needs to be viewable and held in its correct orientation on the left hand.)
- Max single wing size: is 40 pounds more realistic for big guys in drysuits with a steel tank? (if a diver does need more than 65 pounds of lift for diving doubles, or more than 30 pounds for diving singles, then they do not have a balanced rig)
- Fins this thread is the first time Ive seen Mares Avanti Quattro grouped with tech fins (jet fins, etc.). Are they stiff enough / acceptable for most tech diving?
Hope these questions aren't too far off track. Thanks to everyone for the info so far!
Lance