What are all the D-rings for?

[lowwall]

As a simple rec diver I'm amazed by the number of attachment points on my new my DSS single tank rig with Pro-Fit harness: 2 shoulder d-rings, 2 rings on the "Polypoint harness rings" (where the upper and lower parts of the harness meet at the chest) and 3 d-rings on the waist belt (one at each end plus one where the crotch strap attaches).

What typically gets clipped off where? Does anyone actually use all of these at once?

 

[loosebits]

Sounds like you have two more than the standard setup (e.g. setups where there is a convention for what goes where).

On my left chest d-ring I have my main backup light and my line arrows. Some people will also clip and SPG off here. A lot of people will have some bungee there also to hold down the inflator. My bungee loop for that is above that d-ring (I'm a lot taller than most people).

On my right chest d-ring is my other backup light. Both backup lights are placed under some bungee so they lay flat against the harness.

On my left hip d-ring goes my SPG.

I've removed my right hip d-ring as I never put anything on it and it interferes with my cannister light which is mounted on my belt.

The front crotch strap ring is for scooters. I don't scooter yet so I just thread the crotch strap through it to keep it out of the way.

The rear crotch d-ring is generally used for reels. I prefer using my pockets as I find it hard to reach.

Of course any extra bottles (e.g. stages, deco bottles) are clipped to the left chest & hip d-rings.

My pockets may contain reels, an SMB, wetnotes, tables, a backup mask and sheers as required by the dive.

Of course you can do whatever you want but those extra two chest d-rings usually are never found on a standard bp/wing setup.

 

[lowwall]

Thanks. I guess I should have mentioned there's a velcro loop for the LPI as well. You can place it anywhere, but it comes above the top D-ring as the hose is pretty short.

So when (if) you dive in open water, you just use one ring for the SPG and maybe another for a light?

 

[jonnythan]

Left chest D-ring: Backup light (plus stage/deco bottles if you have those)
Right chest D-ring: Backup light, primary regulator attachment, light head attachment
Left hip D-ring: SPG (plus stage/deco bottles if you have those)
Crotch strap D-ring: (scooter tow if you have a scooter)
Rear D-ring: SMB, reel (scooter tow)
Right hip D-ring: (I don't have one), but.. reel? lobster bag?

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Ooooh....you are in luck, all those extra D-rings mean you can conform to the WIA philosophy (Wear It All)!!!

Seriously if you are only diving in a non over head environment with no stage, deco bottles, etc, you'll use one for the SPG (usually the left hip) and another for a light.

For rec diving I do not use a cannister light, but instead use a backup light as my "day" light. I'll clip the end of the light to the right shoulder D-ring and then secure the head of the light through a piece of innertube around the right strap below the D-ring. It keeps it streamlined, yet it is easy to access and can be used without unclipping it from the D-ring. 3 C cell lights like the Pelican Saber light or UK 300 work well for this purpose (although you will want to fill the vent with superglue on the UK 300, the saber light is preferrable, and you can spend more money on other similar lights.)

 

[loosebits]

Thanks. I guess I should have mentioned there's a velcro loop for the LPI as well. You can place it anywhere, but it comes above the top D-ring as the hose is pretty short.

So when (if) you dive in open water, you just use one ring for the SPG and maybe another for a light?

Well, I almost always have my backup lights on my rig.. no reason, they are just almost a part of my harness and I feel weird without them. Obviously I won't carry line arrows on an OW dive but that's about it. Most of the stuff that changes from dive to dive is in my pockets.

 

[jeckyll]

Given that this is _not_ the DIR forum :
I clip off my SPG on my left waist D-ring, my C8 is clipped off to my right shoulder D-ring, my safety sausage & spool is clipped off to my butt D-ring. My left shoulder and crotch D-ring are currently unused and my backup light is attached to my mask

Not sure if that helps.

Bjorn