sambolino44
Contributor
I got a lot of help from Tobin picking out the components for my new rig, and haven't gotten around to letting you know how it's worked until now. I've only tried it a few times, but I already know I like it a lot better than my old jacket-style BC.
I got a Medium SS backplate, with the heavy weight plates, a Hog harness, and a Torus 35 wing. I had been wondering about converting the wing to use my Air2, but I hadn't realized how much of a hassle it would be to get all the hoses and connectors right. So, I bought a Dive Rite RG1215 octo, put it on a home-made bungee necklace, and got a 5-ft hose for my primary.
It's quite different from my old set-up, but better in a lot of ways. I had been worried about getting my weight belt over the harness for easier ditching, but since there's so much less weight on the belt, and since the harness is so much more out of the way than the old jacket, that turned into a non-problem. I can put the belt on first, back up to the picnic table, and thread the crotch strap under the weight belt pretty easily. Or, since the weight belt is lighter, it's not that hard to put it on last.
I moved the rear D-ring to the right side of the belt. I put my spool and SMB on that. But after reading more about it, I think I'll put it back where it goes and see how it works with those things clipped to it there.
As far as actually diving, well I'm still working on my buoyancy control and trim with my new drysuit, and still getting used to the buttons on the inflator valve, so there's a bit of a learning curve, but I can already appreciate that my weight is closer to my center of gravity. The harness is more secure, yet at the same time more comfortable, than my old Scubapro Classic BC. Plenty enough lift, but doesn't seem to be too much drag. I've been using 12 lbs on my belt, but I may be able to trim that as I get more practice.
And for after the dive, the wing is easier to rinse and dry than the old BC. The heavy BP is a little more hassle to handle, but not too bad.
I've already had a chance to "rescue" my buddy from some monofilament with the knife! Strangley, I lost the one I had about the same time my new one arrived.
So, thanks Tobin! I'm sure as I get more used to the new rig I'll like it even more.
I got a Medium SS backplate, with the heavy weight plates, a Hog harness, and a Torus 35 wing. I had been wondering about converting the wing to use my Air2, but I hadn't realized how much of a hassle it would be to get all the hoses and connectors right. So, I bought a Dive Rite RG1215 octo, put it on a home-made bungee necklace, and got a 5-ft hose for my primary.
It's quite different from my old set-up, but better in a lot of ways. I had been worried about getting my weight belt over the harness for easier ditching, but since there's so much less weight on the belt, and since the harness is so much more out of the way than the old jacket, that turned into a non-problem. I can put the belt on first, back up to the picnic table, and thread the crotch strap under the weight belt pretty easily. Or, since the weight belt is lighter, it's not that hard to put it on last.
I moved the rear D-ring to the right side of the belt. I put my spool and SMB on that. But after reading more about it, I think I'll put it back where it goes and see how it works with those things clipped to it there.
As far as actually diving, well I'm still working on my buoyancy control and trim with my new drysuit, and still getting used to the buttons on the inflator valve, so there's a bit of a learning curve, but I can already appreciate that my weight is closer to my center of gravity. The harness is more secure, yet at the same time more comfortable, than my old Scubapro Classic BC. Plenty enough lift, but doesn't seem to be too much drag. I've been using 12 lbs on my belt, but I may be able to trim that as I get more practice.
And for after the dive, the wing is easier to rinse and dry than the old BC. The heavy BP is a little more hassle to handle, but not too bad.
I've already had a chance to "rescue" my buddy from some monofilament with the knife! Strangley, I lost the one I had about the same time my new one arrived.
So, thanks Tobin! I'm sure as I get more used to the new rig I'll like it even more.