I’m seriously considering a gear configuration change. I want to go with the 7 foot primary and a bungee for the octo. I had thought about doing it last year, but since I was helping in O/W classes, I didn’t do it because I had to look, more or less, like the students did in the class. I haven’t been able to help out in classes in some months now and even if I did, I could just use a set at the dive shop instead of my own, so that’s a non-issue now.


I look at a few pictures of me and, at times, I look like Dr. Octopus with the hoses going to every side and out from my body at least a half a foot. (See picture) I’m thinking the 7ft, bungee method will be the best way to streamline that stuff. I’m already using a BP/W set up, so, I won’t look like a DIR wannabe Stroke with a 7foot and a jacket style BC. But, don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to go DIR either. So, can anyone offer any pros/cons on my gear config change?

Comments

AquaMarine - 5/16/2008 7:39 AM Why don’t you take a Deco Course, you seem to have the interest? A good Deco Instructor will contrast the miriad of configuration options as well as guide you in the direction that suits you best. Even if you don’t dive tech much the course is an excellent way to improve your skills. Besides, then you wouldn’t have to worried about being a "wanna-be" (as you mentioned). Good luck!

Smeagol - 5/16/2008 12:08 AM I’ve been using that system for a couple of years. This set up is particular to wreck, and cave diving. I do not use a jacket style BC, rather I use the Halcyon wing system (again for wreck and cave diving). This system keeps all of your hoses ect. in close to your body to prevent catching on things.

ccohn - 5/14/2008 7:54 PM You should just do it. The configuration is a lot more streamlined. I’m not DIR and I have been using it for quite some time. I use a 5’ hose instead of a 7’ as I’m small and I don’t have a can light to tuck it under. When you have students, do plan to use a more traditional set up. I confused the heck out of one of mine trying to demonstrate a reg recovery with my long hose. She tried to wrap her short hose around her neck to immitate what I had done. Not good! :-)

romeo25411 - 5/14/2008 7:39 PM Personally, I bungee my seven foot hose to my plate behind my right arm. Since you are not using a plate and harness, I have seen the extra hose bungeed to the right side tank (in the case of back mount doubles). From what I have observed it is only impractical for repetitive deploying and stowing in the course of OOA drills. Always check to make sure you can deploy comfortably enough, if you go with this idea, just in case you need to one day.

scubaclay - 5/14/2008 4:02 PM Dale, I have been using that configuration for years. I like theway it works and it is nice to have that extra length.

DiveBuddyChgo - 5/13/2008 8:43 PM Wrap that long hose around your body once and put it were it usually goes.