As I have been diving over the past 8 or so yrs , reading various forums & researching different styles of diving, I have come to realize more & more, that Scuba is a "give & take" proposition. I am not trying to open any particular can of worms on any hot button topic, but just putting the observation out there. Where you gain an advantage here, there is typically a disadvantage there. A few examples:
- Depth & Bottom Times- NDL- more depth means giving up bottom time. Decompression diving- it can mean more decompression obligation.
- Nitrox vs Air- More bottom time, but limitations in depth & a few potential risks
- Single cylinder vs double cylinders- simplicity vs longer bottom time & redundancy
- Open Circuit vs Closed Circuit- shorter bottom times (singles) or more weight (doubles) vs lighter weight, but more risks & typically more complexity.
- One size doesn't fit all-What may work for one person or situation, may not work for everyone or every situation. One should dive within their training, skills & comfort levels for the type of diving thay do,... or seek some sort of assisance to become proficient & safe in the way they want to dive
- Before making significant changes to the way one dives, an individual should thoroughly research the changes, seek guidance from those that dive that particular equipment configuration or environment. Then, if needed,learn, practice & become proficient at it. Understand the benefits & the risks, both.