ScottB
Contributor
So, I've been working on building a functional, streamlined, compact recreational single tank diving setup.. With some trial and error, this is what I am currently assembling.. I won't get to dive the complete setup until the end of November, at which point I will post my findings =)
I know some of this is controversial, but please keep the thread flame free.
Keeping in mind that I know my choices are not perfect for everyone, or every situation, I open this post for your comments, concerns, compliments, and constructive complaints...
Freedom Plate - In the mail
Moves weight from a belt to over my torso, where I need it, keeps the tank off my tail bone, might keep me from arching my back too much, and uses a hog harness.
(I currently am using a Mark Meadows Low Profile Travel Plate.. Using a shorter tank or rebreather canister it would be perfect for me, but an Aluminum 80 is long enough to dig into my tail bone when mounted.. its "too low profile"
Oxycheq Hogarthian Harness
Simple, fits me well, pretty easy to adjust if necessary, cheap and easy to replace as it ages..
Oxycheq 18# Travel Wing
Compact and enough buoyancy for my recreational needs, easy enough to patch if I pierce it.
Poseidon Xstream Deco
Light weight, side exhaust, easy breather, parts can be expensive BUT Scuba Toys has a nice deal regarding that:
"We will do annual service for $49.95 on any reg purchased from us. And parts are free for life!"
(And they matched divers-supply.com's price =) )
Atomic Aquatics SS1
Combined Alternate Air Source and Inflator, eliminates another hose, rated for 2 year service interval, relatively compact.
Oceanic Atom 1.0 Wireless Air integrated Wrist Computer
Eliminates one hose, and a few places that could leak. Best of all it lets me turn off audible alarms!!!!
Dive Rite Z-Knife - shoulder mount
Safe to use blade that mounts in a minimum of space and stays put.
Dive Rite Stainless Steel Cam Bands
Spares that I have laying around... *might* have my LDS order me a set of the Scubapro hinge style.
Dive Rite Fingerspool with Hi Viz Orange line
Small and compact, very easy to see the line.
See Me Safety Signal Tube
Signal Marker Buoy for open water safety stops and boat signaling.. 14 pounds of lift for recovering that treasure chest I'll never find
Cressi Minima Mask, Black skirt
Very low volume, easy to clear, stays put on my face and does not pull up on my nose. Fits my face very well
Omer-Sub Millennium Black freediving fins
Trying these this weekend, will see how that goes.. if they don't live up to my expectations, back to my Scubapro Twin Jets and/or DiveRite Spring Strap Paddles
Omer-Sub Zoom Pro Soft - Black Snorkel
I don't typically use a snorkel, but for when I do, this one is light, and you could tie it in a knot and then untie it and it would be fine =)
Omer-Sub Rubber Weight Belt
In the event I need a few extra pounds, this weight belt has some stretch to it so it won't fall off when my suit compresses.
Aeris XR Compass Clip Mount boot
Since I almost never use my compass, a clip mount boot to keep it secure and out of the way until I want it..
For the most part, what I could get locally, I did..
Online:
http://www.pacificcoastmarine.net
http://www.spearfishinggear.com
http://www.scubatoys.com
http://www.diveriteexpress.com
http://www.scuba.com
LDS:
http://www.divecustom.com Piney Flats, TN
http://www.smokymtndivers.com Kingsport, TN
Vacation LDS:
http://www.seminolescuba.com Lake Mary, FL
I know some of this is controversial, but please keep the thread flame free.
Keeping in mind that I know my choices are not perfect for everyone, or every situation, I open this post for your comments, concerns, compliments, and constructive complaints...
Freedom Plate - In the mail
Moves weight from a belt to over my torso, where I need it, keeps the tank off my tail bone, might keep me from arching my back too much, and uses a hog harness.
(I currently am using a Mark Meadows Low Profile Travel Plate.. Using a shorter tank or rebreather canister it would be perfect for me, but an Aluminum 80 is long enough to dig into my tail bone when mounted.. its "too low profile"
Oxycheq Hogarthian Harness
Simple, fits me well, pretty easy to adjust if necessary, cheap and easy to replace as it ages..
Oxycheq 18# Travel Wing
Compact and enough buoyancy for my recreational needs, easy enough to patch if I pierce it.
Poseidon Xstream Deco
Light weight, side exhaust, easy breather, parts can be expensive BUT Scuba Toys has a nice deal regarding that:
"We will do annual service for $49.95 on any reg purchased from us. And parts are free for life!"
(And they matched divers-supply.com's price =) )
Atomic Aquatics SS1
Combined Alternate Air Source and Inflator, eliminates another hose, rated for 2 year service interval, relatively compact.
Oceanic Atom 1.0 Wireless Air integrated Wrist Computer
Eliminates one hose, and a few places that could leak. Best of all it lets me turn off audible alarms!!!!
Dive Rite Z-Knife - shoulder mount
Safe to use blade that mounts in a minimum of space and stays put.
Dive Rite Stainless Steel Cam Bands
Spares that I have laying around... *might* have my LDS order me a set of the Scubapro hinge style.
Dive Rite Fingerspool with Hi Viz Orange line
Small and compact, very easy to see the line.
See Me Safety Signal Tube
Signal Marker Buoy for open water safety stops and boat signaling.. 14 pounds of lift for recovering that treasure chest I'll never find
Cressi Minima Mask, Black skirt
Very low volume, easy to clear, stays put on my face and does not pull up on my nose. Fits my face very well
Omer-Sub Millennium Black freediving fins
Trying these this weekend, will see how that goes.. if they don't live up to my expectations, back to my Scubapro Twin Jets and/or DiveRite Spring Strap Paddles
Omer-Sub Zoom Pro Soft - Black Snorkel
I don't typically use a snorkel, but for when I do, this one is light, and you could tie it in a knot and then untie it and it would be fine =)
Omer-Sub Rubber Weight Belt
In the event I need a few extra pounds, this weight belt has some stretch to it so it won't fall off when my suit compresses.
Aeris XR Compass Clip Mount boot
Since I almost never use my compass, a clip mount boot to keep it secure and out of the way until I want it..
For the most part, what I could get locally, I did..
Online:
http://www.pacificcoastmarine.net
http://www.spearfishinggear.com
http://www.scubatoys.com
http://www.diveriteexpress.com
http://www.scuba.com
LDS:
http://www.divecustom.com Piney Flats, TN
http://www.smokymtndivers.com Kingsport, TN
Vacation LDS:
http://www.seminolescuba.com Lake Mary, FL