SlugLife
Contributor
For the last week, I've been thinking about making an arm-console, which could hold items like computers, gauges, mirrors, compass, dive-notes, small cutting tool, and other similar items. Since I'm getting into side-mount & sometimes switch back to backplate, I'm trying to keep everything off my harness & not have a bulky spg-gauge-cluster-****.
Ideally it would be:
My current idea is to make something like a gauntlet out of a modified "motorcycle arm brace" (something like this). The arm-brace would provide structure, and save me a lot of time DIYing from scratch, although the materials may require repair or reinforcement if they're not the type that would stand up to water.
In terms of how to mount items:
One idea is 2-inch webbing with velcro underneath, and triglides on each-end. Most of my wrist-mount items at the moment are secured with 2 loops of bungee - instead, they would have 2 smaller loops, which slide over the webbing, and the velcro prevents the loops them from sliding. The triglides would be used to ensure the ends of the 2-inch webbing are tight and nothing slides off the ends, if the velcro came lose.
Another idea would be to hack apart some gauge boots, the kind which usually go on the end of high-pressure hoses, and hold the SPG. The downside being the scrap/spare ones I have are a little bulky and would ideally be cut. It seems scuba-gauges and consoles are usually in the 2.25 to 2.5 inch range, perhaps there are some cheaper options not branded as "scuba" gauge protectors? I might have 2-5 items which could fit in these types of protectors, and could (semi) permanently affix them.
Lastly, I do have a few items on GoPro style mounts including an action camera & light, which are currently mounted to a helmet. I could put everything on possibly put everything on these types of mounts, which might be convenient for swapping items or even putting them at an angle. If I go this route, I might need something more secure than webbing or fabric to attach to, such as a piece of PVC. I could of course combine this with gauge-boots.
Anyway, I was curious if anyone has done something like this, or has any ideas.
Ideally it would be:
- Modular where items could be added or removed, preferably compatible with my current mounting-method of using two 1/8th inch bungee loops, which act as wrist-straps.
- Items are secure. I don't want to drop computers worth several hundred $.
- Quick to don and doff. Ideally, you slip it on over the wetsuit, maybe secure 2-3 straps, and everything is ready to go.
- Not too floppy, or too stiff where my arm can't move normally.
- Hands-free underwater.
My current idea is to make something like a gauntlet out of a modified "motorcycle arm brace" (something like this). The arm-brace would provide structure, and save me a lot of time DIYing from scratch, although the materials may require repair or reinforcement if they're not the type that would stand up to water.
In terms of how to mount items:
One idea is 2-inch webbing with velcro underneath, and triglides on each-end. Most of my wrist-mount items at the moment are secured with 2 loops of bungee - instead, they would have 2 smaller loops, which slide over the webbing, and the velcro prevents the loops them from sliding. The triglides would be used to ensure the ends of the 2-inch webbing are tight and nothing slides off the ends, if the velcro came lose.
Another idea would be to hack apart some gauge boots, the kind which usually go on the end of high-pressure hoses, and hold the SPG. The downside being the scrap/spare ones I have are a little bulky and would ideally be cut. It seems scuba-gauges and consoles are usually in the 2.25 to 2.5 inch range, perhaps there are some cheaper options not branded as "scuba" gauge protectors? I might have 2-5 items which could fit in these types of protectors, and could (semi) permanently affix them.
Lastly, I do have a few items on GoPro style mounts including an action camera & light, which are currently mounted to a helmet. I could put everything on possibly put everything on these types of mounts, which might be convenient for swapping items or even putting them at an angle. If I go this route, I might need something more secure than webbing or fabric to attach to, such as a piece of PVC. I could of course combine this with gauge-boots.
Anyway, I was curious if anyone has done something like this, or has any ideas.