First time out with new DSS rig

[deadly_risk]

Ok, I had my new DSS rig out in a 14.6’ deep pool today. I bribed a freelance PADI instructor with a six pack to come help me with weighting and buoyancy, and to bring a reg set and weights I could borrow, so I didn’t have to rent them. I ordered on Tobin’s suggestion a Large Kydex back plate and a Torus 17 along with the standard HOG harness.

Me:
• 6’2” Tall
• 210lbs
• 3/2mm Scubapro Everflex Steamer
• 2.5/0.5mm hooded vest
• Large Scubapro Twin Jet Max
• AL80 with 2,000PSI, ended the dive with 1,000PSI

With 7 pounds and no air in the wing I could sink on exhale only, but came right back up with inhale. With no other gear (no lights and only the knife sheath) and 9 pounds on a weight belt I could slowly descend after dumping all the wing air.

I felt very buoyant, but sank anyway. I was able to perform fin pivots with NO air in the wing. I was able to hover with three squirts of air (how is that for a measurement?), but if I rose more than a few feet from the bottom I would really start moving up.

I use to have a hard time trying to stay horizontal, I constantly went fins down, in this rig it is much easier for me to stay horizontal. If I stop moving, I only gradually tilt fins down. I’m sure with adjusting things and experience I can fix that.

As for the harness fit, I arranged it according to the BAUE instructions. On land, it felt just fine, in the water the shoulder straps raised off my shoulders and the crotch strap became tight.

I really like this rig compared to the Zeagle Gulf I rented for my OW.

I would love to hear any constructive criticism or suggestions. I’m very new to diving, and new to owning my own equipment so I’m just playing around with everything.

 

[Centexbear]

My only comment is that I'm jealous!

Hey I see you're in Corpus...where do you dive down there? I'm up in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Do you go out off Padre or the Flower Gardens?

CTB

 

[deadly_risk]

My only comment is that I'm jealous!

Hey I see you're in Corpus...where do you dive down there? I'm up in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Do you go out off Padre or the Flower Gardens?

CTB

I go to Lake Travis in Austin, or Mammoth lake in Lake Jackson. The Texas clipper off south padre is 3 or 4 hours drive south of Corpus, and the flower gardens seems to be a little more of a trip than I feel up to currently.

 

[tk trekers]

I found the first time that I had to tighten my waist strap just a touch more, it wasn't tight to begin with but after doing that it stopped riding up. Don't over tighten your crotch strap and for me, I noticed that tightening the shoulder straps to 2 fingers gave me a very comfortable fit as I probably had just a little more slack there. I noticed many of the same benefits as you did and I'm sure the more I dive with it the better it will be. I know I am a LOT more comfortable and don't feel like I am constricting my chest/stomach anymore from my previous BCD.

 

[Centexbear]

I go to Lake Travis in Austin, or Mammoth lake in Lake Jackson. The Texas clipper off south padre is 3 or 4 hours drive south of Corpus, and the flower gardens seems to be a little more of a trip than I feel up to currently.

If you need a dive buddy, let me know and I might be able to meet you in Austin and go to Travis. My sister and a few buddies live in Austin so I could stay there and make a weekend of it even.

 

[fnfalman]

If I stop moving, I only gradually tilt fins down.

Play with your trim by curling and extending your legs.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Ok, I had my new DSS rig out in a 14.6’ deep pool today. I bribed a freelance PADI instructor with a six pack to come help me with weighting and buoyancy, and to bring a reg set and weights I could borrow, so I didn’t have to rent them. I ordered on Tobin’s suggestion a Large Kydex back plate and a Torus 17 along with the standard HOG harness.

Me:
• 6’2” Tall
• 210lbs
• 3/2mm Scubapro Everflex Steamer
• 2.5/0.5mm hooded vest
• Large Scubapro Twin Jet Max
• AL80 with 2,000PSI, ended the dive with 1,000PSI

With 7 pounds and no air in the wing I could sink on exhale only, but came right back up with inhale. With no other gear (no lights and only the knife sheath) and 9 pounds on a weight belt I could slowly descend after dumping all the wing air.

I felt very buoyant, but sank anyway. I was able to perform fin pivots with NO air in the wing. I was able to hover with three squirts of air (how is that for a measurement?), but if I rose more than a few feet from the bottom I would really start moving up.

I use to have a hard time trying to stay horizontal, I constantly went fins down, in this rig it is much easier for me to stay horizontal. If I stop moving, I only gradually tilt fins down. I’m sure with adjusting things and experience I can fix that.

As for the harness fit, I arranged it according to the BAUE instructions. On land, it felt just fine, in the water the shoulder straps raised off my shoulders and the crotch strap became tight.

I have nothing specific to add. You are getting some sound advice already.

What I do want say is new rigs require "tweeking" and "re-tweeking"

As you adapt to the BP&W, and your technique improves, for example Dumping via the OPV vs the inflator, clipping off a primary regulator to the right chest dring, or using the left dring for your SPG on a 24" hose, you will very likely find yourself making small adjustments to the harness and to the Dring position.

You really can't do this day one, you need to dive it a while.

At some point you will find everything is in a "natural" position, and you are no longer even thinking about it. Then you are done.

Tobin

 

[rongoodman]

Why buy a Kydex back plate and then put nine pounds of lead on a weight belt? A SS plate would put most of that weight over your lungs, instead of back toward your feet.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Why buy a Kydex back plate and then put nine pounds of lead on a weight belt? A SS plate would put most of that weight over your lungs, instead of back toward your feet.

I agree completely, but a Kydex plate and thin suit allows for the use of negative steel tanks without being overweighted.

IIRC, (and that's a leap considering the number of divers I talk with in any given week)
the OP included a requirement for 3mm suits and steel tanks.

Tobin

 

[deadly_risk]

Why buy a Kydex back plate and then put nine pounds of lead on a weight belt? A SS plate would put most of that weight over your lungs, instead of back toward your feet.

Good question.

Today or tomorrow I'm going to go back out with a steel tank (which I will be diving much more of than the borrowed AL) and set up with all my crap. Primary and backup light, compass and the like and see how much weight I need then. I'll post back here and get opinions on rather or not a Kydex is still the best choice or not.

Edit: And Tobin already answered. I don't normally use AL tanks, so I still have not actually worked out how much weight I need in common practice.