I posted this in another thread, but thought I'd post it separately, as it was a good first time with my own gear. Nearly 3 hours in the pool.
Hollis SMS75, Apeks XTX50 regs, HP80 tanks.
5ft long hose on right, 36" short hose on left. 15" inflator on left. All rubber hoses. 36" hose is way too long. I'm changing to a 28".
I bought a used SMS75, but I don't believe it had ever been in the water. The bungees are very stiff. Buddy had to help me stretch them over the valve after we lengthened them a bit. I'm going to switch them out for a bit thinner cord that has more stretch.
I have the Hollis weight plate. I was diving my 3mm (I get cold in the pool after about an hour). Started out with 4 lbs on my shoulders and 4 lbs on bottom row of plate. Too much, so the bottom 4 lbs came off. HP80s trimmed out nicely. I didn't really know what to expect. Now I know this pair trims out nicely, I'm going to get a left hand valve.
I love it! Felt comfortable and very stable. Two more pool sessions to get familiar with my gear, and then SM class in the spring.
Hollis SMS75, Apeks XTX50 regs, HP80 tanks.
5ft long hose on right, 36" short hose on left. 15" inflator on left. All rubber hoses. 36" hose is way too long. I'm changing to a 28".
I bought a used SMS75, but I don't believe it had ever been in the water. The bungees are very stiff. Buddy had to help me stretch them over the valve after we lengthened them a bit. I'm going to switch them out for a bit thinner cord that has more stretch.
I have the Hollis weight plate. I was diving my 3mm (I get cold in the pool after about an hour). Started out with 4 lbs on my shoulders and 4 lbs on bottom row of plate. Too much, so the bottom 4 lbs came off. HP80s trimmed out nicely. I didn't really know what to expect. Now I know this pair trims out nicely, I'm going to get a left hand valve.
I love it! Felt comfortable and very stable. Two more pool sessions to get familiar with my gear, and then SM class in the spring.