NWGratefulDivers recent thread discussing, what should be taught in a sidemount class at the recreational level spawned a number of related, but tangential to the original premise, comments about gear configuration. Some of the questions about sidemount gear configuration seemed to ask, What is the standard . . .?, or Why isnt . . . the standard? Several of these comments spurred my curiosity, but I dont want to further hijack Bobs thread. And, several other recent threads have addressed particular questions about rigging, such as Maxime Thiery-Lavoies post about using parachute cord, a quick link and a double ender for the top cylinder attachment, and kelemvors question about bottom bolt snaps.
I do, and teach, certain things related to SM gear configuration that I think are better, if not standard. But, I value the fact that diving a sidemount gear configuration offers considerable flexibility and freedom. And, while I dont want to open a can of worms, replicate existing threads, etc., I am now more curious about the preferences of SM divers on SB in relation to 4 specific aspects of gear configuration, and the standard or at least the most common approaches beyond my own insular world. So, I would like to know what do others do (and why, if you choose to share your thoughts) with specific regard to 4 specific areas:
1. Second stage regulator hose lengths do you dive a long hose on one side, and a short hose (e.g. on a bungee necklace) on the other? If so, on which side do you place your long hose, and what long hose length do you use? Or, do you dive 2 long hoses?
2. Second stage hose adapters - do you use an adapter on your second stage hoses, such as a 70 degree angle adapter, a 90 degree angle adapter, or a 360 degree swivel adapter? If so, do you use them on both, or only one hose?
3. Cylinder attachment methods do you use a standard deco / stage bottle rigging kit, or something else? If something else, what do you use for the top at bottom attachment points? Do you use a fixed bottom attachment (e.g. a metal hose clamp), or do you use a cam band?
4. Cylinder valve position do you position the aperture (opening) of your valves so that they face into your body? Away from your body? At a 90 degree angle to your body (e.g. facing in, toward the opposing cylinder valve opening)?
This may turn out to be an exercise in futility. But, I am interested in gauging the diversity of certain aspects of sidemount gear configurations. (I also recognize that practices will be influenced by primary dive environment, so feel free to add that to your comments, if you wish.) Thanks in advance.
I do, and teach, certain things related to SM gear configuration that I think are better, if not standard. But, I value the fact that diving a sidemount gear configuration offers considerable flexibility and freedom. And, while I dont want to open a can of worms, replicate existing threads, etc., I am now more curious about the preferences of SM divers on SB in relation to 4 specific aspects of gear configuration, and the standard or at least the most common approaches beyond my own insular world. So, I would like to know what do others do (and why, if you choose to share your thoughts) with specific regard to 4 specific areas:
1. Second stage regulator hose lengths do you dive a long hose on one side, and a short hose (e.g. on a bungee necklace) on the other? If so, on which side do you place your long hose, and what long hose length do you use? Or, do you dive 2 long hoses?
2. Second stage hose adapters - do you use an adapter on your second stage hoses, such as a 70 degree angle adapter, a 90 degree angle adapter, or a 360 degree swivel adapter? If so, do you use them on both, or only one hose?
3. Cylinder attachment methods do you use a standard deco / stage bottle rigging kit, or something else? If something else, what do you use for the top at bottom attachment points? Do you use a fixed bottom attachment (e.g. a metal hose clamp), or do you use a cam band?
4. Cylinder valve position do you position the aperture (opening) of your valves so that they face into your body? Away from your body? At a 90 degree angle to your body (e.g. facing in, toward the opposing cylinder valve opening)?
This may turn out to be an exercise in futility. But, I am interested in gauging the diversity of certain aspects of sidemount gear configurations. (I also recognize that practices will be influenced by primary dive environment, so feel free to add that to your comments, if you wish.) Thanks in advance.