Why isn't the Freedom Plate DIR compliant?

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Darling, I dive 70 minute dives in +4 degrees Celsius and I need no argon. I've done some 45 min dives in water around the freezing point (+-1) and without argon. There are very few people that actually need argon, and most of those will have electrically heated vests anyway. I do not see a point in requiring an argon bottle. It is a very very specialist tool. If your deco is long, then you will need it. Most don't.

So what do you inflate your suit with when you're diving trimix?
 
or maybe he doesn't hate at all. It could be a cultural difference from someone from Finland.

---------- Post added November 1st, 2013 at 01:34 PM ----------



He never said "white male", he said "white straight male" you dropped the straight part, TWICE. Does this mean he is correct that DIR/GUE/UTD/ABC/123/etc. is homophobic or is it just you that is the hater?*

*P.S. I don't really think James is a hater but just want to show how easy it can be for a post to be taken out of context.

C'mon now! Do you honestly think I took that out of context? I have read it again, and again, and each time it seems condescending. I understand exactly what you are trying to say, I just don't agree.

---------- Post added November 1st, 2013 at 06:41 PM ----------

From what I have seen they are all black... sometimes with red or blue overlays:)

Mines red. LoL
 
Ok, tasteless sarcasm, admittedly. That "attracting nerds" comment was also really bad and not true. Gue actually trains excellent divers and their books are wonderfull. It just takes one individual that is too keen to make others conform to their configuration and rules, that one gets a bit irritated. Should not blame an organization for that, though. But yeah, I have heard too many encouragements (from one individual) to conform. For almost two years now, I have been repeatedly encouraged to get a backplate and wing and a "proper canister light". Why don't you get a backplate? When will you get one? Look here's a cheap one. You are welcome to experience this kind of peer pressure for a year or two, and try to maintain a balanced view. My previous message reflects these personal experiences. I know it's not an excuse. What I have written I have written and there's no-one else to blame for that. My message may hurt someones feelings. Sorry for that. It's just too late to delete it.

I am still of the opinion that requiring a suit gas compatible backplate is a bit too restrictive, if the student is not attending a mix course. Not all need trimix. Not all dive long duration dives in cold. Some do, of course. I have been diving for three years and I do not know everything. So I may be wrong, in which case, you're welcome to correct me. That's why discussion forums exist.

---------- Post added November 2nd, 2013 at 05:26 AM ----------

or maybe he doesn't hate at all. It could be a cultural difference from someone from Finland.

No it's not cultural. My post reflects my experiences only. And in this case only one individual. But hey, maybe I feel better next year.
 
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I guess some people can't let go of the ancient past.....Some Southerners still have hatred for Northerners because of their mis-deeds during the Civil War.... My guess is that this poster's hatred for DIR people is about as current and relevant :)

That's war of northern aggression to some. As some of my friends from the south call it. And as many comedians have said, there is no such thing as a "civil" war.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2
 
I am still of the opinion that requiring a suit gas compatible backplate is a bit too restrictive, if the student is not attending a mix course. Not all need trimix. Not all dive long duration dives in cold. Some do, of course. I have been diving for three years and I do not know everything. So I may be wrong, in which case, you're welcome to correct me. That's why discussion forums exist.

I'm wondering if the term "standardized" doesn't translate properly into all languages. At the core of GUE philosophy is the idea of using a standardized gear configuration. You cannot espouse "a standardized configuration" and then list out umpteen exceptions and variations depending on the dive, the conditions, water temperature, depth, time, training, recreational vs tech, varying expectations for future training, and diver preferences, etc.
 
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RJP nailed it. No, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with a plate that doesn't mount doubles or a suit inflation bottle. The OP just wants it to be GUE-recommended, which it will not be, for the reasons listed.
 
The OP just wants it to be GUE-recommended, which it will not be, for the reasons listed.

Correct in that the Freedom Plate will never be GUE recommended. A GUE diver can use a Freedom Plate without raising any negative eye brows from team members though. It is a choice each individual must make. *shrugs*

Some people take this stuff way to seriously.

Oh and I am Finnish, so don't lump us all together. :wink:
 
I haven't actually heard from the "man" himself yet, and I doublt I will.
But you GUE people are probably right, the Freedom Plate will NEVER be DIR compliant because it cannot take doubles and it cannot accept an argon bottle attached to the side, plus it just looks too weird.
Despite the fact that some GUE divers actually do some diving with single tanks and no argon (I know they do because I've seen them with my own eyes - I have proof) and I've even seen one... no actually two, of my personal GUE friends using one on the same beach! I thought of reporting them but that would really be mean and uncalled for. That's like a Jehovahs witness sneaking off to have a beer and a cigarette, it's their business and who am I to rat them out.
I think those two are a little more open minded and flexible in their skills though. They probably have it trained in their muscle memory to incorporate the use of a Freedom Plate (they sneak it while they solo dive - two felonies). I could see how using one for the first time could really be a challenge to someone who has fine tuned their muscle memory to a standard plate to such a high degree. It could actually be dangerous to use a Freedom Plate, maybe it would press on an unfamiliar part of their back causing an uncontrolled reflex making their left arm fly up smacking their buddy or something, I don't know.
I don't think it's a money thing. After all, spending 15 to 20K on gear, a paltry few hundred dollars seems like chicken feed. Maybe their not expensive enough?

Maybe someday GUE training will take over and become law. I guess at that point I would be screwed. So would a lot of other people.
I'm in the same league now as split fins, poodle jackets, tank bangers, retractors, air2's, and ankle weights.

All sarcasm asside, do you see why that sort of philosophy and structure will never become dominant? People like choices and they like individuality.
Even though GUE training and gear choices are very good, there are a lot of other really good gear choices and training also and just as appropriate for the environment dived.
I think you guys are denying yourselves the opportunity and joy of growing and adapting to new ideas and products.

Like I always say, "There's more than one way to skin a cat."
 
Rather than GUE, have you considered talking to AG at UTD? I think he seems a little less rigid and more open to new ideas. Plus, they seem to be really moving towards marketing the recreational diver movement, which seems to be more along the lines of your BP. He seems to really like streamlined stuff so maybe he would be more receptive to your plate?
 

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