DIR- Generic Why no D-Ring on right hip?

[mje113]

It seems that in the "proper" DIR configuration there's a D-Ring on the left hip, but not on the right. My understanding is because that's where your canister light attaches. That makes sense. But I also see people adding an additional buckle on the right hip, presumably to keep said canister light from sliding around?

If that's correct, then wouldn't a D-ring provide the same functionality with an added attachment point if needed?

 

[JoeTPhilly]

It seems that in the "proper" DIR configuration there's a D-Ring on the left hip, but not on the right. My understanding is because that's where your canister light attaches. That makes sense. But I also see people adding an additional buckle on the right hip, presumably to keep said canister light from sliding around?

If that's correct, then wouldn't a D-ring provide the same functionality with an added attachment point if needed?

Having a D-ring and hanging stuff on it would interfere with the long hose.

 

[mje113]

Ah right... that makes sense! Currently I'm using a 60" long hose, so it's routed under my arm, should I still skip the d-ring? I'm mainly asking because I got a used DSS backplate and it had d-rings on both hips, and am replacing the harness right now and not sure what to do. I'm also carrying a lot with me, reel, 2 strobes, pony slung on my left side, etc.

 

[JoeTPhilly]

Ah right... that makes sense! Currently I'm using a 60" long hose, so it's routed under my arm, should I still skip the d-ring? I'm mainly asking because I got a used DSS backplate and it had d-rings on both hips, and am replacing the harness right now and not sure what to do. I'm also carrying a lot with me, reel, 2 strobes, pony slung on my left side, etc.

I would skip the D-Ring. I recall you are doing Fundamentals in January. Your instructor is going to have you remove the D-Ring so you might as well lose it now.

 

[digitalMechanic]

If you are indeed taking fundies soon, you will inevitably get familiar with GUE's mantra of "starting with the end in mind" - which means you should avoid practices that would need to be changed down the line when you move on to more advanced training.
Hence, even if the d-ring is not interfering with your (short) long hose at the moment, you shouldn't get used to it, and just remove it now.

 

[mje113]

I would skip the D-Ring. I recall you are doing Fundamentals in January. Your instructor is going to have you remove the D-Ring so you might as well lose it now.

Yeah good point. Ok I'll skip it.

Follow up question--how strict is SPG being mounted to left hip d-ring? I've always liked having it on my left shoulder d-ring... the hose is nice and streamlined and I can see it without having to unclip (I check my pressure often). Also since I'm slinging the pony right now (I know I won't in fundies), I feel like there's a lot of competition on space in that area.

 

[mje113]

If you are indeed taking fundies soon, you will inevitably get familiar with GUE's mantra of "starting with the end in mind" - which means you should avoid practices that would need to be changed down the line when you move on to more advanced training.

Ok, that is a good mantra and makes a lot of sense.

 

[JoeTPhilly]

Yeah good point. Ok I'll skip it.

Follow up question--how strict is SPG being mounted to left hip d-ring? I've always liked having it on my left shoulder d-ring... the hose is nice and streamlined and I can see it without having to unclip (I check my pressure often). Also since I'm slinging the pony right now (I know I won't in fundies), I feel like there's a lot of competition on space in that area.

Strict. The SPG goes on left hip D-Ring. Here is a link to the GUE equipment standards:

Standards - Appendix A & B

[title title=" - GUE Base Equipment Configuration " size="h2" decorated="1" different_values="0" style_padding_bottom="0" highlighted_text="Appendix A" position="before"] [/title] [html format="php_code" different_values="0"] The GUE base equipment configuration is comprised of: Tanks/cylinders...

www.gue.com

 

[digitalMechanic]

Yeah good point. Ok I'll skip it.

Follow up question--how strict is SPG being mounted to left hip d-ring? I've always liked having it on my left shoulder d-ring... the hose is nice and streamlined and I can see it without having to unclip (I check my pressure often). Also since I'm slinging the pony right now (I know I won't in fundies), I feel like there's a lot of competition on space in that area.

It is strict, like @JoeTPhilly mentioned. However, I (and most GUE divers I know) believe one should know the reason behind those seemingly random rules.

Consider the following:

1. When diving in a drysuit, the inflation hose will be routed very similar to what you would have the SPG if it was clipped to your left chest D ring. Having two hoses with identical paths can lead to trouble, for instance if you have a runaway inflator in your drysuit and you need to disconnect it quickly
2. Once you start carrying stage bottles, they are clipped to your left chest and hip D rings (right side is reserved for the long hose, so no more clipping ponies on the right). This will quickly turn what was a nice free and visible area at your left chest D ring, into a cluttered area of multiple bottles, each with their own SPG - so now you can't just glance and see it

So following my previous mention of "Starting with the end in mind" - just clip it to your hip D ring like we all do.

 

[PfcAJ]

Yeah good point. Ok I'll skip it.

Follow up question--how strict is SPG being mounted to left hip d-ring? I've always liked having it on my left shoulder d-ring... the hose is nice and streamlined and I can see it without having to unclip (I check my pressure often). Also since I'm slinging the pony right now (I know I won't in fundies), I feel like there's a lot of competition on space in that area.

In fundies you’ll learn some gas management techniques that will shift your spg checking to your bottom timer/ computer. Time and depth will lead you to your gas usage and you won’t have to look at the spg as often.