80 replies to this topic

[Walter]

I must have misunderstood. We were susposed to list ALL our toys?

[WreckWench]

In your case Walter NO....we don't have enough board space for your list...or Narwhals for that matter!! LOL!!!

[Walter]

Maybe one or two of the especially fun ones?

[WreckWench]

Maybe one or two of the especially fun ones?

OK....you can post a VERY short list of your 'favorite' toys....LOL!!! I am such a softy where you are concerned!! LOL!!!

[Walter]

I have two beautiful double hose regulators.

One is impossible to date exactly since it has conflicting points used for dating them. It's from the early 60's. It's a two stage Aqua-lung DA-"aqua-master" and works beautifully. I dive it with a bare 1955 tank strapped to my back. The tank has a wingnut J valve and is also a thing of beauty. When diving it, I use Duck Feet, a windup Soviet dive watch a round mask and wear an SOS Decompression Meter (yes, the bend-o-matic).

The other regulator is a 1955 Aqua-lung single stage Over Pressure model. It works, but I do need to do a little work on it.

These are my toys. The others are my day to day equipment. I do have other gear, but will abide by Wreck Wench's desire not to list it all.

[Coo's Toe]

I'm glad to see I've found a home where NOT loving a snorkel isn't a bad thing. B)

I agree with Walter, snorkels are a good thing when freediving, and the proper use of them really isn't taught in OW classes anymore unless you have a rare instructor that adds a bit to the course minimum requirements. I also agree with Walter about the simple J. All those purge valves and gadgets to keep water out are just marketing gimmicks designed to sell a $5 plastic tube for $50-$70. Most snorkel manufacturers realize that divers are required to purchase mask, fins, and snorkel for OW class, and that most divers are very keen on "high-tech/top of the line" gear. They love to sell you a $70 snorkel and $200 fins for a class you might not even finish...

I've been blasted ( sorry for the snorkel pun ) on another board for my anti-snorkel mentality. I ditched mine shortly after completing OW certification. On most dives, I leave my snorkel at home. If you catch me using one, then I am either freediving, or snorkelling, not scuba diving.

Erin

[Lubold8431]

Yeah, I hear ya Erin. I decided to stay out of that thread on the other board you mentioned...

Although, I do have to admit that I do OWN a snorkel, and I wear it for OW dives with my students because it is required. I have been thinking about getting one of those pocket snorkels, that way I wouldt have to have it ON all the time, and still technically have it with me (for standards). But, I dont think that is a good example for my students, so I just wear it. I do think that relatively new OW divers should be using a snorkel. For all of my OWN dives, it stays in my gear box.
BTW, its a $49.95 special: Oceanmaster Dry SNorkel. The champion of snorkels...
Man, did we sell alot of those puppies at the shop I used to work at...
The funny thing was, they cost us $17.50. Wow, nice markup...

[Divegirl412]

My goodness, WHERE do you guys keep all your toys? I just bought the most basic equipment and have no idea where to keep them!!!!

List later

[Lubold8431]

I now have (IIRC) six Rubbermaid plastic bins with tops for my dive gear. I also have two or three dive bags which hold various items as well...
I think the best thing for storing dive gear is those Rubbermaid bins/totes. Work very well, and have a cover. I have a two bedroom apartment for a reason... I need the second bedroom for my dive gear...

[WreckWench]

BTW, its a $49.95 special: Oceanmaster Dry SNorkel. The champion of snorkels...
Man, did we sell alot of those puppies at the shop I used to work at...
The funny thing was, they cost us $17.50. Wow, nice markup...

That was the BEST money EVER spent on a snorkel for me. In fact...it if weren't for the fact that it is PINK...I'd still be using it....that is when I actually dive with a snorkel!

I don't care if the industry made a buck or two off that snorkel cuz if they hadn't...I wouldn't be diving today. 'Nuff said....-ww

[WreckWench]

I'm glad to see I've found a home where NOT loving a snorkel isn't a bad thing. B)

I agree with Walter, snorkels are a good thing when freediving, and the proper use of them really isn't taught in OW classes anymore unless you have a rare instructor that adds a bit to the course minimum requirements. I also agree with Walter about the simple J. All those purge valves and gadgets to keep water out are just marketing gimmicks designed to sell a $5 plastic tube for $50-$70. Most snorkel manufacturers realize that divers are required to purchase mask, fins, and snorkel for OW class, and that most divers are very keen on "high-tech/top of the line" gear. They love to sell you a $70 snorkel and $200 fins for a class you might not even finish...

I've been blasted ( sorry for the snorkel pun ) on another board for my anti-snorkel mentality. I ditched mine shortly after completing OW certification. On most dives, I leave my snorkel at home. If you catch me using one, then I am either freediving, or snorkelling, not scuba diving.

Erin

Ooooooh yes.....what WONDERFUL toys!!! I have a few along those lines as well!

[Walter]

I use a snorkel when I'm free diving and when I'm teaching. I do always keep a snorkel handy in the bag. I love skin diving.

Wreck Wench, you are mistaken, you can easily learn to use a simple J snorkel. It is easy to use. Patience dear, I'll show you.

[chinacat46]

Well if you notice in my avatar I'm not wearing a snorkel However I do have a Shrewood Avid folding snorkel in the pocket of my BC. As for the rest of my equipment:

Wetsuit: 3 Mil Henderson Goldcore fullsuit, 5 Mil Henderson Goldcore fullsuit, 3 Mil Henderson Goldcore Vest, 1 Mil Henderson Microprene fullsuit, 3 Mil Blue Reef Shorty. various boots, hoods and gloves

BC: Cressi-Sub S103(Simple but zipper pockets!!)

Masks: I have 3 masks but the only one I seem to use is the Sea Vision Shadow which is very low volume and is tinted for better color viewing.

Fins: Aeris Velocity open heel - really like these

Regs: Atomic B1 first stage and T2 second. I use a Sherwood Shadow plus for an Octo.

Computer: Suunto Vyper

Gauages: Tusa SCA210 which is an SPG and compass

Torches: Princeton Tec Shockwave II, Ikelite PC Lite, Princeton Tec Tec 40(which is always in my BC pocket), Lazer-Stik flashing marker

Edited by chinacat46, 28 March 2004 - 09:41 AM.

[WreckWench]

I use a snorkel when I'm free diving and when I'm teaching. I do always keep a snorkel handy in the bag. I love skin diving.

Wreck Wench, you are mistaken, you can easily learn to use a simple J snorkel. It is easy to use. Patience dear, I'll show you.

Walter...I didn't say I couldn't learn...heck I'm learning stuff I NEVER thought I could learn LOL!!! Whoops...TMI!!!

But seriously...tell me two good reasons why I should learn to use a j snorkel vs. my dry snorkel??? That is when I use a snorkel? BTW...I do keep one in my bc and/or straped to my leg for emergencies. -ww

[Walter]

1. Devices designed to keep water out also restrict air flow. Airflow restrictions increase CO2 buildup.

2. Fewer failure points.