Water Entry and Head/Tank Contact
#16 Guest_TexasStarfish_*
Posted 23 May 2008 - 07:20 AM
As an instructor, I would recommend diving with some sort of BCD if you haven't been in 12 years. The added weight from a backplate makes it trickier to deal with any weighting issues. Yes now-a-days most BCDs have integrated weights and are more streamlined and comfortable. Also remember to familiarize yourself with all of your rental gear before you head out. BCDs now have a lot more dump valves and more features to make them diver friendly. Also would recommend a refresher if you haven't already taken one. I hope this is helpful and enjoy getting back into the water.
#17
Posted 23 May 2008 - 08:19 AM
I love my BP&W. Not sure why I didn't switch to one years ago. I dive a SS plate and use a HP steel tank.
Not much ditchable weight if I am diving a drysuit and cold water. Even less if I am wet suit and warm water diving.
I never could find a BC that fit properly ~ I always had wiggle room and the tank would shift during a dive. Very annoying.
I have always dove a weight intergreted back inflate BC. It was not a tough switch to a BP.
I suggest you try a BP&W and any BC you are considering before you purchase. Check around most divers will let you try their gear.
I know I have lent mine out on dives ~ best to see how you like it
The crotch strap helps keep your gear in place. STA is a single tank adapter (some BP's need them if you are diving a single tank).
If you haven't been in the water in 12 years ~ I strongly suggest a refresher course.
While you might think you remember it all ~ you really should get a tune up before heading out.
Its always good to have the information fresh in your mind.
Edited by gis_gal, 23 May 2008 - 08:23 AM.
Formerly known as gis_gal and name tattoo'd for a small bribe!
#18
Posted 23 May 2008 - 12:08 PM
uwfan,
BCDs now have a lot more dump valves .....
More than two? Top, bottom and where else?
By all that is wet, I do hereby swear, (politely), and attest, upon pain of never diving again, (real or imagined), that I understand and affirm, that I agree to the above.
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#19
Posted 23 May 2008 - 02:03 PM
(and Hi fingrabber! )
#20
Posted 23 May 2008 - 05:57 PM
I've checked out the link to Deep Sea Supply. Like the idea of single tank KYDEX with a 17 or 24 lb wing. So I have 2 questions/
Anyone use DSS products and your opinion of same.
DSS wings look as though inflator/ deflator is the only way to vent wing. Does not appear to have a pull dump valve as traditional bc's. Is this a problem or just a new learning curve after purchase.
Sorry if I hijacked the topic.
Thanks--Stan
#21
Posted 23 May 2008 - 05:59 PM
#22
Posted 23 May 2008 - 07:11 PM
Ok. The discussion has gone into BP&W, I've been thinking this option as a travel setup which will be my only use as I only tropical dive.
I've checked out the link to Deep Sea Supply. Like the idea of single tank KYDEX with a 17 or 24 lb wing. So I have 2 questions/
Anyone use DSS products and your opinion of same.
DSS wings look as though inflator/ deflator is the only way to vent wing. Does not appear to have a pull dump valve as traditional bc's. Is this a problem or just a new learning curve after purchase.
Sorry if I hijacked the topic.
Thanks--Stan
My travel BP&W is a DSS Kydex with a 22# wing, neither it or my cold water BP&W have shoulder pull dumps and I originally thought I would add an OMS pull dump but have gotten use to this set up. Only place I've missed it was in an overhead enviroment and going negative among sharks where raising your hand above your head probably isn't a good idea
I found the DSS dump hose to be too short to use with my combo inflator and subsituted an OMS hose but that is the beauty of a BP&W, you can mix and match brands.
By all that is wet, I do hereby swear, (politely), and attest, upon pain of never diving again, (real or imagined), that I understand and affirm, that I agree to the above.
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Signed and Dated
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