Mailing List Archive Mailing List Archive
Randy, the point of balancing the rig for the dive is lost on this
discussion. With aluminum and a wetuit, the weight should be removeable,
as in a weightbelt, so that one can get up in a bad situation. The point
of "simplicity" lies in not complictating the rig with multiple bc's,
and therefor adding more problems while trying to solve a self-inflicted
problem (using the wrong tanks).
We ( WKPP) do NOT use integrated weight nor do we use steel backplates
with almuminum when diving wet in the ocean. If we are using a drysuit
and aluminum, then the integrated v weight and the steel plate can ofset
the suit, but then the problem is that if you take the tanks off in the
water to clip off to a tag line in rough weather, they are at risk of
being lost. I would rather lose a weightbelt.
Steel should only be used with a drysuit, but then steel on a boat is a
problem walking around in rough weather and for the reason mentioned
above, and is totally unnecessary . The extra gas in 104's for instance,
is only equal to one more aluminum 80. Take a stage bottle if more gas
is needed, but then what kind of moron is going to incur that kind of
decompression liability in the open ocean? I can see taking a stage and
doing the whole dive on the stage , preserving the backgas for emergency
and or for more dives, but if not to offset hoovery or excessive
exposure - neither is too smart.
Aluminum doubles are negative 6 full of air, roughly half of that with
50% helium, positive 6 empty. The weightbelt used depends on the
person's overall buoyancy and on whether or not that person is using a
droppable canister light ( itself usually 6 pounds negative in salt
water).
The total rig should be balanced for the full range of gas use, and
should solve all of its problems wiht a flick or the wrist, so to speak.
Only the worst irrepsonsible idiot would allow diving with a wetsuit and
steel in the ocean, and I can attest to the body searches for those who
have . This is right up there with the bottle marking stupidity that we
see out there being taught and instituionalized. Same idiots, different
stupidity.
I hope you are reading our web page wrong, if not, I will correct it. My
bet is you are following some link. I can not be responsible for the
pesonal preference or other insanity that springs up on other people's
web sites.
Randylabel@ao*.co* wrote:
>
> In a message dated 4/24/99 10:48:19 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
> KevinWheeler@mi*.co* writes:
>
> <<
> Forgive me in advance if this seems like a dumb question; however I am
> relatively new to technical diving and am having a bit of difficultly
> figuring out what may be obvious to those with considerably more
> experience. >>
>
> There are (almost) no dumb questions, just dumb answers
>
> <<the instructor is recommending that I purchase a set
> of
> dual steel 100s or 95s or Pressteel 104s.>>
>
> <>
>
> First--They aren't more dangerous! In my opinion
>
> The advantage of the steel tanks are you won't need a weight belt, and of
> course, you'll have more air; wheather you need more air, depends on the
> dive. I still use my double aluminum 80s when I'm not using a wet suit, or
> just a cheater vest; I don't need a weight belt for this. If I need some
> weight, I'll put a round two pound weight between the band bolts before the
> backplate goes on, you can put three of them in there, OR, make a v-weight.
> That means no weight belt, and a simpler system. Simpler is allways better ..
> Talking about "simpler". This is the cavers ("WKPP") list and they will
> tell to keep it simple, and spend the money on the right equipment the first
> time and you'll save money in the end.
> point in fact--I have four BCs ( one with bugees) ( three of the BCs are
> just a waste of my hard earned money) , but the one I use exclusively is the
> Dive-Rite original wings with a tire inner-tube lining. Once I tried it, I
> was sold on it. Halcyon is suposed to be the new Best BC and backplate.
>
> Steel tanks absolutely necessary? No! I don't think so. But you'll
> probably want to get a set of Preesed Steel 104s sooner or later.
> Aluminum Tanks? You'll need a steel backplate for the weight.
>
> look at the wkpp.org webpage. You'll learn a lot.
>
> Hope that helps, I'm not the best diver out here, and maybe you'll get
> some better advise.
>
> Randy
Navigate by Author:
[Previous]
[Next]
[Author Search Index]
Navigate by Subject:
[Previous]
[Next]
[Subject Search Index]
[Send Reply] [Send Message with New Topic]
[Search Selection] [Mailing List Home] [Home]