Mailing List Archive

Mailing List: techdiver

Message Display

On Mon, 10 May 1999, Art Zadina wrote:

> I did some checkout dives this weekend with my Halcyon SS
> backplate/harness, Pioneer 27# wing, single tank adapter, AL80, 6mm farmer
> john/jacket, 14# weightbelt.
> 
> In 25-30fsw, wings empty, I was in a definite head-down attitude. Tried
> shifting the tank down but no improvement.

How much off horizontal? A *slight* head down position is appropriate. It
helps to keep your fins off the bottom, where they could damage a reef or
kick up silt in/on a wreck or cave. Getting used to this sort of trim now
is a good idea.

If you're well off horizontal, perhaps your fins are too light. I use a
similar setup in the Caribbean (with a thinner wetsuit and 18 pound wings,
and around 6 pounds on the weightbelt) with IDI Power fins (same idea as
Scubapro Jet fins, heavy rubber). Trim is perfect, with the top cylinder
cam band right at the bottom of the bell.
 
> In light of this, a lighter AL backplate and shift of weight back to belt
> SEEMS the right fix, I'm curious why no mention of this when I was being
> outfitted (by a knowledgeable Halcyon employee).

Most of us need some extra weight, less on the weightbelt is not a bad
thing. The SS backplate helps greatly, and usually without hurting trim.
 
> Or is the tank-mounted keel weight the way to achieve the proper trim (rig
> already rolls me face up @ surface without keel weight)

This is definitely something to try if you already have heavy fins. Don't
carry it too far, though. Keep at least 6 pounds or so on your weightbelt
for ditching purposes.
 
> Any clarification or comments to this OW rec diver trying to DIR will be
> appreciated.

I'm happy to see you are taking this route.

-- 
Art Greenberg
artg@ec*.ne*







--
Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'.
Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.

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]