At 07:59 AM 7/24/00 -0700, Michael J. Black wrote:
While we're on the subject of DIR, here are a few more of my "esteemed"
objections:  No computer (HELLO??!!)

No computer for deep diving with helium and gas switches. Today some 
computers are available that handle helium but since you need a strict plan 
for gas management as well as deco the perceived freedom of computers don't 
apply several hundred feet down. You need a written backup plan anyway. I 
use a computer for recreational nitrox diving but not for trimix.

Scubapro jet fins only (the cult
leader has spoken)

There are several good fins and innumerous bad ones. Most rec fins are too 
soft. The Jetfin, the Turtle fin and some rubber / plastic combos are 
suitable.

Weight belt UNDER the BC strap (did I really hear
that right, DIR disciple?)

By all means, if there's anything you don't want in technical diving it's 
losing a weight belt. Rec divers ditch their belts and surface when the 
going gets tough but that's not a viable option with a substantial deco 
obligation. That's why most technical divers gravitate towards 
non-ditchable weights on the backplate.

Only one buckle for the whole rig (you guys
must practice taking your rig off, lots of practice)

Yes, it took me some tweaking and practice to get the shoulder straps 
right. The key is to keep them fairly loose and tighten up the rig with the 
crotch strap. More buckles mean more clutter and once you get the lengths 
right one is just fine.

DUI drysuit (guess
I'll just throw away my Vikings)

I use an Aquion shell suit and have used Vikings in the past. DUI makes 
nice suits too. The main point is to avoid uncompressed neoprene (buoyancy 
swing) and get one that fits you.

Scubapro regulators (do you turds
know we call these Scubaflows in cold water, and I mean icy cold).

Scubapro as well as most other regs have freezing problems in icy water. I 
use Apeks regs that are less prone to freezing, but even they are not above 
the laws of physics. What regs do you prefer for diving in the Lakes?

Want a better system?  Start over, unless cave diving is your only diving.

OK, my diving is deep ocean diving, mostly wrecks. It's nitrox to 100' - 
130' and trimix beyond this. What would you suggest? As it is now I bring 
what I need and try to place each item according to DIR protocol. What I 
don't need, as a huge cannister light for a shallow daytime dive, stays 
topside. Where would you see room for improvement? Please describe the best 
set-up for the diving I do based on what you find best fit for wreck diving 
in the Great Lakes.

Bye now, and don't forget to take your medication (ibuprofen, aspirin,
steroids, plus all those anti-depressants so you can deal with being
uninvited to tech-diving expos).

Nah, but it's time for my vitamin E. Thanks for the reminder! :-)

Hans



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