just getting into tech

[inthehole]

im curious is to the equipment and configurations that yall dive

[in_cavediver]

Any and all.

Basic exposure protections is anything from a skin to a drysuit. anything more than a 5/4mm suit and I am diving dry. I have both a whites and Dive Rite drysuit. I use either Jets, Turtles or quattros with the quattros as my preffered fins. (though with a couple stage bottles - the jets are the best choice)

Normally for backmount it a simply BP with a 55lb wing, double LP104's or LP85's + v-weight, Dive Rite primary reg, Zeagle secondary reg, Dive rite pouch on the waist belt. I use a VR3 computer with a simple bottom timer backup.

Sidemount - its a nomad harness/wing with LP85's, same reg models as backmount, 7ah Pb acid 10 watt HID can light + 4 2lb hard weights or the waist belt. Same computers as above.

When cave diving - I use either a larry green primary or a halcyon primary (depends if I make my wife lead), plus an assortment of spools and reels as needed. I carry 2 4AA halogen backup lights, shears and a line cutter.

For wreck/OW dives, I add a sausage and lift bag. I have also been known to carry a jon line as well.

For stage/deco bottles - I use homemade harnesses on a LP45 for O2 and standard AL80's for everything else.

For scooter - I take whatever someone gives me. Beggars can't be chosers.

RB - I have my eye on the Optima. Still, I'll take whatever I can get.

[comet24]

Get yourself a BP/W with a simple harness.

Figure out how much lift your going to need and get a wing that will work within those numbers. To much lift in a wing can cause issues.

Since you asked here goes.

I dive a DDS large SS plate with a Torus 49lbs wing, plan hog harness with DSS Plate Cut D-rings. Apeks XTX50 regs for back gas. For stage/deco I have a generic reg. from TDL, a Mares Abyss and a Apeks 200. The last two deco regs I had before I got into tec. diving and just pushed them into use. Both work fine. The Apeks 200 is my single tank rig that only get used when I need it for tec diving.

I have a canister light attached to my plate with quick links. For backup light I carry two OMS Vega LED light. Ones an older model, ones the newer one. I have a small knife on my harness waist strap and a larger knife on my thigh.

I also carry a Tektite strobe and depending on the dive I may carry up to two other strobes. Clipped to the D-ring on my butt or in a pocket.

A SMB and a lift bag are either in a pocket or clipped off.

Shearwater dive computer on my wrist and a backup computer with depth and bottom timer in a pocket.

A slate with backup tables in a pocket or on the wrist also a compass on my wrist.

A large DR side-handle reel plus a few spools.

[inventor]

Originally Posted by inthehole

im curious is to the equipment and configurations that yall dive

Finally, someone that speaks my lanquage!
I'll be following this thread. I'm looking into getting my next set of gear aimed toward gearing up for tec. Or as we say, drink the Koolaid.

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by inthehole

im curious is to the equipment and configurations that yall dive

Keep in mind, that you may want to take the responses here with a grain of salt.

ST has lumped Tec and DIR together as a forum because that is how "tec" gear is linked on the sales site.

Not all "tec" divers are "DIR" and not all "DIR" divers are "tec".

[comet24]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

Keep in mind, that you may want to take the responses here with a grain of salt.

ST has lumped Tec and DIR together as a forum because that is how "tec" gear is linked on the sales site.

Not all "tec" divers are "DIR" and not all "DIR" divers are "tec".

Good point. I certainly do not consider myself DIR. I steal from more experienced divers and find what works for me.

The best way to move into "tec" is to befriend some "tec" divers and dive with them on simple non "tec" dives. You will learn from just diving with them and talking to them.

[inventor]

Originally Posted by comet24

Good point. I certainly do not consider myself DIR. I steal from more experienced divers and find what works for me.

The best way to move into "tec" is to befriend some "tec" divers and dive with them on simple non "tec" dives. You will learn from just diving with them and talking to them.

Exactly, my local tec friends are starting me out with BP/W, and explaining thier equipment. You must learn to make the koolaid, before you can drink the koolaid.

[in_cavediver]

Originally Posted by inventor

Exactly, my local tec friends are starting me out with BP/W, and explaining thier equipment. You must learn to make the koolaid, before you can drink the koolaid.

Its also nice to sample other beverages as well. Not all drink the koolaid. I'm partial to Coca-Cola myself.

To the point - talk to the divers in your area doing the dives you want to do. Ask them how they do things and then ask them why they do things. Its also a great time to talk about philosphies regarding diving. Make sure to do this with potential instructors as well. This will help form the path you want to take.

Its my opinion that the biggest differences you see between various tec diving circles is all philosophical. Gear, training and whatnot are simply optimized to each philosophy. It should also be noted that, in general, these philosophies all work for those groups.

[inventor]

Appreciate the response. The tec divers I know locally, know that I'm the guy that's 'are we there yet, are we there yet' and by the way shouldn't we have taken I-15 to exit 19? They know I'll dig for every iota of info, and question every answer. Always looking for more info, thinking about a wing/ plate combo. What do you recommend for uppity newb?
30 rec dives, looking to pick next gear rig, leaning toward gear that Is transitional between rec and tec.

[mm_dm]

Personally, I dive the Dead Presidents' Configuration. That's the one where you spend like a drunken sailor until you figure out what works for you personally.