DIR's take on dive alert and bio filter???

[aggie99]

I was curious what the DIR community thinks of the following two devices:

1) The Dive Alert Plus: Dive Alert Plus , Accessories: Signaling, Ideations, Dive Alert Plus

2) The Apollo Bio-filter: Apollo Bio Filter, Accessories-General, Apollo, Apollo Bio Filter

They both seem like great devices but I am not sure if the benefits outweigh the additional failure points you add to your gear. Since DIR takes a "no frills" attitude (which I like) I was curious if these are considered frills or not.

Thanks in advance...

[vadiver]

I've never seen any of my buddies ever use these items before, and none of the DIR instructors ever mentioned them. As you mentioned these items don’t add anything to the dive and could be a potential failure point—i.e. not needed. I don’t think you would find any DIR divers using these items during a dive.

I carry a diver’s alert for some off shore dives, but it is clipped off in my pocket. If I need it at the surface, I remove it from the pocket and use it. As for it's ability to signal underwater I have never found that useful. I carry a primary light for that reason and the team has good buddy awareness and skills. I do remember being on dives and all I heard was those damn signaling devices. It gets quite annoying.

As for the bio filter—I’ve never needed one. I really don’t see the need for this item—it seems like just another piece of equipment that isn’t needed. I would save the $150 and invest it into something you actually need.

[aggie99]

I had thought about just carrying a Dive Alert in a pocket or clipped off since I have no need for underwater signaling. My fear is that in an emergency you surface in rough seas and trying to unclip this and install it might not be the easiest of tasks. I just wondered if these are used since they really are the only signaling device that works well over a mile.

The reason I wondered about the Biofilter was to alleviate dry mouth. I seem to get bad dry mouth during a dive and I wondered with deeper, longer dives with deco stops if that it would only get worse. Also, I wasn't sure if moving to mixed gases makes that better, worse or no different. I am sure it depends more on the filling station setup as opposed to the type of gas.

[medicdiver]

I've heard of people taking something to down with them to drink while on extended dives just so they stay hydrated.

[LI Diver]

The reason I wondered about the Biofilter was to alleviate dry mouth. I seem to get bad dry mouth during a dive and I wondered with deeper, longer dives with deco stops if that it would only get worse. Also, I wasn't sure if moving to mixed gases makes that better, worse or no different. I am sure it depends more on the filling station setup as opposed to the type of gas.[/quote]


I think the answer is to hydrate,hydrate and hydrate. If you drink enough starting the day before you dive and lay off the hard stuff on or between dive days your problem will be at least minimized if not solved. It worked for me. Also as you dive more you will be more comfortable and less stress = less dry mouth as well. As far as the dive alert, if you are diving a strong current or a live boat type dive do what your brain tells you to and don't worry about the dir guy's. Your right it does add 1 more low pressure connection and valve to your rig that can malfunction but... I have never dove with anyone who's quick connect came off if connected properly or had their inflator stick (which we are trained to deal with). I have dove with plenty that have missed the drift line or got caught in strong currents though!

[Black-Gorrilla]

Originally Posted by medicdiver

I've heard of people taking something to down with them to drink while on extended dives just so they stay hydrated.

capri-sun.... its great underwater

[khacken]

I have used the Bio-Filter and think that it is great for recreational diving. It really is a great device and gives a nice humid air flow. However, I would not take it on any tech dive. It adds 5 o-rings to your rig, which adds too many failures points.

I take the dive alert on me for any ocean dive. It is clipped in my pocket.

[texdiveguy]

Since I am not of the DIR minded group....I can't give you a DIR answer (though I know their reply-lol)....persl. I am not a fan of either devise for any level of diving....other safer and better options available that will also save you a heap of money!

[aggie99]

Originally Posted by ES601

I think the answer is to hydrate,hydrate and hydrate. If you drink enough starting the day before you dive and lay off the hard stuff on or between dive days your problem will be at least minimized if not solved.

Thanks MOM

[Mtrewyn]

Originally Posted by khacken

I have used the Bio-Filter and think that it is great for recreational diving. It really is a great device and gives a nice humid air flow. However, I would not take it on any tech dive. It adds 5 o-rings to your rig, which adds too many failures points.

I take the dive alert on me for any ocean dive. It is clipped in my pocket.

I don't use a Bio-Filter, but this seem to be th most reasonable thinking on them. Easy rec. diving no prob, but hard Tech. diving that is another story, a malfunction there well that is a little more problematic.

The Dive alert is I think a good idea on a boat dive, I don't want to be the star of "Open Water 2"