rantFUJAK

OK guys,

Just for a bit of fun I thought I'd press the 'Post New Poll' button to see how many people are lurking around here on this here forum.

So... vote away!  :)

There is a thread on this on the CDDU list, a bit of a pissing contest between the Armadillo and Nomad systems. Interesting though.

I had a look at the Hollis setup the other day. Unfortunately it was a dual wing version, which did make it more cumbersome, but it was quality kit. I was very impressed and would be keen to see a single bladder version.
http://www.xray-mag.com/en/content/hollis-sidemount-harness-0

JD

Hi JD,

Thanks for the heads up on the CDDU list. Was just thinking of starting a conversation here as it's a bit quiet, and when it's quiet - Paul tries to start a dead beat conversation about.... well crap all really.  ;) At least sidemounts are... well - on the topic of diving.

I've used both the Armadillo and a Transpac setup. I like the idea with the Transpac - very versatile, but personally found the Nomad much quicker and easier to get used to. It just worked for me naturally. The Transpac seems to take a little more getting used to for me - but I'd use either... as long as I can get a dive in. 

I guess one could call me a dive gear slut. I'll use almost anything as long as I can go for a dive! 8)

In fact, I'd love to try out some of the older gear at some stage. (Horse collars, etc to see the difference of how it used to be compared to now... could be kinda fun and entertaining).

Have not been impressed at all with the off the shelf offerings ie nomad, armadillo etc. Mostly look like clusters.

Have seen two or three really well set up systems but these have been long term developments of the people involved.

One in particular from Hans Kessler in Switzerland.

http://www.swiss-cave-diving.ch/PDF-dateien/Sidemount-HRK.pdf

Trent Lee, CDAA science officer, has a well thought out minimalist rig for really tight situations.

Andy Higgins also has a really streamlined setup.

The common factor in all these rigs is the utilization of hogathian principles in the design and operation.

Seems to me that to dive a sidemount cluster, as a lot of them seem to be, defeats the purpose of the whole exercise.

As with most things should be a tool for the job, but as with rebreathers, seems to just be latest flavour of the month.
Used mostly by tools too lazy to keep their fitness up to dive backmount. Sidemounts in mostly vertical cave structure like Pines, LOL.

Can't wait for the PADI introduction sidemount quickly followed by sidemount advanced,
sidemount master, sidemount elite, sidemount super elite to begin. ::) ::) ::)

Cheers

Oh Rick, you are a great fisherman! Just hang in there tiger, I am sure you will get a nibble soon!

Some interesting ideas there, although I think he could take a look at a couple of the dedicated rigs and take some ideas from them too. Everyone has an idea on this stuff, the poms have been doing it for years and they have some great ideas that could be adapted to suit our diving. Paul Axton has a great rig based on UK principles.

The other thing I have on my sidemount setup is an inflator which swivels, so the nipple can point downwards. This makes it a lot easier to run the LPI hose.

JD

JD,

I must say I'm shocked!!!!

Here I am taking the time to provide useful information, including links, and all I get for my trouble is abuse. 

Oh, hang on, Paul hasn't started yet.  ;)

Rick enjoy your trip and dive safe.......oh yeah and go fuck yourself!!! ;D

Ricky if you think that is abuse, you really need to toughen up a little bit princess! If abuse is what you are after it can be arranged....


JD

here you go GUEy boys

http://www.unifiedteamdiving.com/page/zdiving-system

watch out goat track here they come