Questions about DIR

"Mick" <micknewton@direcway.com> pounded away at his keyboard
resulting in:

:According to Halcyon's web site, the preferred DIR placement calls for
:the use of a bellowed zipper pocket on the left thigh.

That would be a pocket in the drysuit. If you think you will be doing
most of your diving in cold water, this just might be a good idea.

Dan Bracuk
If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure.

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"Mick" <micknewton@direcway.com> pounded away at his keyboard
resulting in:

:According to Halcyon's web site, the preferred DIR placement calls for
:the use of a bellowed zipper pocket on the left thigh.

That would be a pocket in the drysuit. If you think you will be doing
most of your diving in cold water, this just might be a good idea.

Dan Bracuk
If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure.

----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Unrestricted-Secure Usenet News==----
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----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----

Mick wrote:
> Lee Bell wrote:
>
>>Don't get too caught up in the DIR configuration unless it specifically
>>applies to the diving you are doing.
>
>
> I currently have no interest in tech diving, however, much of the DIR
> gear configuration makes just as much sense for open water diving.
>
> Can you give me any reasons why I shouldn't consider it for my gear
> configuration?

I can give you many reasons why you should. It works very well for all
the types of diving that I have done, most of which has been
recreational level. I love the gear and the methods and I enjoy my
diving the most when I follow GUE methods.

There are others here who have tried it and kept parts, Lee is one of
them. I searched for something better than PADI and NJ wreck
configurations right out of the gate. I settled on Halcyon gear and DIR
methods and I've pretty much never looked back. Every time I have taken
a detour I've regretted it.

If it appeals to you from just reading about it, then my guess is that
you will like diving it. If you can take a GUE fundamentals course, you
will get a real boost on how to put the whole thing together.

Mick wrote:
> Lee Bell wrote:
>
>>Don't get too caught up in the DIR configuration unless it specifically
>>applies to the diving you are doing.
>
>
> I currently have no interest in tech diving, however, much of the DIR
> gear configuration makes just as much sense for open water diving.
>
> Can you give me any reasons why I shouldn't consider it for my gear
> configuration?

I can give you many reasons why you should. It works very well for all
the types of diving that I have done, most of which has been
recreational level. I love the gear and the methods and I enjoy my
diving the most when I follow GUE methods.

There are others here who have tried it and kept parts, Lee is one of
them. I searched for something better than PADI and NJ wreck
configurations right out of the gate. I settled on Halcyon gear and DIR
methods and I've pretty much never looked back. Every time I have taken
a detour I've regretted it.

If it appeals to you from just reading about it, then my guess is that
you will like diving it. If you can take a GUE fundamentals course, you
will get a real boost on how to put the whole thing together.

Dan Bracuk wrote:
> "Mick" <micknewton@direcway.com> pounded away at his keyboard
> resulting in:
> :Can you give me any reasons why I shouldn't consider it for my gear
> :configuration?
>
> Metal backplates are heavy. This could be an issue with travelling,

Cut that shit out, Dan. Al and I have both just posted extensive
descriptions of travelling to the Caribbean with full DIR gear while
staying under the new weight limits.

Dan Bracuk wrote:
> "Mick" <micknewton@direcway.com> pounded away at his keyboard
> resulting in:
> :Can you give me any reasons why I shouldn't consider it for my gear
> :configuration?
>
> Metal backplates are heavy. This could be an issue with travelling,

Cut that shit out, Dan. Al and I have both just posted extensive
descriptions of travelling to the Caribbean with full DIR gear while
staying under the new weight limits.

Mick wrote:
>
> If the long hose results in less drag (because it's wrapped tighter to
> the body), then I see no compelling reason not to dive with one in open
> water. The tradeoffs would seem to me to be less drag (easier swimming)
> and the benefit of a long hose when needed, at the cost of slightly
> less performance at the second stage and a bit more hassle on the boat.

You've got it exactly, and the hassle on the boat is minimal. I just
got back from Roatan where I dove with the long hose out of a panga. I
just coiled the hose up and ran the reg through the loop before snapping
it to the d-ring. You can easily uncoil it after you don the rig and
people hauling it into the boat never had any trouble.
>
>
>
>>2. Computer. Every real DIR diver will tell you that they don't use
>>computers.
>
>
> I'm a software engineer, so I have no problem with using a computer. :)

I let my computer work for me, too, but I also try to learn as much
about deco as I can so that my brain tracks the problem as well. The
more advanced the diving, the more important this becomes.
>
> I see no problem with having an SPG in the DIR position, as long as
> it's not difficult to read. The console on the chest sounds okay to me
> too, although having it there would probably be less streamlined.
> Either way sounds fine to me, as long the items are configured to
> maximize safety and ease of use, and minimize drag.

Learning to clip it with gloves on was a pain, but once I got past that,
it's been great. I never bash a reef with my SPG and I've seen many a
console do that.
>
>
> No opinion yet, other than to say that I never go anywhere without a
> knife. I keep a small Kershaw folding pocket knife with me at all
> times, even at the office. I've had that same knife for about 30 years
> now. I use it all the time too. I'm not sure what type of knife I'll
> want yet, so I bought a couple of Tusa BC mini-knives so we would have
> something.

I carry EMT shears, which I believe to be better for fishing line, etc.
I've never used them in anger underwater, nor a knife.

>
>>5. Lights. The DIR way is to use a cannister light. Most DIR divers I've
>>known carry one even when diving in daytime clear water locations.
>
>
> Probably because that's where they tuck the 7' hose. :)

Nah, you can tuck the hose inside the waistband. I take it along on all
dives because I use it to communicate, poke in holes, bring out colors,
and it's part of my weighting system. I didn't bring it on two dives in
Roatan because I thought it would be a pain on the little boat and I
didn't want to bother people. Sure enough, the viz on the surface was
crap and we had a night dive basically. Brought it the next day and it
made my BC not fit in their little rack, but they just laid it down and
everything was fine.

>
>
>
> I let a woman at the dive shop talk me into buying a pair of Oceanic
> Vortex V-12 fins. I haven't tried them out yet. They feel a bit heavy,
> but very comfortable with my booties on.

I did the same with a pair of ScubaPro TwinJets. Haven't used them
since I bought real jetfins.

>
>
> I'm considering a Halcyon rig myself. Have you seen the movie "Into the
> Blue" yet? That Jessica Alba looks so... ummm... streamlined in her
> Halcyon BC! It made me want to... ahhh... run right out and buy one. :)

Well, now...

>
> Seriously, I'll want to give one a try first, but I'm keeping an open
> mind.

I'd looked at many, many BCs, talked to many shop people and was never
happy. I finally tracked down a place where I could buy a Halcyon bp &
wing, went there and bought one about twenty seconds after I saw it in
the store. One of the few major purchases in my life that I've never
had a second thought about.

>
>
>
>>I think the necklaced alternate is one of the best ideas anyone has had in years, but
>>have, at least temporarily, abandoned the long hose. I may go back to it,
>>or something similar. So far, the shorter, standard length hose, has not
>>proven to be as comfortable. I'm working on it.
>
>
> I think I'd like to try a 5' primary hose, under the arm and around the
> neck, and a short alternate over the sholder with a tubular necklace.

I haven't tried that, but everyone that I know who has gave it up and
now dives the 7' hose.

>
>>Regarding regulator choice, someone will soon tell you about Apex or Apeks.
>>I'm not sure if that's one manufacturer or two, or which is the current
>>choice of technical divers. They were "discovered" after I bought my Scuba
>>Pro or I'd probably be using one now. When you find out which one it is
>>that everybody likes, give one a try.

Apeks. Some Zeagle regs are relabelled Apeks, though I'm not sure of
the current state of that. I have the DS4 first stage and TX-50 second
as a backup. My primary is a SP G500 and it is wigging out on me. I
will probably switch it to a TX-50 by the end of the week.

Mick, judging from your responses, my guess is that you will really
enjoy a DIR setup. Lots of divers like to tinker with their gear,
design new methods, etc. I'm not one of them. I do that in my day job.
In diving, I really enjoy the fact that I can just waltz along the
path the GUE people have laid down. It lets me enjoy my diving.

Mick wrote:
>
> If the long hose results in less drag (because it's wrapped tighter to
> the body), then I see no compelling reason not to dive with one in open
> water. The tradeoffs would seem to me to be less drag (easier swimming)
> and the benefit of a long hose when needed, at the cost of slightly
> less performance at the second stage and a bit more hassle on the boat.

You've got it exactly, and the hassle on the boat is minimal. I just
got back from Roatan where I dove with the long hose out of a panga. I
just coiled the hose up and ran the reg through the loop before snapping
it to the d-ring. You can easily uncoil it after you don the rig and
people hauling it into the boat never had any trouble.
>
>
>
>>2. Computer. Every real DIR diver will tell you that they don't use
>>computers.
>
>
> I'm a software engineer, so I have no problem with using a computer. :)

I let my computer work for me, too, but I also try to learn as much
about deco as I can so that my brain tracks the problem as well. The
more advanced the diving, the more important this becomes.
>
> I see no problem with having an SPG in the DIR position, as long as
> it's not difficult to read. The console on the chest sounds okay to me
> too, although having it there would probably be less streamlined.
> Either way sounds fine to me, as long the items are configured to
> maximize safety and ease of use, and minimize drag.

Learning to clip it with gloves on was a pain, but once I got past that,
it's been great. I never bash a reef with my SPG and I've seen many a
console do that.
>
>
> No opinion yet, other than to say that I never go anywhere without a
> knife. I keep a small Kershaw folding pocket knife with me at all
> times, even at the office. I've had that same knife for about 30 years
> now. I use it all the time too. I'm not sure what type of knife I'll
> want yet, so I bought a couple of Tusa BC mini-knives so we would have
> something.

I carry EMT shears, which I believe to be better for fishing line, etc.
I've never used them in anger underwater, nor a knife.

>
>>5. Lights. The DIR way is to use a cannister light. Most DIR divers I've
>>known carry one even when diving in daytime clear water locations.
>
>
> Probably because that's where they tuck the 7' hose. :)

Nah, you can tuck the hose inside the waistband. I take it along on all
dives because I use it to communicate, poke in holes, bring out colors,
and it's part of my weighting system. I didn't bring it on two dives in
Roatan because I thought it would be a pain on the little boat and I
didn't want to bother people. Sure enough, the viz on the surface was
crap and we had a night dive basically. Brought it the next day and it
made my BC not fit in their little rack, but they just laid it down and
everything was fine.

>
>
>
> I let a woman at the dive shop talk me into buying a pair of Oceanic
> Vortex V-12 fins. I haven't tried them out yet. They feel a bit heavy,
> but very comfortable with my booties on.

I did the same with a pair of ScubaPro TwinJets. Haven't used them
since I bought real jetfins.

>
>
> I'm considering a Halcyon rig myself. Have you seen the movie "Into the
> Blue" yet? That Jessica Alba looks so... ummm... streamlined in her
> Halcyon BC! It made me want to... ahhh... run right out and buy one. :)

Well, now...

>
> Seriously, I'll want to give one a try first, but I'm keeping an open
> mind.

I'd looked at many, many BCs, talked to many shop people and was never
happy. I finally tracked down a place where I could buy a Halcyon bp &
wing, went there and bought one about twenty seconds after I saw it in
the store. One of the few major purchases in my life that I've never
had a second thought about.

>
>
>
>>I think the necklaced alternate is one of the best ideas anyone has had in years, but
>>have, at least temporarily, abandoned the long hose. I may go back to it,
>>or something similar. So far, the shorter, standard length hose, has not
>>proven to be as comfortable. I'm working on it.
>
>
> I think I'd like to try a 5' primary hose, under the arm and around the
> neck, and a short alternate over the sholder with a tubular necklace.

I haven't tried that, but everyone that I know who has gave it up and
now dives the 7' hose.

>
>>Regarding regulator choice, someone will soon tell you about Apex or Apeks.
>>I'm not sure if that's one manufacturer or two, or which is the current
>>choice of technical divers. They were "discovered" after I bought my Scuba
>>Pro or I'd probably be using one now. When you find out which one it is
>>that everybody likes, give one a try.

Apeks. Some Zeagle regs are relabelled Apeks, though I'm not sure of
the current state of that. I have the DS4 first stage and TX-50 second
as a backup. My primary is a SP G500 and it is wigging out on me. I
will probably switch it to a TX-50 by the end of the week.

Mick, judging from your responses, my guess is that you will really
enjoy a DIR setup. Lots of divers like to tinker with their gear,
design new methods, etc. I'm not one of them. I do that in my day job.
In diving, I really enjoy the fact that I can just waltz along the
path the GUE people have laid down. It lets me enjoy my diving.

Lee Bell wrote:
> "Mick" wrote
>
>
>>How does one go about obtaining DIR style equipment? Halcyon makes BCs
>>and lights, and much of the remainder is just buying certain types of
>>items (e.g. ScubaPro Jet Fins), but what about regulators? Do they have
>>to be custom made to get the right hose lengths?
>
>
> Don't get too caught up in the DIR configuration unless it specifically
> applies to the diving you are doing. Not everybody likes Jet Fins which
> were selected more for their ability to be used in confined potentially
> silty places than for their efficient propulsion. Remember propulsion is a
> function of water moved and water moved increases the risk of stirring up
> sediments in confined spaces.

Don't pay any attention to Lee. He's just a bitter old man battling
weekly hurricanes...

Seriously, while Lee's advice is reasonable, I almost never take it,
simply because I find that the GUE recommendations suit me better than
anything anyone else has to offer. Doesn't make me a better diver than
Lee, it's just my path to optimal enjoyment of my diving. Every time I
have chosen gear or methods that differ from GUE, I have ended up not
being very happy about it.

Lee Bell wrote:
> "Mick" wrote
>
>
>>How does one go about obtaining DIR style equipment? Halcyon makes BCs
>>and lights, and much of the remainder is just buying certain types of
>>items (e.g. ScubaPro Jet Fins), but what about regulators? Do they have
>>to be custom made to get the right hose lengths?
>
>
> Don't get too caught up in the DIR configuration unless it specifically
> applies to the diving you are doing. Not everybody likes Jet Fins which
> were selected more for their ability to be used in confined potentially
> silty places than for their efficient propulsion. Remember propulsion is a
> function of water moved and water moved increases the risk of stirring up
> sediments in confined spaces.

Don't pay any attention to Lee. He's just a bitter old man battling
weekly hurricanes...

Seriously, while Lee's advice is reasonable, I almost never take it,
simply because I find that the GUE recommendations suit me better than
anything anyone else has to offer. Doesn't make me a better diver than
Lee, it's just my path to optimal enjoyment of my diving. Every time I
have chosen gear or methods that differ from GUE, I have ended up not
being very happy about it.