Questions about DIR

"Mick" <micknewton@direcway.com> wrote in message
news:1136740324.093107.164210@g49g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> 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?
>
> Also, the GUE web site says...
> "The second stage NEEDS to be able to be stripped under water, just in
> case there is debris under the exhaust valve or it has moved (i.e.
> folded back) causing the second stage to breathe wet. As such, the face
> plate needs to be removable without any tools, while wearing gloves."
>
> Are most regulators capable of being field stripped under water? How
> would you know? I've been looking around on the web for information on
> regulators lately and haven't found much real information. Most of what
> I have found is simply marketing hype.
>

Wouldn't you rather spend your time enjoying diving?

"Mick" <micknewton@direcway.com> wrote in message
news:1136740324.093107.164210@g49g2000cwa.googlegr oups.com...
> 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?
>
> Also, the GUE web site says...
> "The second stage NEEDS to be able to be stripped under water, just in
> case there is debris under the exhaust valve or it has moved (i.e.
> folded back) causing the second stage to breathe wet. As such, the face
> plate needs to be removable without any tools, while wearing gloves."
>
> Are most regulators capable of being field stripped under water? How
> would you know? I've been looking around on the web for information on
> regulators lately and haven't found much real information. Most of what
> I have found is simply marketing hype.
>

Wouldn't you rather spend your time enjoying diving?

"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.

> Also, the GUE web site says..."The second stage NEEDS to be able to be
> stripped under water, just in
> case there is debris under the exhaust valve or it has moved (i.e. folded
> back) causing the second stage to breathe
> wet. As such, the face plate needs to be removable without any tools,
> while wearing gloves."

> Are most regulators capable of being field stripped under water? How
> would you know? I've been looking around on the web for information on
> regulators lately and haven't found much real information. Most of what
> I have found is simply marketing hype.

Some are, some aren't. My US Divers regulators are. My Scuba Pro regulator
isn't unless the retaining pin is removed. You know by asking and by having
the shop show you. Be alert for small parts that might be easily lost.

Lee

"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.

> Also, the GUE web site says..."The second stage NEEDS to be able to be
> stripped under water, just in
> case there is debris under the exhaust valve or it has moved (i.e. folded
> back) causing the second stage to breathe
> wet. As such, the face plate needs to be removable without any tools,
> while wearing gloves."

> Are most regulators capable of being field stripped under water? How
> would you know? I've been looking around on the web for information on
> regulators lately and haven't found much real information. Most of what
> I have found is simply marketing hype.

Some are, some aren't. My US Divers regulators are. My Scuba Pro regulator
isn't unless the retaining pin is removed. You know by asking and by having
the shop show you. Be alert for small parts that might be easily lost.

Lee

ben bradlee wrote:
> Wouldn't you rather spend your time enjoying diving?

I would, but since I can't dive right now I don't see any reason why I
shouldn't try to learn a few things while I'm waiting.

ben bradlee wrote:
> Wouldn't you rather spend your time enjoying diving?

I would, but since I can't dive right now I don't see any reason why I
shouldn't try to learn a few things while I'm waiting.

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?


> Some are, some aren't. My US Divers regulators are. My Scuba Pro regulator
> isn't unless the retaining pin is removed. You know by asking and by having
> the shop show you. Be alert for small parts that might be easily lost.

Thanks Lee.

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?


> Some are, some aren't. My US Divers regulators are. My Scuba Pro regulator
> isn't unless the retaining pin is removed. You know by asking and by having
> the shop show you. Be alert for small parts that might be easily lost.

Thanks Lee.

"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 didn't say you shouldn't consider it. I said don't get too caught up in
it. There are a lot of elements of the DIR system that work very well for
all divers, but there are several that most divers prefer not to adopt. The
point is, consider everything, but configure youself according to the diving
you are/will be doing. Here are a few examples of DIR stuff that many chose
not to follow:
1. Long hose. This is the most obvious element of the DIR system. Even the
god of DIR has admitted that there's no compelling reason to dive a long
hose in open water. On the other hand, many of those who got used to the
long hose continue to use it even in open water. It's a hassel on the boat.
It's not a problem in the water.
2. Computer. Every real DIR diver will tell you that they don't use
computers. That's not entirely true, but it is safe to say that those that
use them as computers, as opposed to using them as gauges, keep quite about
it. The officially sanctioned DIR computer was Suunto precisely because
it's a good recording device when used in gauge mode. Many of the Suunto
line is disliked by the advanced recreational diving community because of
how very conservative they are and because of how they handle nitrox
percentages.
3. Guage location. The DIR way is to put your contents guage on a shorter
than normal hose that is clipped to your left side waist D ring. Your
compass and depth guage go on your wrist. I forget which one goes on which
wrist. That's fine for those that have been diving long enough, or planned
well enough, not to need to check their gas supply, but it's not necessarily
the best idea for those that need to look more often or for those that,
contrary to DIR doctrine, have their guage, compass and computer in a
console. Often, the best configuration for the non DIR crowd has the
computer, etc. clipped off on a chest D ring. When I had mine there, I
could refer to it no hands.
4. The Knife. As far as I know, the DIR standard is still a small, blunt
point knife located in the center of the waist belt. Personoally, I carry
two small knives, one blunt, one pointed. Mine are behind the D rings on
each side of my waist belt.
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. I've
never owned a cannister light and almost certainly never will. I simply
don't need that much light or weight. On the other hand, I do carry a
couple of Scout lights, one on each shoulder strap on all dives. They're my
backup for night and/or cave/cavern diving, something I almost never do
anymore. It's easier to leave them in place than to remove and replace them
as necessary.
6. Fins. This is what started this conversation. I tried Jet Fins when
they first came out, some 40 or so years ago. I hated them then and I still
do. They simply do not do what I want fins to do. In addition to being old
technology, they're heavy. The DIR standard is to use stainless spring
heels to keep pocket fins on your feet. Since I'm a warm water diver, I
have other options. My standard is to use a full foot fin that is more
efficient, lighter and less expensive. I have two favorites, Mares TRE and
Mares Power Quatro fins. I'm quite certain that I bill blow anybody with no
more than comperable strength and skill away using my fins against their Jet
Fins. Some of them don't think so. That's OK too.

At any rate, the point is, consider everything and settle on what works best
for you. The DIR system has some excellent elements. Personally, I very
much like the harness system. It keeps my tank sable and free from excess
movement. I love my wing and stainless plate because they are both
streamlined and just happen to be exactly the amount of weight I need for my
normal diving. In warm water, I don't carry any lead at all. 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.

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.

Lee

"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 didn't say you shouldn't consider it. I said don't get too caught up in
it. There are a lot of elements of the DIR system that work very well for
all divers, but there are several that most divers prefer not to adopt. The
point is, consider everything, but configure youself according to the diving
you are/will be doing. Here are a few examples of DIR stuff that many chose
not to follow:
1. Long hose. This is the most obvious element of the DIR system. Even the
god of DIR has admitted that there's no compelling reason to dive a long
hose in open water. On the other hand, many of those who got used to the
long hose continue to use it even in open water. It's a hassel on the boat.
It's not a problem in the water.
2. Computer. Every real DIR diver will tell you that they don't use
computers. That's not entirely true, but it is safe to say that those that
use them as computers, as opposed to using them as gauges, keep quite about
it. The officially sanctioned DIR computer was Suunto precisely because
it's a good recording device when used in gauge mode. Many of the Suunto
line is disliked by the advanced recreational diving community because of
how very conservative they are and because of how they handle nitrox
percentages.
3. Guage location. The DIR way is to put your contents guage on a shorter
than normal hose that is clipped to your left side waist D ring. Your
compass and depth guage go on your wrist. I forget which one goes on which
wrist. That's fine for those that have been diving long enough, or planned
well enough, not to need to check their gas supply, but it's not necessarily
the best idea for those that need to look more often or for those that,
contrary to DIR doctrine, have their guage, compass and computer in a
console. Often, the best configuration for the non DIR crowd has the
computer, etc. clipped off on a chest D ring. When I had mine there, I
could refer to it no hands.
4. The Knife. As far as I know, the DIR standard is still a small, blunt
point knife located in the center of the waist belt. Personoally, I carry
two small knives, one blunt, one pointed. Mine are behind the D rings on
each side of my waist belt.
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. I've
never owned a cannister light and almost certainly never will. I simply
don't need that much light or weight. On the other hand, I do carry a
couple of Scout lights, one on each shoulder strap on all dives. They're my
backup for night and/or cave/cavern diving, something I almost never do
anymore. It's easier to leave them in place than to remove and replace them
as necessary.
6. Fins. This is what started this conversation. I tried Jet Fins when
they first came out, some 40 or so years ago. I hated them then and I still
do. They simply do not do what I want fins to do. In addition to being old
technology, they're heavy. The DIR standard is to use stainless spring
heels to keep pocket fins on your feet. Since I'm a warm water diver, I
have other options. My standard is to use a full foot fin that is more
efficient, lighter and less expensive. I have two favorites, Mares TRE and
Mares Power Quatro fins. I'm quite certain that I bill blow anybody with no
more than comperable strength and skill away using my fins against their Jet
Fins. Some of them don't think so. That's OK too.

At any rate, the point is, consider everything and settle on what works best
for you. The DIR system has some excellent elements. Personally, I very
much like the harness system. It keeps my tank sable and free from excess
movement. I love my wing and stainless plate because they are both
streamlined and just happen to be exactly the amount of weight I need for my
normal diving. In warm water, I don't carry any lead at all. 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.

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.

Lee