Reg configuration.
I went through many layouts of my three regs before I settled on the current one. The main problem I had with the rebreather reg was stowing the pressure gauge. After trying the hose on the left, where the hose is too long, I tried the right, which made the hose too short. A different length hose was tried, with a console on the end of it, before I decided on the gauge coming over my left shoulder, secured with a loop of bungee. From there the gauge will not go far down, but sits nicely where I can check it by turning my head to the left. I find it useable, but I may go for a longer hose so that it hangs down and mirrors the Oxygauge position.
Pressure gauge comes over left shoulder.
The 3L stage has my console attached. The pressure gauge hose is routed downwards to my right side, and has a depth gauge and compass attached. There is a 90 degree swivel adaptor on the first stage for the wing supply which goes across my shoulders. There is a suit hose fitted as well, in case I have a problem with the 7L stage, or I am not diving with it.
Layout of the 3L regs, note swivel on first stage and short drysuit hose.
The 7L regs are also used as my left hand deco stage regs when I am deco diving with two different deco mixes. The Apeks Egress can be used either way up, and gives a nice breathe. Also from the left is a short drysuit inflator hose. This is my primary suit gas when diving the Dolphin so that I don’t empty the 3L bailout tank.
I also use the 6” hoses on the sideslung pressure gauges, but I may change these to button gauges later.
Configuration when diving with a 7L is with the stage to the left to offset the weight of the 3L on the right. Convention in diving is to have the richest deco mix on the right, but with only one tank, it is simple to use either side.
Main rig set up when diving with 7L stage.
The set up of the rig is more comfortable in the water. The cylinder sits further back then.
Chest area detail.
From the detail picture above it can be seen that the two drysuit hoses are interchangeable. The 3L one is shown as ‘connected’ and the 7L short hose is tucked behind it.
Other add-ons.
Needing somewhere to put the kitchen sink I bought a Bowstone pouch, and it’s huge. Tables, mask, small children are all swallowed up with equal ease. The zip pulls have a ball on a loop making operating with cold hands easier.
I changed the clip buckle for a flip type, and this is left, not right handed in operation. This is to stop confusion with a weightbelt.
I have an LED backup torch strapped to the inflator hose, along with my whistle at the end of the hose. Placing a whistle here means that it is easy to find, and you know you can get it in your mouth.
And finally, nothing would be complete without my warped sense of humour.
With all these mods, I can dive the kit comfortably, such as here at Capernwray, when I was still sorting out the configuration.
