DIR/GUE Kit Choice

[JamieG]

A genuine question here and not one to start a debate about which is better etc.

From what I have read GUE/DIR divers use specific types and brands of kit and I was wondering why it is these particular models etc that are chosen.

For example Scubapro and Apeks regs - why not other tech type regs like Poseidon? Is it a servicing parts issue?

[MartyC]

Jamie,
Try going on the GUE website and read the information available.

[Digger]

It's not the brands, it's the way they work. Requirements for equipment are not "you must dive this regulator" but more "you must dive a regulator which can do x, y and z, here are some models which meet that requirement".

I should really do Fundies at some point. I can feel a charity sponsored event coming on. It would be like a Marathon, but instead of 4 hours, 4 days...

Digs.

[David]

Originally Posted by JamieG

A genuine question here and not one to start a debate about which is better etc.

From what I have read GUE/DIR divers use specific types and brands of kit and I was wondering why it is these particular models etc that are chosen.

For example Scubapro and Apeks regs - why not other tech type regs like Poseidon? Is it a servicing parts issue?

scubapro wins because the hoses route best or they were the first to route well.

so a few people got them then it became a team choice. Its not about which is best anymore. they are all simlar but if your team all has X you only need one set of spares one tool box.

if you get 10 divers all wanting ten diffrent sets of backs ups you need a bigger boat :-) or car or table to sort kit on.

so the question is not which is best anymore.....

[neilh]

Originally Posted by JamieG

A genuine question here and not one to start a debate about which is better etc.

Hehe - but I'm sure it will

Originally Posted by JamieG

From what I have read GUE/DIR divers use specific types and brands of kit and I was wondering why it is these particular models etc that are chosen.

For example Scubapro and Apeks regs - why not other tech type regs like Poseidon? Is it a servicing parts issue?

It's not so much that specific brands are chosen, more that there are certain brands (like Halcyon, Salvo, Apeks, Scubapro, DUI, Santi, etc) that make products that meet the DIR guidelines and are also good pieces of kit. You'll also find some of those brands make the odd kack bit of kit - but you won't find many DIR/GUE folk using them just because of the brand (but you will find some ).

[principia]

Originally Posted by MartyC

Jamie,
Try going on the GUE website and read the information available.

Or have a quick flick through the previous hundred threads on the matter.

J.

[James The Badger]

There are two issues when looking at the kit question
1) Does the equipment you are looking at have any functional traits that are not as desirable as others for the dive?
2) Is the equipment you are looking at of a robust enough build quality for the dive?

In a group of DIR/GUE divers you will a huge variety of manufacturers in some areas and a common consensus on others.

[James The Badger]

Originally Posted by neilh

but you won't find many DIR/GUE folk using them just because of the brand (but you will find some ).

Halcyon Delrin butt plugs?

[Woz]

The original idea behind it all was developed cos when you are putting alot of time and effort and money into pushing these long cave systems, having a bunch of people who are all using the same kit and are trained in the same way makes alot of sense and saves time and money and reduces potential kit failures (and makes them easier to sort out if it's interchangeable). So you all simply rock up at a site and are ready to go pretty much straight away.

This happens in a less formal way with other groups of divers but GUE have gone commercial with it to make a few quid and good on them for spotting the gap in the market.

Apart from having to live with your mum, it's a good solid system.

[weazelz]

Originally Posted by JamieG

For example Scubapro and Apeks regs - why not other tech type regs like Poseidon? Is it a servicing parts issue?

I think the issue with Poseidons specifically is their design - upstream as opposed to downstream for most other brands