Why the LHS for stages?

[RichClark]

I personally find it much easier to swim with both stages on the left as well as it being easier for wreck penetration.

Cheers

Rich

PS. I have no DIR/GUE bias

[Diogenes]

Thanks for the replies.

I can see the argument for having all stages on one side, narrower profile for wrecking, caving, scootering and maybe even in a heavy current.

I'm only diving a single stage, just for accelerated deco ATM and I have heard the quote of "Rich on the right, Lean on the left" which was why I asked the question. Just seemed strange that having been taught this mantra I'm then shown how to rig my deco stage, richer mix, on the left.

With a single stage I'm not worried about it too much but was curious and wondered what others felt.

[Andy Kerslake]

Originally Posted by Diogenes

Thanks for the replies.

I'm only diving a single stage, just for accelerated deco ATM and I have heard the quote of "Rich on the right, Lean on the left" which was why I asked the question. Just seemed strange that having been taught this mantra I'm then shown how to rig my deco stage, richer mix, on the left.

With a single stage I'm not worried about it too much but was curious and wondered what others felt.

The only real problem with the rich right mantra is if as a human being you cock up, unfortunately we all make mistakes and you could easily attach the wrong bottle to the wrong side. With only one it does not really matter, add more and it becomes more of a problem, start using three or more and it begins to fall apart a lot.

More importantly whichever side you use its the positive identification each time you switch to the stage that is far more important, and absolutely not to rely on which side the stage is on (if this applies).

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by RichW

The majority of divers will never have to share gas. Should they not bother carrying octopusses, long hoses or pony bottles? (delete whatever techniques you dislike).

Rich

I shouldn't comment as I don't use any of these items. I still think basing your cylinder locations on the unlikely prospect of you ever buying a scooter somewhat silly.

Ian

[Andy Kerslake]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

I shouldn't comment as I don't use any of these items. I still think basing your cylinder locations on the unlikely prospect of you ever buying a scooter somewhat silly.

Ian

Its not based on that, if you use a long hose on the right, and a stage on the right its a tad difficult to deploy the long hose easily and efficiently. Its the light in the left hand that facilitates the scooter.

When I first learnt all this stuff (yes I know we did not have electricity) we used to have the light in the right hand. It took me a long time to get used to using the left hand when I used a scooter, in fact my light okay signals were more of a sausage than a circle

[RichW]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

I shouldn't comment as I don't use any of these items. I still think basing your cylinder locations on the unlikely prospect of you ever buying a scooter somewhat silly.

Ian

Well, it's not the only reason to do it. It's just one of many.

1) Long hose deployment
2) Stage hose routing
3) Reliance on cylinder marking, not position
4) Scooter drag
5) Scalable logic for multiple deco / stage cylinders

Rich

[Mark Chase]

Originally Posted by Andy Kerslake

The only real problem with the rich right mantra is if as a human being you cock up, unfortunately we all make mistakes and you could easily attach the wrong bottle to the wrong side. With only one it does not really matter, add more and it becomes more of a problem, start using three or more and it begins to fall apart a lot.

More importantly whichever side you use its the positive identification each time you switch to the stage that is far more important, and absolutely not to rely on which side the stage is on (if this applies).

A few good arguments on this thread but this is definatly not one of them.

I only know three divers who have 02 toxed switching to the wrong gas and the ALL had both stages left.

The likleyhood of geting the wrong stage on the wrong side using left right is miniscule. The gag on the rich reg and the fact its gassed off might be a clue as well.


I always thaught the stages left were to free up the right hand as the majority of divers / people are right handed. The stages left gives the prop wash of some scooter designs a clear passage making them more eficient and the all stages left principle does away with the confusion caused by adding a third stage. (this last point is a very good one)

The main reasions I avoid are tank identification in diver seporation events (but id cure that with a rich reg gag) and much more importantly the fact the depths and run times I do make the tanks so full that having even ali 80s all left would put me off balance.

Diveing left right with steel tanks i can (and have in the past) run 250bar fills in 10s to facilitate the deco comitment. Alis wouldent like that and would tip you over sideways with a 250bar fill.

I can get away with two deco stages down to 70m dives so left right covers 90% of my diving. Deeper I need 3 so it all goes a bit wrong. Such limitations on the left right idea meen its not a good as a standardised system.

I have to admit therefore that if i were trying to standardise a system id have to opt for all stages on one side or the other.

ATB


Mark Chase

[neilh]

Originally Posted by Andy Kerslake

More importantly whichever side you use its the positive identification each time you switch to the stage that is far more important

...and consequently the careful analysis and marking of the stage(s) before you even enter the water is as important (if not more so) as which side you've put them

[aquaholic]

Originally Posted by Diogenes

I'm only diving a single stage, just for accelerated deco ATM and I have heard the quote of "Rich on the right, Lean on the left" which was why I asked the question. Just seemed strange that having been taught this mantra I'm then shown how to rig my deco stage, richer mix, on the left.

I suppose you ought to address this question at your instructor in the first instance .. How you rig your stage depends usually on the agency that you undertook your training with. AFAIK, only GUE actually teach to carry two stages on the left side, and that is based on the use of ali stages. All other Tech agencies either do not stippulate which side is used - so the instructor can chose what to teach, thoguh should explain their choise to the student, IMO.. or teach the "Rich on the right, Lean on the left" approach - which used to be based on the use of (heavier) steel stages, to allow the diver to remain balanced when carrying more than one stage. With the more modern lightweight steel tanks this is a bit more of a mute point now.

The new BSAC Sports Mixed Gas courses stipulate that stages are rigged "Rich on the right, Lean on the left" - apparently to be consistent with the teaching of other tech agencies... So when I'll teach under BSAC I will have to carry bilateral stages, whilst I'll be rigging both stages on the left during my usual dives - hohum. ... Clearly a case of do as I say, not do as I do , but I'd be likely telling you both sides of the coin at one point or other during or after the course...

[Andy Kerslake]

Mark

It was left just because of the long hose.

As for toxing I know of a few, and you are right it had nothing to do with position, but as toxing is one of thees things I would do my utmost to avoid then anything I can do to load the dice in my favour I do.

As for positive id, I id my bottle and so does my buddy.

As Neil metioned always analyse and mark every cylinder the day that you dive it.