Commercial sidemount systems

[sdalcher]

Just wondering how many different commercial sidemount systems are currently being produced. If you know one, please put manufacturer and possibly some contact info for the manufacturer.

Thanks
Steve

[FW]

Dive Rite's system is easiest to get ahold of, and it works fine.

Paul Smith (Bat Sew) still makes them occasionly, I will try to get contact info. He lives in Gainesville. His works fine, also.

There are a couple "semi commercial" ones made in England, PM Duncan. Remember, they use dry suits for bouyancy.

There is another US made "Armadillo", but I don't know much about it. Advanced Diver Magazine has ads for them.

[SeaPlusPlus]

They had the Armadillo setup at the NACD conference last month. It was pretty sweet looking. I did a quick google search for it though, and most of the links were broken or dead-ends.

[DeWayne]

They had the Armadillo setup at the NACD conference last month. It was pretty sweet looking. I did a quick google search for it though, and most of the links were broken or dead-ends.

Here's the link to it on the ADM site: http://www.advanceddivermagazine.com/armadillo.html

I just checked it and it is working.

[jpdiver]

I have an Armadillo and have done about 25 dives on it. Very happy with it. You can buy it directly from ADM.

[MikeH]

There is another US made "Armadillo", but I don't know much about it. Advanced Diver Magazine has ads for them.

Ask Jay about his...He bought one at the NACD conference. I don't know if he's used it or not, though.

Mike

[ARY]

There are a couple "semi commercial" ones made in England, PM Duncan. Remember, they use dry suits for bouyancy.

There is another US made "Armadillo", but I don't know much about it. Advanced Diver Magazine has ads for them.

When i saw him, Duncan used Dragon: http://www.dragon-speleo.co.uk/ Dragon has wing attachment kit. Altogether with accessories it cost something like $120 without shipping. I asked Duncan if he can use wings with it and as i understood the answer water in UK is cold so noone really has an idea to dive wet. I decided to make a replica of Dragon myself with some modifications (get rid of some buckles and use continuous loop with minimum seams). Duncan's website has all necessary info on it.

I saw Armadillo couple weeks ago in Cave Excursion East (Rich can perhaps tell you more) With integrated 35lbs wing it was something like $550+ , correct me if i'm too wrong. It looks so sweet like a new Porche and everything is already on it.

[REastman]

I have to throw in a plug for the Armadillo as well. It works very well.

[Tegg]

Armadillo is one of the better "off the shelf" units I have seen.

Of course the fact that I dive with one of the creators may affect that opinion... :wink:

Needless to say I have several buddies that dive it all the time and love it.

[Jordan]

I enjoyed creating my sidemount rig from a modular system. There's a lot of adjustment possibilities and different things you can do with it. I can change things easily if the mission 'impossible'-insert theme song here- calls for it.

[Rich]

I enjoyed creating my sidemount rig from a modular system. There's a lot of adjustment possibilities and different things you can do with it. I can change things easily if the mission 'impossible'-insert theme song here- calls for it.

I know what you mean Jordan!! I'm sitting at work putting together my first...no actually second...sidemount rig using that DR "modular system" that Jerry dropped by yesterday...

....oops, I meant I'm cleaning the store if Lee reads this :-D

Safe diving and happy holidays,

Rich

[akioMtFuji]

I'm thinking new sidemount that is Armadillo rig. :smt073
But the straps cannot be changed on the harness as they are sewn into the unit.

[dalegray]

a system developed by Martyn Farr called the Explorer 1 Harness,
available here http://www.farrworld.co.uk/harness.html
http://www.farrworld.co.uk/harness.jpg

"EXPLORER 1" is a new generation of cave diving harness, designed for side mounting cylinders of any size and weight. The simple, straight-forward design is based upon many years practical experience with both original exploration and training.
The features of the harness address many of the shortcomings which have been identified with other commercially available models. It is simpler to put on, comfortable to wear and altogether more user-friendly with respect to bottle attachment, especially with cold or gloved hands.
The construction allows for considerably greater adjustment than other harnesses and is manufactured with high quality webbing. All buckles, slides and attachments are made of high grade steel

Price £105 (please contact Martyn for details of postage costs)