Sidemount Rig Option

[Explorer]

Looking at all the threads discussing the armadillo or nomad sidemount pros and cons, a few of us took what we had already and modified to our likings.

Being CCR divers, we all have the Armadillo CCR sidemount kit bolted onto our SS backplate. We exchanged the bungee loops and are using bungees similar to the Nomad system. Taking a Halcyon 40 lb Eclipse wing and bolted an inexpensive aluminum backplate on the outside, we now have a very workable sidemount unit.

We have tested it out in the water and no issues at all. Here are a few pics for your enjoyment.

Cheers

Jeff

1.JPG 2.JPG 3.JPG4.JPG

[Kelly Jessop]

You'll find this discussed here and other forums,but diving with a rigid backplate will result in getting wedged in restrictions,it takes away the normal flexibility. If it is being used as a sidemount configuration as an alternative to back mount,but not being used in sidemount restrictions,then not a problem.

[Cantey]

I agree with Kelly, I don't think that's a very good idea in "sidemount" restrictions. BTW in the picture you have the bungee wrapped around the base of the valve, the DR bungees were designed just to be looped around the handwheel of your valve (no full wrap)...or maybe did you just do that b/c you were taking a pic on land?

[caverkevin]

Hey Jeff,

I am going to agree with these guys that a sidemount rig and a plate don't go together. Why not just get a Armadillo? The new ones have the wing bolted to the waist belt. You can place the shoulder straps between the bolts. This is how my Dillo is rigged and the harness rides just like my old Hog backplate harness. With the inflation hose coming up from the bottom of the wing it makes the hose routing a snap.

I have rigged my KISS with some straps and clips. Two long shoulder straps on the top of the unit that come over the shoulders and clip into the top of the crotch strap. Two clips with bungee on the base of the unit that clip into those love handles. You can do the same thing with your Meg.


Cheers!!

Kevin

[NorthWoodsDiver]

That is almost identical to my first rig but it was for experimentation in open water only and not for cave or wrecks because of the hard plate on the back.

Jill has a video around someplace showing the same basic concept for diving a rebreather with sidemount bailout. I cant argue with that being a great idea.

[Explorer]

You'll find this discussed here and other forums,but diving with a rigid backplate will result in getting wedged in restrictions,it takes away the normal flexibility. If it is being used as a sidemount configuration as an alternative to back mount,but not being used in sidemount restrictions,then not a problem.

Restrictions would be an issue, yes, but we are looking at just open water dives for possible options for future non CCR trips. I am cave certified and dive backmount now. Good point, thanks.

Hey Jeff,

I am going to agree with these guys that a sidemount rig and a plate don't go together. Why not just get a Armadillo? The new ones have the wing bolted to the waist belt. You can place the shoulder straps between the bolts. This is how my Dillo is rigged and the harness rides just like my old Hog backplate harness. With the inflation hose coming up from the bottom of the wing it makes the hose routing a snap.

I have rigged my KISS with some straps and clips. Two long shoulder straps on the top of the unit that come over the shoulders and clip into the top of the crotch strap. Two clips with bungee on the base of the unit that clip into those love handles. You can do the same thing with your Meg.

Cheers!!

Kevin

Thanks Kevin. If you have some pics, that would be great to see. Next time I am down your area, we'll have to CCR again. That would mean give Mel some more $$$.

That is almost identical to my first rig but it was for experimentation in open water only and not for cave or wrecks because of the hard plate on the back.

Thanks.

[Explorer]

That is almost identical to my first rig but it was for experimentation in open water only and not for cave or wrecks because of the hard plate on the back.

It was just an idea for OW travelling dives.

[NorthWoodsDiver]

I cant see it as being a smart option for travel either unless you have unlimited luggage allowance, your probably better off picking up one of Steve's rigs and threading on a couple lead bricks when you get to your destination. I cant say for sure but I bet you could rig a small wing to work with Steve's harness too.

[Luxrok]

I bet you could rig a small wing to work with Steve's harness too.

Or you can take a camel back and orally inflate. It is really the smallest/lightest rig for travel.

Hans