Sidemount Rig Options

[MedCop]

Okay..I have never sidemounted and would actually love to start...basic reason, tired of lugging around banded doubles.

Are the only options for out of the box rigs the Armadillo & Nomad?

[BgDadddy]

Cave Excursions East used to carry one designed by Jeff Hancock. It looked like an open water BC that was modified so it could be used for sidemount. I don't know if they still carry it or not. I never used one so I can't tell you anything about it, other than Jeff uses one and has surveyed the entire Devil's system while wearing it (and his has the "battle scars" to show it).

I use a Nomad. Pretty much worked perfectly for me from the very first dive. I had a little issue with the stitching on my wing, showed it to Lamar & Jerry at one of their demonstrations and they replaced it with a brand new wing on the spot (and put it all back together for me). You can't beat that for service!

[standingbear56]

Hi,
I'm a real NB to sidemount also. Currently I'm using an older TransPac II converted to a Nomad. It's been working great for me so far. I'm using it with LP 95's. I haven't had an opportunity to try either the Armadillo or any of the other harnesses out there so I'm afraid I'm not much more of a help. I can say that the Dive Rite staff have been wonderful anytime I've needed any help which is something I consider important with any piece of gear.
Keep in touch and let us know about your experiences. I've learned alot from the people at this forum.
Happy Diving,
Bear

[Rich]

Cave Excursions East used to carry one designed by Jeff Hancock. It looked like an open water BC that was modified so it could be used for sidemount. I don't know if they still carry it or not. I never used one so I can't tell you anything about it, other than Jeff uses one and has surveyed the entire Devil's system while wearing it (and his has the "battle scars" to show it).

I use a Nomad. Pretty much worked perfectly for me from the very first dive. I had a little issue with the stitching on my wing, showed it to Lamar & Jerry at one of their demonstrations and they replaced it with a brand new wing on the spot (and put it all back together for me). You can't beat that for service!

We have the Nomad, the Armadillo and Jeff Hancock's "Gemini" in stock at Cave East.

I recently purchased a dual bladder Nomad so I've left my regular XL Nomad at the shop for people who want to take it for a test run, and you could also try one of Jeff's if you want. Sorry, I only have one of the Armadillo's but if you called Jakub at Golem Gear, I'm sure he'd let you borrow one to use....

Safe diving,

Rich

[MedCop]

We have the Nomad, the Armadillo and Jeff Hancock's "Gemini" in stock at Cave East.

I recently purchased a dual bladder Nomad so I've left my regular XL Nomad at the shop for people who want to take it for a test run, and you could also try one of Jeff's if you want. Sorry, I only have one of the Armadillo's but if you called Jakub at Golem Gear, I'm sure he'd let you borrow one to use....

Safe diving,

Rich

Will be in Cave Country later this month, will be by the shop several times may have to take a look.

[JDostal]

Myself and a bunch of other divers are using Zeagle Rangers converted to sidemount rigs. You have to flip the wing around ( to protect the inflator hose ) and you have to sew some tabs onto the wing to keep it held down... we use an aluminum buttplate as the rear connecting point for the tanks and a mt bike innertube threaded through the upper portion of the BC to loop around the tank necks.

If you'd like, I can post a photograph. But yes, your options are basically - armadillo, nomad, homebrew.

Let me know if you'd like photos and I'll take some and post 'em.

[RHolmesJr]

Myself and a bunch of other divers are using Zeagle Rangers converted to sidemount rigs. You have to flip the wing around ( to protect the inflator hose ) and you have to sew some tabs onto the wing to keep it held down... we use an aluminum buttplate as the rear connecting point for the tanks and a mt bike innertube threaded through the upper portion of the BC to loop around the tank necks.

If you'd like, I can post a photograph. But yes, your options are basically - armadillo, nomad, homebrew.

Let me know if you'd like photos and I'll take some and post 'em.

Please do, I look foward to looking at your pics.

[MedCop]

Please do, I look foward to looking at your pics.

Ditto

[JDostal]

http://picasaweb.google.com/jdostal/SidemountBC

Here you go - sorry some of the pics are a little washed out I just did them quick before I run out the door. I can take some more of certain things later if anyone would like.

I didn't make the BC - my instructor did, so I have to give her all of the credit. It looks a little frankensteinish laying out on my floor but once you put it on and tighten everything down it is really nice and streamlined. Your back is nice and smooth and the wing really sticks down around your body. I've drug it through some pretty tight spots and haven't had any issues with things hanging up.

I usually clip my reels to the buttplate tank attachment point after I clip my tanks on and they stay out of the way pretty nice.