Small Questions Thread

[floridabob]

I'm ok with sarcasm, and I find bob's dry humor refreshing as I'm a*** myself. I'm used to the "take the class first" and "ask your instructor" replies. That's too easy and frankly ***t, as I'm asking you guys for a reason. I've asked my instructor. Many are ok with using SMBs. I could take the course, learn to dive that way, and continue diving that way. Or, I could ask other experienced divers (here) their opinions to see if I could use a better (safer) alternative. Again, I've searched redundant bladders but never got the concrete answer. If anyone has used or is using or has seen used an additional bladder on the Nomad, please share that information. I'm new. I come to you for help. If I knew what I was talking about, I wouldn't be asking the questions- I'd be helping the new diver with answers.

Hm.

I dont hate that answer. Dang.

No idea who your instructor is or where you are located but I'm surprised that they support an SMB. But I am surprised often.

I think I supplied one of the better answers with the MSR bag but who knows.

Gotta put a point on this: You seem to be looking for support on your SMB/Lift Bag thoughts NOT an alternative and potentially better option. No problem for me and frankly, its what most guys do when they post a small question--attempt to support their choice.

To be clear--neither an SMB nor a lift bag are your best options. And an MSR bag is very cheap, too. As are used double bladder wings (which are not my favorite choice).

Carry on!

PS: I hope to see said instructor teaching/allowing the deployment of said lift bag for I would like to see it in action!!

bob

[Scubaru]

Where is a site for MSR bags? I see discussions about them but didn't think they had sufficient lift for backup bladder use judging by the specs they were giving. I'm assuming they make different sizes?

[coldwaterjake]

Check this thread. There are a couple options mentioned:

Sidemount MSR-like wing
What do you guys think of these? They're cheap and awesome for diving with aluminum tanks.
http://www.cavediver.net/forum/showpost.php?p=247419

[Scubaru]

Yeah, I saw it (actually replied to it and asked questions in Dec of last year). That's why I originally wrote them off as being too light. They were claiming 22lbs of max lift, not accounting for being restricted in anyway (great for my aluminums, not so much for my worthingtons). That's why I was wondering if they make bigger bags?

[OutOfTest]

Are we all diving so negative we can't just swim off the bottom of the wing catastrophically breaks?

What do you do when you encounter serious squeezes where no wing or drysuit will fit?

Have you ever tried diving without any wing at all?

It's really not that bad.


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[FW]

Are we all diving so negative we can't just swim off the bottom of the wing catastrophically breaks?

What do you do when you encounter serious squeezes where no wing or drysuit will fit?

Have you ever tried diving without any wing at all?

It's really not that bad.


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In Florida, we tend to dive steel 100s up to 150s, so they are very heavy in the water. In sumps, I dive wet with small steels or aluminiums, and never have a need for redundant buoyancy.

[Scubaru]

Forrest, what rig do you use for diving sumps wet with steels? In two weeks I'll have a much better idea of exactly how much weight/lift I'll need. If my LDS will turn over my regs and tanks this week, I'll jump in the pool.

[OutOfTest]

I've dove steel 100s wet with no buoyancy (for sumps).

Sometimes you have to swim for a bit/pots before the squeezy bits.


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[Scubaru]

I could see that if I was anticipating pull and glides or crawling, etc, but at my level (just getting into sidemount and cavern soon), I'm looking to keep focusing on perfect bouyancy and safely enjoying larger rooms, springs, etc without touching walls, ceilings, floors, etc. I've got my open water setup exactly where I want it and neutral bouyancy is super easy for me to achieve. Just looking forward to finding a similar situation with my new sidemount rig.

[OutOfTest]

The best way is entirely the same as normal. The only thing I'd change is:
1. Don't worry too much about redundant lift.
2. Weight yourself without ANY cylinders on. Taking them off becomes a lot more likely as you progress through sidemount. May as well start as you mean to go on.


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