WTB Sidemount BC system

[help]

I want to start my journey in sidemount, and I'm in the market of a sidemount BC system. I'm interested in anything from any manufactures as long as it's in good condition with a reasonable price.

[Greenwood_60]

Are you willing to tinker a bit to build it? Bone Diver has some awesome plates. If you don't mind diving on a pair of AL 80s. You may be able to dive some of the floatier steel tanks with one of the 6L or 10L MSR Dromdary hydration bags (and bite hose kit) as a BCD. Can't beat the price either.

Do a search for Bone Diver, or BoneDiver (don't remember which) and you will see what I am talking about. Here is an older thread about the plates... they are slightly different now. http://www.cavediver.net/forum/showt...ight=bonediver

You can also do this one: http://www.cavediver.net/forum/showt...emount+harness
Forrest (FW) has info on where to get that hardware.

[help]

Thank you for your suggestion and the links.

I will mostly dive with HP100s and a drysuit in cold water (40F), so I'm not sure how well the home made system will work for me... I'm mainly looking for an off the rack sidemount system, because my local sidemount instructor will not teach students in any home made systems. Maybe someday I will try to build one after I take the class.

I already own 4 commercial bcs and 2 bp/wing setups, and I just can't justify the cost of a brand new sidemount system

Are you willing to tinker a bit to build it? Bone Diver has some awesome plates. If you don't mind diving on a pair of AL 80s. You may be able to dive some of the floatier steel tanks with one of the 6L or 10L MSR Dromdary hydration bags (and bite hose kit) as a BCD. Can't beat the price either.

Do a search for Bone Diver, or BoneDiver (don't remember which) and you will see what I am talking about. Here is an older thread about the plates... they are slightly different now. http://www.cavediver.net/forum/showt...ight=bonediver

You can also do this one: http://www.cavediver.net/forum/showt...emount+harness
Forrest (FW) has info on where to get that hardware.

[Greenwood_60]

If he will teach in the (now) old razor system, he shouldn't have a problem with the BoneDiver setup. I got the same kind of crap from my LDS, all they wanted to do was sell me gear.

[ffdiver5597]

If he will teach in the (now) old razor system, he shouldn't have a problem with the BoneDiver setup. I got the same kind of crap from my LDS, all they wanted to do was sell me gear.

Are you using the bonediver harness? Do you use the msr bag? Did you do your intro in it?

[Greenwood_60]

Are you using the bonediver harness? Do you use the msr bag? Did you do your intro in it?

Yes.

Not yet. Would have, but didn't need it with an aluminum tank. Might need it with two. I bought the bag, but couldn't find the hose kit before leaving town.

No. Did my cavern/intro in BM doubles. After one dive with the harness though, I was considering it. Had I had more time to plan (this was 4 days before class) I would have considered it. It would have made everything I had any issue with, a complete non issue. Mostly trim issues, but I made some drills very difficult. Getting my trim right made a world of difference. I kept thinking I just needed to get use to doubles! Ha, I needed to adjust my harness. Loosened the shoulder straps, tightened the crotch strap... PROBLEMS SOLVED! I felt like a pro after that. I had gotten "use to doubles" enough that I was able to mask the problem with my trim. Problem was I couldn't sit still. Had to constantly correct to keep from going head down. The first time the blackout mask went on WHOOP I was on my face. As soon as I got in to position to air share WHOOP I was on my face. Any time my movement was restricted, or I lost visual reference, I was toast. I will probably adjust it a bit further this weekend, but I am running out of webbing.

I mainly picked up the harness to replace my OW gear. I may poke around with SM in a cave, but nothing serious for a while. I have to say though, open water diving with a single side mounted aluminum 80 was the most peaceful dive I have ever had.

[ffdiver5597]

I agree, my last dive with our ow students I didn't feel like dragging the extra tank in the water. So I just did a single it was just super nice.

I also did two 2 20 min dives in the cavern at Jackson blue while adjusting the harness in between and it was just awesome and very freeing.

[Sludge]

my local sidemount instructor will not teach students in any home made systems.

Did he/she give you a reason for this?

[Greenwood_60]

It's kinda hard to draw that line... especially with cave gear. For example, if I buy a Dive Rite BP, but order the d-rings, slides, and webbing in bulk online, and put it all together at home, is that home made? I would argue that the Bone Diver Setup is not home made, but required assembly

[Skorpiov]

It's kinda hard to draw that line... especially with cave gear. For example, if I buy a Dive Rite BP, but order the d-rings, slides, and webbing in bulk online, and put it all together at home, is that home made? I would argue that the Bone Diver Setup is not home made, but required assembly

Exactly... My DiveRite Transplate Harness came as a kit. I had to build it. I was terrified when I opened the box and it wasn't assempled, but after a few hours adjusting here and there, it was perfect. Not any difference with the SM plate starter kit except the parts come from here and there instead of in one box from one supplier.