Just getting back into caving - tons of questions

[Amytom]

Just getting back into cave diving after over ten year break (raising kids had to take priority at the time)
Back then hogarthian rig was the thing but now I'm reading more and more about side mount and DIR. What is the accepted standard if there is such a thing?

Also, my light is the old DR two battery rectangular brick with the test tube and a 6" reflector. The batteries are toast but I can build up another pack for about $40.00; or should I update to HID or LED?

Am I out of date?



BTW dove the eye up to the lips this past Monday and that's all it took to get hooked again!


Thanks for any advice offered,

Tom

[Kerry C.]

Welcome back and definitely get a new light! Lighting technology has changed completely over the last 10 years.

[Amytom]

Welcome back and definitely get a new light! Lighting technology has changed completely over the last 10 years.

If it were your money and life would you go new LED or used HID?

[Kerry C.]

I'm using LED now. They're more durable than HID in my opinion.

[gschaut]

Back then hogarthian rig was the thing but now I'm reading more and more about side mount and DIR. What is the accepted standard if there is such a thing?
Tom

Side mount vs back mount. As Scott Bakula used to say " Oooooh BOY!".

Might as well ask North vs South, Ford vs Chevy, Liberal vs Tea Party, Hog vs Stroke.

I suppose the correct answer would be "what ever works for you".

I dove back mount for 20+ years, and due to shoulder injury converted to side mount. I would never go back to back mount even if I could. I have been "converted".

Find a good instructor and "test dive" a side mount rig. See what you think. Side mount definitely opens up a whole new world of caves and passages that are unavailable to backmount.

Welcome back to the dark side, hope to see you in the water some day.

Gary

[Amytom]

Side mount vs back mount. As Scott Bakula used to say " Oooooh BOY!".

Might as well ask North vs South, Ford vs Chevy, Liberal vs Tea Party, Hog vs Stroke.

I suppose the correct answer would be "what ever works for you".

I dove back mount for 20+ years, and due to shoulder injury converted to side mount. I would never go back to back mount even if I could. I have been "converted".

Find a good instructor and "test dive" a side mount rig. See what you think. Side mount definitely opens up a whole new world of caves and passages that are unavailable to backmount.

Welcome back to the dark side, hope to see you in the water some day.

Gary

So it's like asking about anchors on a sailing site...

I already own the back mount gear so will stick with that for the time being, it fits and the muscle memory is still there. Until someone can convince me to change.

So a new light, get over this cold then I'll be back in the water. Wohoooo!

[Jax]

So it's like asking about anchors on a sailing site...

I already own the back mount gear so will stick with that for the time being, it fits and the muscle memory is still there. Until someone can convince me to change.

So a new light, get over this cold then I'll be back in the water. Wohoooo!

Head to Cave Adventurers on the Mill Pond in Marianna. They'll rent or loan you sidemount. Also, they have awesome prices on bunches of different lights, so you can see what you want.

[Amytom]

Thx

[sandy]

Welcome back! If not already consider memberships to the NACD, NSSCDS, NFSA, and ASA.

[rongoodman]

I think after a long break I'd do my first few dives with an instructor, or a very strong mentor. Skills decay over time.