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Any Scuba Fanatics here?
- Thread starter Jigstick
- Start date
Master diver card in my wallet who has dabbled in tech diving/rebreathers. I’ve been out of the water the last couple years living in Colorado.
Well I’ve been nitrox and OW certified for years. But I’m ready to complete AOW and dry suit. 12yrs is when I started. I’m still using my original BCD and manual gauges. I want to upgrade to a new BCD and dive computer.
I’ve been looking at the Zeagle Ranger or Scubapro Hydros Pro. I really prefer back inflation only. Much more comfortable staying horizontal underwater.
but I also don’t want a bunch of shit hanging off me or anything bulky. I want something that gives good range of motion. The Zeagle punches all the dots but is a little bulky. I prefer the design of the ScubaPro Hydros...but it lacks an emergency weight dump option.
as for computers I’m looking at the Shearwater Teric or Perdic AI.
I’ve been looking at the Zeagle Ranger or Scubapro Hydros Pro. I really prefer back inflation only. Much more comfortable staying horizontal underwater.
but I also don’t want a bunch of shit hanging off me or anything bulky. I want something that gives good range of motion. The Zeagle punches all the dots but is a little bulky. I prefer the design of the ScubaPro Hydros...but it lacks an emergency weight dump option.
as for computers I’m looking at the Shearwater Teric or Perdic AI.
I can speak to the Zeagle Ranger and Hydros Pro.
I did a body recovery that had been underwater for 6months while using my Zeagle Ranger and never could wash the smell out of it. I ended up burning it and bought a Hydros Pro. It's night and day difference. You really notice the lack of bulk with the Hydros, I would never go back to the Zeagle.
I have a Oceanic pro plus X for my computer. I have another wireless watch style, but I don't remember the name.
I did a body recovery that had been underwater for 6months while using my Zeagle Ranger and never could wash the smell out of it. I ended up burning it and bought a Hydros Pro. It's night and day difference. You really notice the lack of bulk with the Hydros, I would never go back to the Zeagle.
I have a Oceanic pro plus X for my computer. I have another wireless watch style, but I don't remember the name.
I’m still using the ranger myself and have been pleased with it. You’re definitely on the right track with back flotation. If you ever think you may wanna dabble in tech diving, look into back plate compatible BC’s for mounting your doubles.
I still run a console with my compass, Suunto computer and air gauge because I wasn’t really a fan of the “blue tooth” wireless type set ups for a strictly wrist mounted set up/all in one unit. Too much to go wrong and usually it will be the wrong time as opposed to a 30 foot fish watching dive if something went fucky.
Dry suit was probably one of the best things I got into. I went with a top shelf DUI suit which I can use for cold water wreck dives in the Great Lakes (the majority of what’s in my logbook) or even down in the Caribbean if I thought I’d be in the water for an extended time, say an afternoon of snorkeling over a reef.
I still run a console with my compass, Suunto computer and air gauge because I wasn’t really a fan of the “blue tooth” wireless type set ups for a strictly wrist mounted set up/all in one unit. Too much to go wrong and usually it will be the wrong time as opposed to a 30 foot fish watching dive if something went fucky.
Dry suit was probably one of the best things I got into. I went with a top shelf DUI suit which I can use for cold water wreck dives in the Great Lakes (the majority of what’s in my logbook) or even down in the Caribbean if I thought I’d be in the water for an extended time, say an afternoon of snorkeling over a reef.
Damn, wish I could help. Dove for a couple of years in Wash. State, until I left for Germany in '82. Mac
I know a little about the tanks I guess because I have used them a few times in the past to fill paintball tanks and PCP guns.
Dove a Zeagle at least every weekend for three years in Hawaii. I like the back float and the quality of materials. Switch out the inflator to an AiR II (or compatible system to your make of reg) and use the bags from Zeagle to hold shot pouches. Very tailor-able weight distribution. Pockets suck (the add on ones) and have too much velcro. Maintenance is easy. I never needed warranty. I do remember having to position the tank a little higher on the band to be able to access the valve. Other than that, flawless and built like a tank, I used two Oceanic puck computers, on on a console with direct air feed. While I really want to trust the airless connection from the tank to wrist, I just can't. I've seen minor tech failures result in confusion and distrust by reasonably experienced diverse. While my skills can handle that, dive club partners are a different story. So...I have a hardline main pod console with air integrated computer and a legacy compass (not electronic) and a basic puck computer to double check deco and safety stops. I've used other rigs but I like the comfort and durability of the Ranger.
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OWSI/MSTD, Technical Deep Air instructor, Full Cave, Commercial diver.....
what go you need to know about equipment? Zeagle is good, Scuba Pro is really good. I. Not one to change very much. I use a Dive Rite Tech pack for most every rec diving except for cave. Had it for years. I run very minimal off the reg to eliminate hanging crap.
what go you need to know about equipment? Zeagle is good, Scuba Pro is really good. I. Not one to change very much. I use a Dive Rite Tech pack for most every rec diving except for cave. Had it for years. I run very minimal off the reg to eliminate hanging crap.
Yeah I’m not sure I want to solely trust the Bluetooth air integration into the Shearwater computer. I’d like to have that...but also run analog gauges that I can clip to a D ring.
just how crucial is a weight quick dump feature? I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve needed to instantly jettison my weights. I love the Scubapro Hydros but that’s the only thing keeping me from buying it. To release your weights you have to undo male/female quick buckles
just how crucial is a weight quick dump feature? I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve needed to instantly jettison my weights. I love the Scubapro Hydros but that’s the only thing keeping me from buying it. To release your weights you have to undo male/female quick buckles
Where are you diving? AOW isn’t that much different then OW (or at least it wasn’t when I did it). You’re one step ahead with the Nitrox too.
I was a big fan of Scubapro, both their regulators and computers. I’ve been out of the game a bit but was working on my rescue diver before all my gear got “lost”.
I was a big fan of Scubapro, both their regulators and computers. I’ve been out of the game a bit but was working on my rescue diver before all my gear got “lost”.
I don’t run air integration into my computer via Bluetooth. Tried it over the years but decided on just a pressure gauge. Ran a Dive Rite off the wrist for what seemed like forever for my computer and switched to Suunto after for easy battery change. Set of navy tables in a pouch for back up deco, why reinvent the wheel.
On a second note about weight pouches vs a belt. I always ended up with the belt wanting to fall off my waist at depth, especially below 100ft. Too much adjusting and fiddling with crap. I’ve never in 30+ years had to ditch weights. Had to ditch a Superlite 17 when the umbilical got sucked into a dam once but never my weights but that’s another story. The pouches are really much more comfortable and if you’re like me, having a back only inflation system it puts the weight distribution in the right place (front sides) to allow a very much more horizontal body position in the water. I predominantly dive light on weights if possible.
@Jigstick
I have dove with the Ranger and H harnesses with back plates. The Ranger is a great BC but, I prefer the H harness with back plate for its streamline approach. look at Dive Rite, Hollis, and Halcyon ($$). I am using a dive rite at this time for Rec diving and a Halcyon for work. The h harness and back plates are more modular so, you can adapt it to different types of diving.
As far as emergency weight dropping. It is a great safety feature and Zeagle has the easiest system. With a integrated weight system it makes the BC heavy and gives a lot of divers problems downing and doffing gear. I prefer a rubber weight belt that does not have holes like a traditional belt. If I need to lose the belt, just pull the tag end and she is gone.
A good dive computer is the one thing I would spend the most on. Get one that you can grow into as you progress in your diving. Look at one that you can switch gas. Computers can come as console that attach to your Regulator or a watch style. The console are nice, as all parameters are in one place. With that, they can lead to a less streamline set up. The watch style can come with a wireless transmitter that will tell you your gas PSI but, they had problems. I dive an Oceanic Geo 2.0 wrist and use a analog pressure gauge.
I have dove with the Ranger and H harnesses with back plates. The Ranger is a great BC but, I prefer the H harness with back plate for its streamline approach. look at Dive Rite, Hollis, and Halcyon ($$). I am using a dive rite at this time for Rec diving and a Halcyon for work. The h harness and back plates are more modular so, you can adapt it to different types of diving.
As far as emergency weight dropping. It is a great safety feature and Zeagle has the easiest system. With a integrated weight system it makes the BC heavy and gives a lot of divers problems downing and doffing gear. I prefer a rubber weight belt that does not have holes like a traditional belt. If I need to lose the belt, just pull the tag end and she is gone.
A good dive computer is the one thing I would spend the most on. Get one that you can grow into as you progress in your diving. Look at one that you can switch gas. Computers can come as console that attach to your Regulator or a watch style. The console are nice, as all parameters are in one place. With that, they can lead to a less streamline set up. The watch style can come with a wireless transmitter that will tell you your gas PSI but, they had problems. I dive an Oceanic Geo 2.0 wrist and use a analog pressure gauge.
You’re in Palmetto ^^^ been down there for work a good bit over the last month right off Haben Blvd. 
and back next week
Wife and I have been talking about moving to the area. Her and her sister just spent last weekend out at Anna Maria Beach.
and back next weekWife and I have been talking about moving to the area. Her and her sister just spent last weekend out at Anna Maria Beach.
I’m running a Scubapro Knighthawk which uses the back float type system. I like it a lot. The integrated weight system is pretty streamlined and efficient. You aren’t going to dump weight by accident, but it isn’t hard to do in an emergency. In almost 1k WORKING dives, I’ve never had to dump my weight, but it’s been beat into my head that I need to be able to. Keep that in mind. Running an Air II back up reg, which cuts down on extra crap hanging everywhere and getting tangled up. I’m also old school, so I prefer the older type gauges all on a console, so everything is in one spot. I know this isn’t one of the models you are looking at, not trying to muddy the water, just share my experience with you. Old Navy diver here. Did almost 1k dives for the Navy. Was a diving supervisor at age 24. Now just an old fart recreational diver who likes to go find meg teeth.
For me the thing about back flotation is the big what if.
What if at the end of the dive somehow I'm injured or exhausted and the boat is no where to be seen. In white caps the more you inflate the back float the more it pushes your face toward the water.
That's partly why I get much more use from my Oceanic Probe than I get from my Diverite backplate.
I also carry an inflatable surface marker buoy that can second as extra handheld front flotation.
Ultimately the conditions you dive in, your experience and the groups you get stuck into determine what you need. Your best investment is training and diving for experience. Never depend on a dive master or dive buddy, depend on yourself and your equipment. I've walked away from dives where I've been asked to babysit a weaker diver. The buddy system sucks unless you have your own buddy.
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I haven't dove in a few years, but I used to love diving (still do, but being in AZ, it just doesn't happen). I have AOW and N2 certification, but there's some members here that are way more knowledgeable and experienced on the subject of diving then I. Just a former hobbyist warm water/tropics diver here.
When I bought my gear years ago, like you I wanted to keep things simple. For a BCD I settled on a backplate + wing setup - low profile, low drag, easy to pack and travel with, you don't need as much weights to dive with (good thing for warm water diving). The buoyancy profile of a backplate + wing setup also helps keep you more linear in the water versus a traditional style vest BCD. It's a very versatile setup that you can really configure it as you need to. I love diving with a backplate + wing setup, it feels much more simple and "free" when you are under the water. There's a lot of hybrid setups, but the advice back when I purchased my gear was to go full hogarthian and skip the hybrid setups.
I paired that with an analog air gauge, and a Shearwater Petrel dive computer. I'm not on the up and up on dive computers today, that space changes quickly, it looks like Shearwater has a bunch of new options. They are certainly one of the leaders in dive computers, well, they were years ago anyways. Regulators I bought Atomic Z3. Atomic is a great brand, this is their economical model. Regulators is probably another space that has advanced in the last few years, I'm not on the up and up on what the best buy for regulators are these days.
When I bought my gear years ago, like you I wanted to keep things simple. For a BCD I settled on a backplate + wing setup - low profile, low drag, easy to pack and travel with, you don't need as much weights to dive with (good thing for warm water diving). The buoyancy profile of a backplate + wing setup also helps keep you more linear in the water versus a traditional style vest BCD. It's a very versatile setup that you can really configure it as you need to. I love diving with a backplate + wing setup, it feels much more simple and "free" when you are under the water. There's a lot of hybrid setups, but the advice back when I purchased my gear was to go full hogarthian and skip the hybrid setups.
I paired that with an analog air gauge, and a Shearwater Petrel dive computer. I'm not on the up and up on dive computers today, that space changes quickly, it looks like Shearwater has a bunch of new options. They are certainly one of the leaders in dive computers, well, they were years ago anyways. Regulators I bought Atomic Z3. Atomic is a great brand, this is their economical model. Regulators is probably another space that has advanced in the last few years, I'm not on the up and up on what the best buy for regulators are these days.
I had the same experience. Had collected a nice stash of gear, mostly Scubapro, working on more certifications, a couple of wreck dives off Nags Head, when a burglary at my home cost me all the gear. I just didnt feel like starting over so now when I can get to good water I just snorkel. Lots less stuff to carry around.
I’ll be diving the Great Lakes a lot. As I live in PA. There’s lots of quarries that we dive. And smaller lakes as well. On my yearly trips to SC and FL I plan on doing some ocean diving. Don’t plan on doing any type of tech diving.
that was my feeling on the weight jettison as well. I think I’m going to go with the ScubaPro Hydros Pro BCD. The Shearwater Perdic AI computer. But need an analog gauge as well. And probably the Hollis 1st and 2nd stage regulators. I think that’s a setup that would leave me lots of room for growth
that was my feeling on the weight jettison as well. I think I’m going to go with the ScubaPro Hydros Pro BCD. The Shearwater Perdic AI computer. But need an analog gauge as well. And probably the Hollis 1st and 2nd stage regulators. I think that’s a setup that would leave me lots of room for growth
I borrowed a Zeagle Ranger from a buddy for a week years ago and it was ok for a BC. I switched from a Sherwood BC with integrated weight pockets in 2015, to a Dive Rite Transplate harness with quick release weight pouches, backplate, and wing. I would never consider going back to a regular BC. I don't consider myself an expert, but I am an experienced diver. When I made the change I had over 300 dives with the Sherwood BC, and since then I have about 250 dives with the Dive Rite configuration.
I have only had computers with air integration. My first was a hose type, and now I have wireless. If you use air integration, it's best to also have a manual gauge of some kind as a backup. Tech divers want as little extra equipment hooked to their reg as possible, I'm not a tech diver.
If you are going to be a Great Lake and quarry diver you might want to consider a dry suit. I have one, but only use it if it's too cold for my 7mm wetsuit. I have really not done much fresh water diving for the last 5 years. For me, clear, warm ocean water is much nicer!
I have only had computers with air integration. My first was a hose type, and now I have wireless. If you use air integration, it's best to also have a manual gauge of some kind as a backup. Tech divers want as little extra equipment hooked to their reg as possible, I'm not a tech diver.
If you are going to be a Great Lake and quarry diver you might want to consider a dry suit. I have one, but only use it if it's too cold for my 7mm wetsuit. I have really not done much fresh water diving for the last 5 years. For me, clear, warm ocean water is much nicer!
just did some ice diving last weekend.
if you properly balance your rig, they dont really push you forward.....if you are running aluminum tanks, they can have a slight tendency to push you forward, putting a few pounds of lead on the tank should fix that...but running steel tanks, ive found i sit pretty much dead even.....
Dude that is awesome. I haven’t dove Lake Erie yet but supposedly there are a fair amount of wrecks out there. Some are 75-100ft down so unless I get AOW or better as well as dry suit I won’t be doing those deeper ones. Erie gets a decent thermocline with water temps 80-90ft down in the 40s-50s during summer months.
This. I dive with a 117cf steel tank. I also have a couple pounds of lead in my tank band.
All this talk about diving (it's February) let alone "Ice Diving" makes me think ya'll are on the set of "Bering Sea Gold"....
HA
HA
Those Dive Rite harnesses and wings look pretty slick. It’s all modular do you can build it out how you want.
I’ve been diving with a ranger bc for several years and it has been a good bc. I do like the look of some of the newer scubapros though. I can attest to zeagles customer service I developed a leak and sent it into them and they replaced everything on my bc ,including the cover, except the harness no questions asked and in a very timley manner
Balancing the rig is a subject by itself, but it just common sense once you understand it.
I have 2 stainless backplates (1 set up for wetsuit and 1 for drysuit), an aluminum one for cave diving in fresh water, and 2 single tank adapters, one of which has a few pounds of lead molded into it. I also have a few different size wings for both single tanks and doubles, so I tailor my rig to be properly balanced in every environment I dive in.
I prefer the minimalist gear approach, and use a simple gauge for gas and a bottom timer instead of a computer.
Do you avoid deco dives? Use tables for repetitive dives? I would only give up the computer if I were limited to diving square profile and one dive per week. When at a dive destination and diving say seven to twenty dives per week using a bottom timer and tables you would be giving up most of your bottom time unnecessarily. I've seen people figure that they will be fine if they just follow the dive master. I've also seen dive masters get bent, so I follow my own computer. Some times its silly. Say I'm doing two one hour dives to 40 feet with slow accents, then why do I need a computer? Because the next day I might want to do a 40 minute dive to 120 feet, now how much deco do I do, the computer figures that out for me. If I were diving on tables likely the boat crew would be angry by them time I came up.
yeah if you arent already, i would look into the following certifications:
- Nitrox - even if you arent using it to extend your bottom time, nitrox adds a buffer of safety.
- Deep - honestly deep diving is pretty much the same as shallow diving, you just need to be aware of the effects of narcosis and watch out for CO2 hits.
- Night/ Nav - not strictly necessary, but in the North east, we usually only have 20' of vis...getting practice navigating solely on a compass is a huge benefit.
- Drysuit - again, you really dont need a certification in this usually (some dive ops require it), if you can find someone who dives a drysuit to serve as a mentor, thats fine too....the only real difference is knowing how to handle that second air cell and deal with suit squeeze......honestly, even in warm water i prefer a drysuit over a wetsuit.
- Stress and Rescue - for well, the obvious.
Have any of you done rebreather? I work with CO2 scrubbers and closed circuit breathing vents every day and the physiology is quite similiar minus the addition of depth and breathing mixtures. Seems pretty interesting. I’m heading to my local dive shop tomorrow. They do rebreather courses.
Too easy to make a lethal error for my taste.
I’ll second DiverDon. It’s stoopid expensive to start, and way more room for error. Plenty of vids on YouTube of guys who screwed up and didn’t make it with them. Especially the cave guys.
vis was about 20 feet (typical for New England lakes)......water temp was a balmy 33 degrees.....dry suit + thick thermal layer made it pretty comfy in the water honestly...
I think the coldest I remember was 38 degrees. Vis was pretty good around 40'. 60' deep, looking for some dude in an old rock quarry in the middle of January. Good times 
29 degrees in Cape Ann Mass. Don't think I'll do that again, unless the kids want to in a couple of years. Saw thousands of lobsters, and lots of anemones.I think the coldest I remember was 38 degrees. Vis was pretty good around 40'. 60' deep, looking for some dude in an old rock quarry in the middle of January. Good times
Being a Florida guy and not into tech stuff a dry suit hasn't been high on my gear list needs/wants but they sure are appealing.
For the dry suit peeps, any hilarious bathroom stories you feel like sharing? I have heard a few good ones but always looking for a good laugh!!!
For the dry suit peeps, any hilarious bathroom stories you feel like sharing? I have heard a few good ones but always looking for a good laugh!!!
I have no experience with them, but unless you need to use them for really technical diving (which I'm assuming you are not doing if you are here asking), you are asking for problems.
As others have pointed out, rebreathers add a lot of technicality and potential for severe failures. Unless you had to expose yourself to the risks out of necessity for what you are trying to accomplish with your diving, I don't see why you would get one.
I was diving with Conch Republic at Tavernier FL in 2016. The was a group of 4 guys on the boat that week that were taking rebreather class. I got to watch quite a bit of their setup and operation. Looked like a lot of work to me. I've read too many stories of very experienced divers with fatal results from rebreathers.
Late to the game but I used to teach for SSI, still do a fair amount of California / Channel Island diving. I went to the backplate wing system and never looked back. I use Oxycheq wings. The backplae was whatever I found on flea bay. Simple DIR harness. I have a "kind of DIR set up". I use the Sherwood Maximus regs which have a longer hose and swivel and I don't need the long primary hose but I do rig my back up with the DIR necklace set up. Simple and it works.
I usually dive solo so I carry a small 19 cf bottle with seperate regulator I aslo just use a simple anaolg air gauge. I had enough transmitter issues with air integrated coputers when I had to wear the stuff the store sold when teaching.
I am a big fan of the Shearwter computers,, Stupid simple, easy to read. I'm still using the Petral but I'm sure they have newer stuff out. It allows mixed gas diving, deco stop gases, etc. I would look into getting Nitrox and Tri-mix certs long before looking at rebreathers.
Saw the ice diving pictures and recall having to dive year round in upstate NY for the fire department. I did a few with regular regulators but throughly enjoyed going to the Interspiro full face mask set ups with the communication cables.
JM2C
I usually dive solo so I carry a small 19 cf bottle with seperate regulator I aslo just use a simple anaolg air gauge. I had enough transmitter issues with air integrated coputers when I had to wear the stuff the store sold when teaching.
I am a big fan of the Shearwter computers,, Stupid simple, easy to read. I'm still using the Petral but I'm sure they have newer stuff out. It allows mixed gas diving, deco stop gases, etc. I would look into getting Nitrox and Tri-mix certs long before looking at rebreathers.
Saw the ice diving pictures and recall having to dive year round in upstate NY for the fire department. I did a few with regular regulators but throughly enjoyed going to the Interspiro full face mask set ups with the communication cables.
JM2C
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After getting AOW, I went by myself on a boat dive off Gloucester, MA. My regular buddy had to cancel after he came down with the flu and I was paired with a guy who set up some massive double steel tanks with otherwise very minimalistic gear. Before the dive he showed me how he would donate air with his primary regulator that was on a very long hose. He would then switch to a second regulator hanging around his neck right under the chin.
When I showed him my Octo he said that it would be unlikely for him needing it with two tanks, two valves and one cross-over, two first stages and two second stages - but thanks anyway. His whole setup intrigued me as an engineer. Very simple and clean, yet extremely redundant.
In the water, the guy was a treat to watch. 100% in control while looking effortless. He could go backwards, sideways, whatever. Back on the surface, I asked him how he learned to dive this well. He replied that he was "Full Cave" certified which I needed him to explain. That day, I could not fathom why anybody would take a lot of training to dive in a dark, life-less, water-filled cave but I figured if that's how you learn how to dive like a fish, I may just do the Intro course.
Half a year later I was in Ginnie Springs FL, getting my ass handed to me. What I thought was decent buoyancy control turned out to be a shit show under stress. And stress there was plenty. Our instructor was constantly failing things on us. Lights out, gas out, mask gone, one fin gone, wrapped in cave line, and so on. We were still in the cavern zone at that point where you can see the exit during daylight hours - if you did not just get blindfolded by the instructor. I thought if it is that bad here, it will be hell once we really go into the cave. I voiced these concerns over dinner and the instructor said that we did well and the following days would be just fun. He wanted to see whether we can keep it together emotionally and mentally rather than having someone freak out half an hour into the cave. That made sense and I was looking forward to an easy next day.
The only problem with the Little Devil cave at Ginnie Springs is that it is a spring and getting into a hole where several million gallons of water per day come out of is neither easy nor fun the first time. Not knowing how to stay in the "shadow" of the flow we literally clawed our way into the cave while our regulators were occasionally free-flowing from the dynamic pressure. Needless to say, we did not get far before we reached 1/6 of our gas and had to return. (Experienced teams use 1/3 for getting into the cave, 1/3 for getting out, and 1/3 as reserve for someone who has a total failure of his breathing apparatus. In this case you better not increase your consumption due to stress or someone is going to drown. Because of this, novices have to return at 1/6 of their total gas volume.)
With every day and many explanations and hints from the instructor we had to put up less of a fight and could enjoy the surreal and insanely beautiful environment. Until the next emergency drill hit us. There was literally no dive where we did not get challenged with multiple "failures". Our graduation test was both divers blindfolded, one out of gas and breathing from on the other diver's long hose, and then get back to the exit just by feel along the guide line and moving together like one big creature. And if that's too easy, we had to simulate decompression stops from memory while the flow was trying to blow you out of the cave. Except of banging our heads into numerous rocks, the exercise was actually fun and it was nice to see how much we had learned in a short week.
What's the point of this story? Take a cave class and all your worries about gear, procedures, and skills will be gone. The people who instruct you have figured out what works in one of the most hostile, albeit very beautiful environments on this planet. Anything more complicated is less safe or convenient.
Seriously, I dive exactly the same backplate, regulator, hose, primary light, two backups, etc. setup regardless of where I dive. The only variable is the size of the double tanks and the matching (buoyancy) wing . Double steel 50s with small wing for shallow shore bimbles. Double AL80s with same small wing for warm water with wetsuit. And then the double LP102s (240+ cuft after a "cave fill") with a bigger wing and dry suit for anything more ambitious. It really does not get any simpler and slicker. Search terms are "Hogarthian Scuba" or "DIR Scuba" as others have mentioned above. If your back is too bad for the heavy doubles, have a cave instructor show you how to apply the same philosophy to side-mount.
BTW: Do NOT even think of diving into a cave without appropriate training:
When I showed him my Octo he said that it would be unlikely for him needing it with two tanks, two valves and one cross-over, two first stages and two second stages - but thanks anyway. His whole setup intrigued me as an engineer. Very simple and clean, yet extremely redundant.
In the water, the guy was a treat to watch. 100% in control while looking effortless. He could go backwards, sideways, whatever. Back on the surface, I asked him how he learned to dive this well. He replied that he was "Full Cave" certified which I needed him to explain. That day, I could not fathom why anybody would take a lot of training to dive in a dark, life-less, water-filled cave but I figured if that's how you learn how to dive like a fish, I may just do the Intro course.
Half a year later I was in Ginnie Springs FL, getting my ass handed to me. What I thought was decent buoyancy control turned out to be a shit show under stress. And stress there was plenty. Our instructor was constantly failing things on us. Lights out, gas out, mask gone, one fin gone, wrapped in cave line, and so on. We were still in the cavern zone at that point where you can see the exit during daylight hours - if you did not just get blindfolded by the instructor. I thought if it is that bad here, it will be hell once we really go into the cave. I voiced these concerns over dinner and the instructor said that we did well and the following days would be just fun. He wanted to see whether we can keep it together emotionally and mentally rather than having someone freak out half an hour into the cave. That made sense and I was looking forward to an easy next day.
The only problem with the Little Devil cave at Ginnie Springs is that it is a spring and getting into a hole where several million gallons of water per day come out of is neither easy nor fun the first time. Not knowing how to stay in the "shadow" of the flow we literally clawed our way into the cave while our regulators were occasionally free-flowing from the dynamic pressure. Needless to say, we did not get far before we reached 1/6 of our gas and had to return. (Experienced teams use 1/3 for getting into the cave, 1/3 for getting out, and 1/3 as reserve for someone who has a total failure of his breathing apparatus. In this case you better not increase your consumption due to stress or someone is going to drown. Because of this, novices have to return at 1/6 of their total gas volume.)
With every day and many explanations and hints from the instructor we had to put up less of a fight and could enjoy the surreal and insanely beautiful environment. Until the next emergency drill hit us. There was literally no dive where we did not get challenged with multiple "failures". Our graduation test was both divers blindfolded, one out of gas and breathing from on the other diver's long hose, and then get back to the exit just by feel along the guide line and moving together like one big creature. And if that's too easy, we had to simulate decompression stops from memory while the flow was trying to blow you out of the cave. Except of banging our heads into numerous rocks, the exercise was actually fun and it was nice to see how much we had learned in a short week.
What's the point of this story? Take a cave class and all your worries about gear, procedures, and skills will be gone. The people who instruct you have figured out what works in one of the most hostile, albeit very beautiful environments on this planet. Anything more complicated is less safe or convenient.
Seriously, I dive exactly the same backplate, regulator, hose, primary light, two backups, etc. setup regardless of where I dive. The only variable is the size of the double tanks and the matching (buoyancy) wing . Double steel 50s with small wing for shallow shore bimbles. Double AL80s with same small wing for warm water with wetsuit. And then the double LP102s (240+ cuft after a "cave fill") with a bigger wing and dry suit for anything more ambitious. It really does not get any simpler and slicker. Search terms are "Hogarthian Scuba" or "DIR Scuba" as others have mentioned above. If your back is too bad for the heavy doubles, have a cave instructor show you how to apply the same philosophy to side-mount.
BTW: Do NOT even think of diving into a cave without appropriate training:
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