Great video Brian. My go to bcd is the Scubapro hyros pro. I use to dive locally and for travel. I recently upgraded to the air 2. I would strongly recommend the Scubapro hyros pro but I know you are biased to Mares.
Hello Jess Peoples. They Hydros Pro from ScubaPro is a great choice. I was very partial to both the Aeris and Oceanic Jet Packs which were both great for travel as well, and very similar to the Hydros Pro.
Currently, I use an aluminum back plate designed to be used with a double hose regulator or a deepoutdoors soft backplate (heavy duty to the extreme). I use these back plates with a 32lb wing. I have been considering the Mares soft back plate for travel. I use a larger wing because I wear my weight on my back plate harness. My lower back can no longer tolerate a weight belt. And I want my Wing to be able to float my rig. Been interesting to see your equipment configurations and why you use them.
Hello Armin, great question. Currently, I have 3 different Drysuits. Depending on the undergarments, I wear between 0-12 pounds. Most of this weight is either from a steel 80, a steel plate, or standard weight added to non-ditchable trim pouches. The only time I wear a weight belt is when I’m Ice Diving. We made a video a while back explaining why I dive balanced rigs and choose to not have a ditchable weight system.
Hey Michal Jachimowics, that is a great question. I have a very low SAC and RMV, so from an air compactly standpoint for the typical dive I make, I have very limited need to take that much air. Also, over the years I have sustained several back injuries in my lower back, thus, both myself and my back prefer smaller and lighter tanks. Lastly, as an Instructor, I find myself a lot of the times fully geared up at the surface helping students, and gravity tends to get the best of me. Way too much weight when I’m just standing there. I’m not against them as the video may make it out, I just prefer not to dive them unless I absolutely have to. I do use them occasionally when we work on our salvage dives though. We have several pictures of me using them on our Instagram.
You are correct Michal Jachimowicz, tank size can change your SAC rate, that's why I gave you my average. A cool little fun fact for you, a person's RMV never changes as there lung volume never changes, and calculations are always factored at the surface. For me personally, my RMV is .21cf/min.
I was wondering how did you attach you Trauma shears. I have only been diving about a year and I seem to keep mounting thing and end up being in the way or not early to use. Thank you
Hello Dive Addict, there is really two reasons. One, I rarely need that much air, and second, my back can't handle them anymore. When I find myself in a situation where I need that much air, I simply go Sidemount. Some of the salvage work we do, does require me to use them, and I just grit my teeth, throw on double and get the job done.
Good morning Jonny B Kuehl, I am currently out of town on multiple salvage jobs, but will be back in the office on Sunday. I just now saw your email, I should respond this weekend, and we can discuss the XR options with you.
Mares isn't the only one who makes dive equipment. I realize that you are sponsored by Mares, but there are other and better options than their products.
BTW-I was just introduced to diving on a mission trip to the Philippines after just snorkeling for years and years. Now I have my 12-year-old son getting his certification. I’ve watched many of your videos and they are very informative. Thank you very much for doing them.
That is awesome to hear Allen Orr, diving is a great thing for Fathers and Sons to do together. My dad was also the one that got me into diving, and now we both co-own a Scuba Center together. We are happy to hear that our videos have been informative to you guys.
Great video sir. I want the double but in my back no side mount. Super, keep up the good work
Glad you liked the video Boriken Nautical
Great video Brian. My go to bcd is the Scubapro hyros pro. I use to dive locally and for travel. I recently upgraded to the air 2. I would strongly recommend the Scubapro hyros pro but I know you are biased to Mares.
Hello Jess Peoples. They Hydros Pro from ScubaPro is a great choice. I was very partial to both the Aeris and Oceanic Jet Packs which were both great for travel as well, and very similar to the Hydros Pro.
I love diving doubles
Hello Dive Addict, they do tend be very practical as one unit over Sidemount. My back just can't take them anymore.
Currently, I use an aluminum back plate designed to be used with a double hose regulator or a deepoutdoors soft backplate (heavy duty to the extreme). I use these back plates with a 32lb wing. I have been considering the Mares soft back plate for travel. I use a larger wing because I wear my weight on my back plate harness. My lower back can no longer tolerate a weight belt. And I want my Wing to be able to float my rig.
Been interesting to see your equipment configurations and why you use them.
Hello Jeff Conley, super jealous of you being a double hose regulator diver. We have several more of these videos still coming out, so stay tuned.
I like how your bcd system are rigged similar. My 3 systems are set up the same way
Hello Dive Addict, I believe in consistency when it comes to my rigs.
How much lead are u carrying on your weight belt in the drysuit+22lbs lift wing configuration?
Hello Armin, great question. Currently, I have 3 different Drysuits. Depending on the undergarments, I wear between 0-12 pounds. Most of this weight is either from a steel 80, a steel plate, or standard weight added to non-ditchable trim pouches. The only time I wear a weight belt is when I’m Ice Diving. We made a video a while back explaining why I dive balanced rigs and choose to not have a ditchable weight system.
@@LakeHickoryScuba Thank You for the reply!
First like and comment. That aside, I’ve been waiting for this video. Much appreciated thanks for the video.
Hello Black Ocean Diving, glad you liked the video. We have 6 more after this one displaying all of my personal gear for 2022. Stay tuned.
Why do you hate doubles? I recently got a D12 set, and from the few dives I did on the so far, I absoluttely love them.
Hey Michal Jachimowics, that is a great question. I have a very low SAC and RMV, so from an air compactly standpoint for the typical dive I make, I have very limited need to take that much air. Also, over the years I have sustained several back injuries in my lower back, thus, both myself and my back prefer smaller and lighter tanks. Lastly, as an Instructor, I find myself a lot of the times fully geared up at the surface helping students, and gravity tends to get the best of me. Way too much weight when I’m just standing there. I’m not against them as the video may make it out, I just prefer not to dive them unless I absolutely have to. I do use them occasionally when we work on our salvage dives though. We have several pictures of me using them on our Instagram.
@@LakeHickoryScubathank you for the reply. Yeah, it makes a lot of sense why you don't like doubles. Out of curiosity, what is your sac and rmv?
Sorry for the late reply Michal Jachimowicz, on average my SAC rate starts around 7 psi / min. For a working dive its around 10-11 psi/min.
@@LakeHickoryScuba but that varies with tank size, what's your average RMV?
You are correct Michal Jachimowicz, tank size can change your SAC rate, that's why I gave you my average. A cool little fun fact for you, a person's RMV never changes as there lung volume never changes, and calculations are always factored at the surface. For me personally, my RMV is .21cf/min.
I was wondering how did you attach you
Trauma shears. I have only been diving about a year and I seem to keep mounting thing and end up being in the way or not early to use. Thank you
Hello Larry Howell, here is the video we did showing you how I attach my shears to my BCD. Hope it helps.
Why don't you like diving doubles?
Hello Dive Addict, there is really two reasons. One, I rarely need that much air, and second, my back can't handle them anymore. When I find myself in a situation where I need that much air, I simply go Sidemount. Some of the salvage work we do, does require me to use them, and I just grit my teeth, throw on double and get the job done.
Good morning, Sent y'all an email regarding gettin setup in a XR system.
Good morning Jonny B Kuehl, I am currently out of town on multiple salvage jobs, but will be back in the office on Sunday. I just now saw your email, I should respond this weekend, and we can discuss the XR options with you.
Mares isn't the only one who makes dive equipment. I realize that you are sponsored by Mares, but there are other and better options than their products.
Hello Steve, thank you for sharing your knowledge and thoughts with us.
Where did you get the patches with your names on them?
Hello Allen Orr, here is a link where we get ours. www.etsy.com/listing/842678435/dive-flag-name-tag-bcd-custom-with-name
BTW-I was just introduced to diving on a mission trip to the Philippines after just snorkeling for years and years. Now I have my 12-year-old son getting his certification. I’ve watched many of your videos and they are very informative. Thank you very much for doing them.
That is awesome to hear Allen Orr, diving is a great thing for Fathers and Sons to do together. My dad was also the one that got me into diving, and now we both co-own a Scuba Center together. We are happy to hear that our videos have been informative to you guys.