Posted by Gerry Smith on September 25, 2000 at 19:14:23:
In Reply to: Re: DIR Question posted by Jason on September 25, 2000 at 18:16:39:
Jason,
Thanx for the reply.
I dive with enough wt to sink my 240# frame and .25" farmer john, about 25#, and yes I can hang at 10-15 fsw and an empty bottle. If I'm diving dry the weight gets adjusted accordingly. My reasoning is that if it hits the fan, meaning last resort - other stuff didn't work, I can ditch the weight and do an ESA. Now, I'm comfortable that with no weight I could blow and go from 130 - 150 fsw. I'd probably not be a happy camper when I surfaced, but it beats the alternative. However I'm not as sure about doing it with an additional 12 to 15lb on my back, and this isn't a skill I'm willing to practice.
I like a backplate for the stability it adds with doubles, and I dive an aluminum one for that purpose. But even then, whatever weight I need is ditchable integrated, not a permanently attached part of my rig. As for a single bottle, I just use a soft pack BC, no need for a plate.
So, 'splain me some more...
GS