Posted by Jason on January 16, 2001 at 13:55:48:
In Reply to: DIR on the West Coast posted by seahunt on January 15, 2001 at 13:16:11:
Seahunt, the reasons for losing the console are
pretty simple on the west coast - kelp. Unless it
is clipped closely, it is a huge entanglement. Gauges
on the wrist don't have this issue, and they're right
in front of you when you want to check your compass or
dive time (be it a computer or a timer). The one
hassle I found is that I always had the module on
the left wrist, and that doesn't work well on a safety
stop with my drysuit exhause. Gonna have to switch.
There's no doubt that their approach to the second
stages is vastly superior in the kelp (or anywhere else).
But you're correct in that there is no reason not to use a
HP steel in CA. I'm not entirely sure that DIR even
condemns it for single tanks, though it's never very clear.
(MHK: clarification?). I agree that it is a poor idea for
doubles, esp with the ones that are -7lbs at empty. But
a single HP 80 allows you to enter the water 10lbs lighter
in total mass over the AL80. A HP100 lets you in 4lbs lighter,
all off the weightbelt. Just as the backplate allows you
to xfer some of the lead to a undroppable point, so
does a steel. That gets my belt down to 18lbs, much
better than carrying 28, or even 22.
On the computer issue, I'm pretty sure you're just baiting
Mike, so I'll pass.
Jason