Posted by Neil on June 24, 2001 at 22:48:10:
In Reply to: Re: Personal gear - Another DIR gear basher. posted by AADIVER on June 24, 2001 at 17:52:35:
Let me preface my comments by saying that I think I
understand the DIR thing, and divers who do
"THAT" kind of diving should certainly consider their
ideas. I am neither pro nor con on DIR.
Having said that, let's look at your experience
on this dive. Nobody said anything about your gear, not
even the guy with the horse collar. That's because they
didn't care or weren't curious. They have their way
that works. 32 went down, 32 came up. Can't argue
with success, can you. Forget about the fact that
you didn't like the way they looked. :0)
I have never in the 7 yrs I've been an instructor
"pushed" or been asked to "push" gear. (I've worked for
6shops.) If the shop I work for has gear that I think
is crap, I'll tell the students why I don't recommend
it. I would like to know what specific items you think
are junk. That would be an interesting topic to
discuss here, as long as it doesn't become a DIR/non-DIR
tirade. As far as I'm concerned, some "standard" gear
is junk, some is good, some is superior.
I think your idea of an independent instructor list
is a fine one, but don't forget that even independents
need some things from shops. Very few of us are equpped
to teach totally without the shop. Glad you enjoyed that
dive, I'm jealous.
Neil