Posted by Steve on August 22, 2001 at 08:41:45:
In Reply to: What is DIR? An attempt at some kind of answer, be it good or bad. posted by roakey on August 21, 2001 at 16:40:03:
"Speaking specifically of the equipment aspect of DIR, one huge advantage of having a DIR setup for recreational diving is if you ever want to move into the technical side of things there’s no equipment to replace. For example you don’t have to trade in your Oceanic BC for something that can support doubles, just remove the STA from your back plate and bolt on some doubles."
Very good write Roakey, however most divers will never dive doubles with their experience the RMV drops so low that a single tank is plenty of air to get themselves into trouble. There are many BC's that are adequate for holding a tank onto your back. Most people dive for fun and getting anal about equipment detracts from the enjoyment of the sport. Are divers learning because of these discussions, yes. As far as knowing another divers gear they all look the same to me. Mask on face, regulator in mouth attached to second stage and then to the first stage, some form of ditchable weight either weight belt or pull cords, fins of some sort, thermal protection. There are possibly thousands of different varisions of this setup. That's close enough for me, it's your problem if that's not good enough for you to work with. As you said our diving is very forgiving but there are some who have gotten anal about it. Maybe that's why they need so much KY so they can break wind. ;-)
Steve