Posted by John Walker on August 23, 2001 at 08:59:54:
Other gear commonly used by DIR divers.
Drysuits
DUI TLS series dry suit is the most commonly suit worn by DIR diver. There is no affiliation between DUI and Halcyon or GUE. Although Halcyon make wetsuits, they are not worn by DIR divers unless in very warm waters.
Gloves
Different climates require different gloves. In the N.E. the blue Nordic gloves are of choice. In California we use what ever is warn and in cave no gloves are worn unless your in Iceland.
Cutting devices
Generally any small knife with a blunt end. Cutting yourself underwater can be a nightmare, especially if you are far from getting out of the water. A friend of mine uses a simple ground down kitchen knife with a line cutter ground into it. He invented DIR.
Regulators
Scuba Pro and APEX regulators are the most commonly used regulators by DIR divers. Neither company has any affiliation with Halcyon or GUE.
Fins
Scubapro XL jetfins are the #1 fin worn by DIR divers, due to their ability to push lots of water, their robust construction, the absence of plastic buckles and their negative weight.
Masks
DIR diver use two masks and they are generally any lower volume mask without fancy gimmicky buckles.
Wetnotes
Are used in place of a slate and often double as a log book. They are simple waterproof paper tablets which fit nicely into the right pocket of a DIR divers suit.
Bottom timers
Uwatec bottom timers and Suunto Vipers are the most commonly used today. DIR divers have no use for the computer features on the Viper but like it due to its streamlined features and its downloadability.
Other timers
Casio G-Shock appears to be the most commonly worn device for back-up timing, timing deco, timing lunch. There are other watches out there that work just fine but digital is preferred.