What do you think about ditiching the mechanical SPG and just having the Air integrated one for recreational warm water diving? With no overhead environments, generally shallow depths, mostly at least buddied and often in large(er) groups i've ditched mine in the aim of being more streamlined, lighter and simpler. With the caveat that one pays good, regular attention to your air level, i can't see it being a problem. In the unlikely event of the integrated system failing and being suddenly unable to read my air state (ime, they are really pretty robust these days) then i just "end the dive" at that point, i know i've got plenty of air, because if i hadn't got plenty of air on the last good read then i would have already ended the dive!! On Rec diving no-ones pushing any limits or doing anything that is likely to be compromised by an early exit from the water. I do take a small mech SPG along in my boat kit bag, which could be used to "save" a dive if i couln't get the integrated solution to work when kitting up before the dive, a quick hose swap and it can be quickly added into place should that happen (not happened yet)
You neglected to point out that you are not using a single tank adapter plate, which saves you the weight of the adapter AND you can use two nylon bolts to tie everything together in stead of heavier SS bolts since the tank bands are wrapped through the donut and the backplate. I have used a HOG backplate and deluxe harness a few years but just put together a lightweight tech style backplate for use on the boat so carrying it around is easier (and I needed a second set of gear). I first built it using two quick adjust buckle cinch adapters down on my hips thinking this would make for an easy loosening and tightening of shoulder straps (I'm 58 and not flexible like a noodle anymore) but soon realized they don't work as well as expected. I have removed them and am working on finding out just how loose I can have the shoulder straps for easy gearing up and donning, I let it fall down on my hips anyway and just tighten the waist belt. I use two 2 lbs weights, one on each hip and now find weight pockets to be a PITA, I may just strap them on with bungee chord. I am now able to put a complete backplate system together, continues webbing or deluxe adjustable shoulder straps, for $200 - $300, lift anywhere from 18lbs to 50lbs.
If you have a flicker on your videos because of the light, you can simply dublicate the video file, set the dublicate one frame to the right side and change the opacity to 50%. Then it's gone :-)
Question: Why not have one BCD setup for all diving. Why do you or anybody need a travel BCD and another BCD for home diving? Why 2 setups?. Love your info videos and all the great content. Thanks .
As, like me, he usually dives in the UK, then we usually dive in a drysuit and twin steel cylinders, For this we often use a stainless steel backplate which means less weight needed on a belt but at 2kg+ too heavy for travelling (luggage allowance) so we have an aluminium back plate which is about 750 gramms. Also UK diving we use a bigger wing, usually 40 - 45lbs to counteract the heavier twin cylinder setup (or a 30lb wing for a single 12 or 15l steel). In the UK we usually use steel cylinders, main reason is weight to offset the buoyancy of drysuit\undersuit (or maybe a thick semi dry in the summer for some). Travelling to the Caribbean, Far East, Red Sea etc they usually use single aluminium cylinders which are positively buoyant when getting down towards empty and diving in a very thin wetsuit or rash vest there is little buoyancy to counteract so only a small wing is required. So rather than keep changing webbing from the UK backplate to the travel backplate most of us just buy and extra webbing harness (or make one up) and leave the travel setup as is and the UK setup as is. Most that use a bcd will find that a bcd that fits over a bulky drysuit will be way too big when only wearing a thin wetsuit. So they often end up with two bcd's. Hope this helps.
Oh noo ! I'm a newbie and just got the dry suit for the cold mine dives to train. I'm sweating the price of the mares xr silver. But I'm looking forward to traveling to warm water dives . Soo now I must consider two bp&w ? I thought the straps were adjustable to accommodate going from dry to wet suit ?..
I dive a Mares soft plate , with a setup much like this with a 10kg donut , I like its light weight, I keep it on my yacht where space is of a premium , a couple of 7 ltr tanks is much easier to stow then 10's or 12's ... I like how this type of setup is very customisable ... No jacket for me ...
Hey!!! Im looking to buy my first backplate system. Do you know if the Scubapro Stek pro backplate is compatible with the Apeks wtx30??? Thank you Mark!!!
My warm water setup is a Fred T custom steel back plate with a 18# Oxycheq wing in digital camo. Please always are asking "why do you have a camo wing?" My answer is "Paradoxically, I have camo so it and I will stand out from everyone else's all-black dive gear. I have a Zeagle Envoy regulator set, with a "long hose" setup. I carry two backup lights and a Hollis LED cannister light. I use an old-style rubber weight belt with wire bail and I keep my accessories and emergency gear in the pockets of a pair of tech shorts that I wear over my wetsuit.
Can you do a video on Single Tank Adapters (whether you need them or not? route cam bands through backplate is enough?) How to mount the wing to the backplate? Do you NEED to use screws with wing nuts to hold the wing on or are the cam bands enough to hold everything together with the tank? I got OW certed 2 weeks ago and I just bought a brand new DiveRite backplate and Voyager EXP wing from DiveGearExpress. The instructions are not very clear. Thank you!
Why do you have a air integrated computer, AND a spg? I have been thinking about my set up and want to get rid of as many hoses as i can so want to so air integrated wrist computer, wrist compass and integrated inflator/octo. (Primary donate)what do you think of the integrated inflators/ Octos? Thanks for all the time you take to make all these vids. Keeping us all safe and informed!!
I’ve just got an Xdeep Zen and I can’t get the set up right. With the length that I need in thr shoulders for my shoulders to fit properly the backplate sits low and my back and the inflator hose is waaay too short.
I've been diving a jacket(because that is what I was taught in and what is available for me to rent). I recently ordered my aluminum backplate, wing(30lbs), and apex harness. Waiting for the backplate to arrive so I can put it all together--so excited about it! You showed your mini Dsmb on your bum, your big one in is your leg pocket(if I remember correctly). When I dive I shoot video, nothing special just a GoPro setup with red filters(also on one of my torches--I carry two). When switching to the backplate my plan is to have a simple pouch on my waist belt big enough for the GoPro and its carrier, maybe misc like my rolled-up snorkel--nothing big or crazy. I do have a safety whistle I clip off on my shoulder strap d-ring as well as a safety blinky light on my top tank strap(the small one that goes over the 1st stage, sorry I don't remember the name of that one--safety strap?). The more I see your Primary and alternate setup, the more I like it. When the clouds part and the lockdowns and lockouts have ended I will definitely experiment with doing something very similar. Thanks as always, Mark, greatly appreciate you showing us your kit... especially us newer to the sport divers(currently only rescue, but the plan is to go deep...so more courses coming for sure). Peace.
Good point with the camera; I myself would appreciate a discussion or video on mounting an action cam (GoPro, Paralenz, or anything related). I myself am using a soft goodman handle, but am not sure yet if I am really happy with that). Do you maybe have any recommendation?
@denny be. Seriously consider shorts with pockets to wear over your wetsuit (or add pockets to you wetsuit). Pockets on your thighs are for more efficient than pockets up around your waist. Plus, they defeat the simplicity and ease of donning and doffing your backplate and wing
@@mendezfe I wish I could recommend something, but truthfully I've only been diving for a little over a year and a half. I'm just winging it underwater with my GoPro. I was going to invest in a cage/casing for my dslr but the underwater casings cost more than the camera. So, I attach my GoPro(in its waterproof case) to an underwater tri-fold float stick that allows me to configure in 3 different ways. It is not at all optimal and I need a new way/method/carrying cradle. Any new Ideas would be great hear as well. Great topic.
@@OrenNoah I do wear side pocket shorts. I was just considering the smaller pouch for the camera. I carry other things in my side pockets and wanted to keep them separate. Good point about keeping the backplate and wing setup streamlined though. I'm a retired combat vet, we have a habit of clipping stuff off around our waists and shoulder...maybe I am carrying that habit into the water. Thanks.
Another option is to mount your Gopro on your mask and take the whole dive from a first person perspective. Of course, this limits your video from macros etc., but it doesn’t distract you from the dive and the film once cut has a nice touch of authenticity.
I have a question: I see most tech divers have their waist buckle on the right hip. Why? I would think that from a rescue/release point of view, it would be better not to thread the whole buckle through the crotchstrap, as it makes it harder to undo. As a recreational diver, it makes more sense to me to have it on the left hip.
0. You don't want to undo anything unintentionally. If it somehow happened, it's good that it's hard to let your gear fly around. 1. If you place buckle on the left side, the crotch strap loop can get hooked on the buckle and open it when slides back to normal position. It's likely to happen when you use a DPV. 2. Right-hand release. Releasing the buckle on the left side with your right hand tends to be tricky. Try to simulate this awkward movement. 3. The buckle keeps your canister light (on the right side) from sliding on the strap. In the rescue scenario, you don't want to waste time on attempts to take off the gear from an unconscious person. Use a cutting tool, cut off the harness if needed.
Questions below but first, Thank you! This is a really cool/helpful videos since I am switching over to a back plate recreational setup. I am using an (aladin H matrix) a hose mounted ai computer and I just realised that I need it coming out to my right side else I will not be able to ascend correctly. THANKS! Questions: would it be a flapping snag hazard if I were to have a bungee around the computer so I have it attached to my hand while ascending? Same bungee setup during the dive? I have yet to purchase a wing and I am thinking of purchasing a 10kg wing instead of the standard 18kg Q: Why would anyone diving a single tank, weighted correctly need more than 10kg lift in a BCD? If you are cold water diving then the air in the drysuit will compensate for itself and the BCD is for the rest. I thought I only need a lift capacity to compensate for the wetsuit and my abdomen compressing. Is that really more than 10kgs(9.7L of sea water) of displacement? If it is appropriate, can you get into the science why a BCD stops working below a certain depth? I thought if it is displacing x kgs then it is displacing the same x kgs no matter the depth, since water is a non compressible fluid; it will only need more gas to function. I am assuming the reg is working ofcourse.
Your buoyancy changes at depth because your wetsuit compresses. Additionally the air in the BC compresses and provides less lift (until you add more air to the volume). If you are already weighted heavy there is the chance that you cannot swim up your rig with a broken BC. If you are diving a steel plate and one or two steel tanks you might not be able to ditch enough weight. Though a small BC/wing is great, where you really need the volume is at the surface. Make sure it's adequate for the surface swim. I've owned some small BC's that were barely adequate at the surface. I have a 30lb/15kg wing and it doesn't feel bulky. My small kids dive CF plates and smaller wings. I don't know the size. They were advertised as 15kg but look a little smaller than mine. I actually have an air integrated Cobra3 hose computer and a compass vs an spg and wrist mount. I don't like things on my arms though I use a Goodman. It's less to forget and assemble on to me and bending my arm to read brings them closer than my eyes enjoy. On the downside it is more bulky than just an spg but it clips off the same way. On ascent it can be more clumsy passing the computer to the right hand but on most beach dives I can see the surface and to judge depth and ascent rate.
I recently went with the Perdix AI as well.. Just wanted something that was only for scuba diving - I feel like I'd be at a greater risk of damaging or losing a Terric since I'd be wearing it even when not diving.
I didn't see it on your gear list in the description, but is that the Agir Harpa loop or the Mares XR SF2? (And did Agir ever resolve the fact that it looks like Mares copied their design?)
The Agir/Mares story seems to be a long one. From what I've heard (and I could be wrong, I don't have all of the info): Mares debuted the loop at a dive show but only as a prototype and they weren't even advertising it much, it was just laid on a table with a load of other bits. One irate man from Agir kicked up a fuss about it there, claiming it was patented etc. and Mares couldn't copy their design and they would take legal action, so Mares halted all production while their legal team did all their research and contacted Agir asking for copies of patents etc. and proof that the design couldn't be copied. Only, Agir never proved anything and couldn't provide any official reason why Mares couldn't proceed with their design. Seems that Mares have done everything above board and legally, sure it's not nice to copy someone else's design but manufactures copy designs and features all the time, just now it looks like the big guy is picking on the little guy
If you worry about (luggage) weight you should switch your reg to e.g. Apex Flight. Yoi will save much more weight than seitchin D-rings to titanium ones.
Inquiring on recommendations for a large backplate? I'm 6"4, 290 lbs, I already tried the x.Deep Zen, and it was too small? Anybody have any recommendations?
Hi Marc, nice setup! I have a question: I have pretty much the same setup as you, I have the same wing wich i love (but i also use a tank adapter for some reason...) and in this configuration i i m bumping my head on the regulator if i look up... My reg is a legend but it sticks out like yours. I m average size about 173 cm and looking at your video i believe you too would hit your reg if you were to raise your head. Is it the case? How do you deal with it ? The only way i found was to use the middle slot of my adapter (so both strap are pretty close) and have the reg not higher then the wing. The wing then makes a nice cushion. Every vid or pic i see on the internet of people with wings have the same setup as you. I cant believe people live like that. What am i missing ? Thank for you help.
You can invert the 1st stage, if you haven't already, so that the tall part of the 1st stage points downwards so that it's further from your head. Otherwise, it sounds like you're doing everything else that I'd recommend. As a drysuit diver, I tend to look with my shoulders. So, instead of turning my head and neck as I would on the surface, I turn my shoulders. I'll demonstrate on a future @scubadivermag video
What about the following? 1. Weights? 2. Is the tank valve left handed on purpose or was that just what was available for the video? 3. Wouldn't wearing your compass on your left hand make it difficult to wear a gloved light? 4. I have my main AI computer on my left hand at an angle (to the inside of my arm) to make it easier to read while I am lifting my BC inflator to vent air on ascent, no issues and very convenient. 5. Is your primary SS hose, the long one, under the waist strap excess part after the buckle by design or just coincidence? If by design, why? It may help in opening the waist buckle, won't it? 6. No obnoxious loud and distracting music during the video!!! Thank God for that, I can actually hear and understand what you are saying without straining to understand what you said :) Thank you!!
I noticed that you don't have braided hoses for your travel kit. Is there a particular reason for this? Just preference, or another reason...? I ask as you use mEflex (🤫) hoses elsewhere. Thanks for the great vids!
#askmark i'm looking for a pouch for the smb and spool that you can pack and attach to your bcd. can you send me a link for the pouch. i have my smb attached to the spool with a bungie and every 5th dive it comes apart when i do the giant stride.
Awesome setup, love the advicse. I myself am gathering information on buying a backplate and wing setup with long hose configuration. Looking at xdeep to but also Halcyon is in my mind and tecline.....so many choices...... Keep up the good video's to help us all....
Might be a little late. I‘ve chosen the xdeep zen for my travel bpw. Works fine for me, especially cause I tend to dive with 15 ltr or mono alu80 plus bottomstage.
Thank you very much! I have just finished setting up my first own configuration and will hopefully be able to proudly test it in warmer water soon: a Tecline harness with H-shape aluminium backplate and peanut wing, Poseidon Xstream regulator with 1.5m hose for the primary, and ScubaPro go sport fins. While I have opted for weight/trim pockets for the waist strap and the tank straps, I was wondering if you‘d have any thoughts on the weight distribution. Do you yourself use (exclusively) a weight belt?
My variation, since all my diving is warm water. I have a bigger bladder - 36lb D/R because at home we dive steels and we're always in current - I prefer excess lift for when we encounter downcurrents (frequent in my location). I don't have a plate, I use a transpac harness - even with an Ali tank I only need 2kg/4lbs. With a steel tank I'm over weighted a bit, but we accept that price for the additional gas reserve. I don't like thigh pockets (personal preference) so I have 2 pockets on my Waist belt. My compass is affixed to my pointer stick as I prefer that to teh wrist. I don't carry a knife, I have medical shears, also I have 3 tribolite cutters on my rig, one is on my computer bungees. I'm not a fan of long hose especially in big currents (although I use one on my SM kit since it can be used for penetrations too. I use 1.2m Hoses on both Primary and Alt. My alt comes under left arm and is on rubber neck bungee. - both regs have swivels, I can either primary donate or secondary take method as per divers wishes. an Alt on left side presents better to victim than conventional RH side (even with swivels)
GREAT VID. Can I ask where can I get a 90 degree hose fitting like the one in this video? Do you still use one now? BTW I have bit threw one mouthpiece trying to keep my reg in because it's goes straight out to the side like you mentioned in this vid. Fatiguing my jaw to say the least! Thanks, #AskMark
Quite a few places make them, this one in particular I think is an Apeks 90 Elbow. But if you search online for a 'scuba 90 elbow' you should get plenty of results.
Nice vid and of course nice equipment :) however it looks like you are struggling with attaching things on your shoulder d-rings. I think they are hanging a bit too low. I reckon if you lift them up a bit so that they sit on your collarbone clipping on and off should be way easier. Cheers and keep on rolling with your great videos!
Love all of your content. Super helpful! New diver. 1 Trip to Bonaire 41 dives and 7 SDI certs, great trim. Doesnt mean squat other than I've had a lot of concepts thrown at me and crammed in as much experience as I could in 3 weeks. Did my open water checkout dives in a Zeos Dive Center edition. Looking to buy bpw for my first setup. All my diving will be travel to warmer climes. May move to doubles at some point. Maybe SM but not preferred plan at the moment. No intention of doing caves but interested in wreck. So light tech? Would guess 90% of my diving in the next 3-4 years will be ST rec. Considering XD Zen, Mares XR, Hollis 2.0 AL, DiveRite XT Lite. Given what you know now, would you still go Mares XR with custom-built setup or XD Zen? And why?
Can you do a video on how you did your webbing? It looks like a continuous loop setup but I'm curious how you are attaching your balloon to your back plate with how I see your webbing in the middle holding it on. How did you go about doing that?
You can use this mount: www.divers-supply.com/oms-gauge-mounts-w-bungees-suunto.html?OMS-14917302us&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1f7_u-6O6wIV9vvjBx0zCgguEAQYAiABEgIBPvD_BwE&
Have you thought about using a stage SPG to save weight to go along with the titanium hardware you have? or maybe using cam bands with plastic buckles to save weight as well
There are two kinds of, let’s say philosophies, one is to have your octo for donating air to your buddy, as you might have learned already. The other one is to donate your primary on a long hose. This one is a more technical diving associated method. Image you are in a cave or some other confined space. There is no place to dive side by side, as required with your regular octo. So you are able to donate gas to your buddy behind or in front of you.
Tank Boots can cover and hide rust and corrosion. They also hold water against the tank which increases the chance of rust from forming. They're good to protect your tank, but do check under them from time to time and dry them out after a dive
@@RU-vid_user3333 most steel tanks have a round bottom, so they don't stand up without a boot, which can make kitting up tricky. And you'll find the bottom gets scratched up pretty bad, like mine. Either use the boot you have, and take it off after a dive so it can dry properly. But them pop it back on for storage, travel and the dive itself. Or if you don't want the boot, I usually use Duct Tape before a dive to protect the bottom of my tank. It doesn't last forever, but it does protect it a bit when kitting up.
Nice set up ... I have a question about the traveling set up . Here in Canada the airlines allow for an additional luggage for diving trips a total of 50lbs for your dive gear. So I don't have a traveling setup I use the same gear as here. So my question is .. is that extra luggage allowance only here or dose Europe have the same thing . Cause 50lbs is still alot of gear you could bring
It depends on the airline and the flight. Some flights have given me extra baggage because it's 'sporting goods'. But if I'm travelling to warmer climates I don't always need the extra weight of a steel backplate. This setup is more for single cylinder, warm water diving
