This video came right on time! Now I know how

I like a loop of bungy cord, or a seamless elastic hair tie. larks head around the boltsnap's ring, then take it around the hose, stretch it back over the botlsnap and snug it down. If you really needed to you could snap/cut a hair tie off the hose, bu otherwise its quick easy to pull off and can be removed and reused - also handy if you find you need the loop for something else.

My setup involves using the first method universally, covering your second stages and any accessories such as torches and cameras, including my whistle. However, be cautious as the whistle is now negatively buoyant. The second method you demonstrated (the one with the 111 o-ring) is specifically employed on the long hose second stage. I opt for this method, particularly in cave diving scenarios where you secure your long hose while using the short hose. In case of an emergency, the protocol is to pull and donate. Although I've never had to use it, like everything else in diving, preparation revolves around worst-case scenarios. Regarding your video, it's quite accurate. However, with the cave line, I also use zip ties on both sides to prevent the line from sliding around. I find it annoying when it's not securely in place. P.S. XDeep boltsnaps are undoubtedly top-notch, but they come with a hefty price tag compared to regular ones. It almost feels like a cult - I'm gradually replacing all my boltsnaps with the XDeep ones.

Handy tip

Waterproof nylon builders line works like reel line, without paying a premium. Its not meant to need a high weight rating.

On a related note, I'd like to #askmark (and anyone else!) if there any suggestions for using a long-hose in the "new normal" situation, where your buddy may not be happy taking your primary DV? On "insta-buddy" dives, I always check before I kit up whether this is the case, and clip off my primary (which has a yellow face, fitted to avoid confusion) as an octo-style AS, but don't really have a simple breakaway. I have tried a couple of methods (tying on an o-ring, or using a bigger one in a larks head knot) but none really seem to be as simple to clip off to after a demonstration.

@albertamato7620

2 ай бұрын

I am a bit harsh, but if my Indra buddy is reluctant to take my primary they better not run out of air! And if they do, I doubt they would hesitate to rip the primary out of my mouth😊

@ScubaDiverMagazine

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, I've yet to experience an out of air diver who is picky about which 2nd stage they're given...

@davidtillotson291

2 ай бұрын

I agree that it's not really ideal, but when on holiday I like to minimise the stress for myself and my buddy, and go along with it. My first tries (tied o-ring) were in Sharm (Dec '20), when it really wasn't an option to use PD, and I just got into the habit of offering the option. Having once had to use a buddy's AS (semi-controlled after issues with cylinder at a dive centre), I know that any breathable source is good enough!

@LeeLeatherbarrow

2 ай бұрын

As others have said, I doubt a buddy would be picky in an OOS situation. However, for a more helpful response, have a Google of "Nammu Tech". And look in their "Products - Accessories" section for their "Single Quick Release Hose Clip". Cracking product that allows a boltsnap to be used in the same was as tied on, but in a very reusable breakaway fashion. Hope that helps your quandary?

#askmark How do I find the right equipment for myself? There are a lot of brands out there and I think it’s really difficult to choose the right equipment. Is there any way to differentiate between for example a good bcd or an average bcd except the price.

@ScubaDiverMagazine

2 ай бұрын

The first thing to bear in mind is *where you can get equipment serviced* . You can invest in the fanciest equipment but, if you can't get it serviced conveniently, they can be a pain. The best thing is to spend some time thinking about *what kind of diver you plan to be* in the next few years and talk with your local dive centre. They should be able to recommend the right style you need and good brands. Just be prepared that they will probably try to sell you what they have in stock. If you've found something that you like the look of then you can always ask on some of the diving forums if it's decent equipment. The diving community is a good reference to help point you in the right direction.

@albertamato7620

2 ай бұрын

I would not worry too much about that. Read reviews but ultimately it comes down to what you want, the type of diving you will be doing now and expected future, and your budget. All equipment sold by your LDS will not kill you if used properly and maintained properly. Some people love scuba pro, other don’t want a giant S on all their gear 🙂

@david28111996

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for your answer. I am already considering only the gear my local diveshop is selling and able to service. The question is, if I spend 100€ more, is there really a difference or is the money worth it in comparison to the cheaper one. Specially with all the different options of first and second stage it’s hard to get some good reviews.

Just need to be a bit louder, but Thanks!