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General Gear Tips

This page lists a number of features that some of the club members have dealt with, and gives insight on why they do or don't like the feature.

Bouyancy Compensator (BC)

  • Rear air dump: a rear air dump is an air dump on the back of the BC, usually near the bottom on the right side. This is a very useful feature because it allows you to dump air while inverted (which may be very convenient if you're trying to kick down to slow an ascent).

Octopus or Air2?
The Scubapro Air2 combines the octopus and the inflator hose by incorporating a second stage with the inflator. While the Air2 allows the elimination of an extra hose for the octopus, it requires that in an emergency situation the buddy out of air must use the regulator, while the diver with the Air2 uses the Air2. Of course, if you just like the added security of having multiple air sources, why not get the Air2 and the octopus?

Mitts vs. Gloves?

  • Mitts will keep your hands much warmer in cold water with minimal loss of agility with a free index finger.

Miscellaneous Gear Pieces
In addition to the normal gear pieces, there are a few other gear pieces that just makes life simpler. Some of these items are very inexpensive, but can make your dive a lot easier.

  • Octopus holder - This investment is well worth the $5. If you just purchased a regulator and octopus, you definitely don't want it to be dragging in the sand/seaweed while you're diving. In addition, an octopus holder takes the guesswork out of, "where is the octopus?" which is very important question in emergency situations. On the other hand, many cave and wreck divers just put the $5 toward buying a little bit of rubber tubing so they can make a "necklace" of the tubing with the octopus as the pendant. This is also a very economical way of ensuring that your octopus is always closeby.

Other gear tips? email scuba-officers@mit.edu

several accesses since July 28, 2000 with several per day.