Tech dive gear is required to explore the depths of the ocean. These gears offer features not found in recreational diving gear. BCDs with sidemount or backplate/wing are two examples. Advanced regulators, tanks and computers will be required if you are serious about diving in technical areas. This article will teach you how to choose the right gear for you.
Equipment for technical diving
Tech diving gear, for the most part is modular. This allows you to easily customize it to your requirements. A tech BCD consists of a backplate made from steel or aluminum, a harness and an air bladder. D-Rings can be added to make the harness fit your body. The wings are another great option, because they come in a variety of sizes and configurations. You can even use a single tank and customize your gear to fit that tank.
Types
There are many differences between recreational and technical diving equipment, and the equipment for each is specific to the type of diving. While recreational divers may use a regular BCD, tech divers often need special backplate/wings and sidemount BCDs. These divers require sophisticated tanks, regulators and computers. This article will discuss the differences between these types of gear as well as what to look for when purchasing technical diving equipment. The following information will help guide you in your decision making process.
Configuration of gear
Tech diving gear has a different configuration than recreational diving. Technical divers work in different environments and the equipment is designed to be more effective for technical diving. These differences aside, all gear serves the same purpose: to keep divers comfortable during a dive. Below are some tips to help you choose the right tech dive gear. Keep in mind that the configuration of the gear should be simple yet highly effective. For example, a good regulator will have a high performance rating. When diving deep, the density of gas increases, so the equipment should be well-made to cope with this change.
Computers
The most advanced tech dive computers have larger displays and HD screens, as well as more advanced features for technical diving. These computer can be used to perform all types of diving including technical, recreational and even technical. Some models also have hoseless integration, digital compasses, or GPS features. Safety is paramount. Divers computers that don't accurately calculate decompression factors can cause serious problems.
Thermal protection for cold-water divers
Special Operations Forces personnel often use neoprene suits for training and operations. These suits offer only a tiny amount of insulation at the top, and only 1/4 of the total insulation below 100 feet. New wetsuits have been developed with R-values in single digits to solve this problem. These suit designs reduce thermal bridging by using multi-layer constructions with stop gap materials.
Rebreathers
Rebreathers are a great choice for anyone who wants to change from open-circuit scuba gear to rebreathers. Rebreathers require more maintenance and diving time than their open circuit counterparts, and they have more potential ways to cause you harm. It's worthwhile to spend time researching the advantages of rebreathers, as with all diving equipment.
Sidemount BCDs
The STEALTH2.0 sidemount BCD is a first-of-its kind for technical divers. This backmount harness is equipped with an integral TEC wing which gives you extra safety when diving deep and during decompression. The bottom-mounted low-pressure inflator hose is another innovation from the manufacturer. The STEALTH2.0 comes in single, dual, and double-tank options.