Tech dive gear is required to explore the depths of the ocean. These equipment has features that are not offered in standard recreational diving equipment. BCDs with sidemount or backplate/wing are two examples. Advanced regulators, tanks, and computers are required for diving in technical environments. In this article, you'll learn what to look for in the right gear for your needs.
Technical diving equipment
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. You also have the option of wings, which come in many sizes and configurations. You can even use a single tank and customize your gear to fit that tank.
Types of gear
There are many options for technical and recreational diving equipment. The equipment is tailored to each type of diving. Tech divers need more than a regular BCD. They may prefer a backplate/wings or sidemount BCDs. They also require regulators, advanced tanks, and computers. This article will examine the differences between them and discuss what you should look for. The following information will help guide you in your decision making process.
Configuration and use of gear
Tech diving gear is different from recreational diving because technical divers have to deal with different conditions. All gear has the same purpose, which is to keep a diver comfortable while they dive. Here are some tips for tech dive gear configuration. Keep in mind that the configuration of the gear should be simple yet highly effective. A high-quality regulator will, for example, have a high 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.
Cold-water divers can get thermal protection
Special Operations Forces personnel often use neoprene suits for training and operations. These suits provide only a fraction of the insulation they offer when they are on the surface. They also only provide about 1/4 of the insulation when they are 100 feet deep. New wetsuit designs are being created with R values in the single digits. These suits are innovative and combine multi-layer constructions, with stop-gap substances, to reduce thermal friction.
Rebreathers
Rebreathers are a great choice for anyone who wants to change from open-circuit scuba gear to rebreathers. Rebreathers require more maintenance than open circuit scuba gear, and can be more dangerous. It's worthwhile to spend time researching the advantages of rebreathers, as with all diving equipment.
Sidemount BCDs
The STEALTH2.0 was the first sidemount BCD designed for technical divers. This backmount harness comes with an integral TEC wing, which provides extra security during deep dives or decompression stops. Manufacturers also offer a bottom-mounted low-pressure inflation hose. The STEALTH 2.0 can be purchased in single-tank, double-tank or dual-tank configurations.