If you want to get deeper into the underwater world, you'll need tech dive gear. These gears offer features not found in recreational diving gear. BCDs with sidemount or backplate/wing are two examples. If you're serious about diving in technical environments, you'll likely need advanced regulators, tanks, and computers as well. This article will show you what to look out for in gear that suits your needs.
Technical diving equipment
Tech diving gear, for the most part is modular. This allows you to easily customize it to your requirements. The basics of a tech BCD include a backplate in steel or aluminum, harness, and an air bladder. D-Rings allow you to adjust the harness to suit your body. Another option is the wings. They are available in various sizes and configurations. Even a single tank can be used to customize your gear.
Types of gear
There are many variations between technical and recreational divers equipment. Each dive requires different equipment. Tech divers need more than a regular BCD. They may prefer a backplate/wings or sidemount BCDs. They also need advanced tanks, regulators, and computers. This article will show you the differences in these two types of gear, and tell you what to look out for when choosing technical diving equipment. These guidelines will help you choose the right equipment for your diving needs.
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. Here are some helpful tips about tech dive gear design. It is important to keep in mind that gear configurations should be simple but effective. For example, a good regulator will have a high performance rating. The density of gas will increase when diving deep so it is important that the equipment can withstand this change.
Computers
The most advanced tech dive computer features larger displays and HD screens. They include detailed decompression calculations and can be used for all kinds of diving, from recreational to technical. Some models even have hoseless air integration, digital compasses, and GPS features. All of this information is critical for safety. Diving computers can become inaccurate if they don’t calculate certain decompression factors.
Thermal protection for cold-water divers
Special Operations Forces personnel often use neoprene suits for training and operations. These suit provide only a limited amount of insulation when at the surface, and only about 1/4 of the total insulation when they are at 100 feet depth. New wetsuit designs are being created with R values in the single digits. These suit designs will reduce thermal bridging by incorporating innovative multi-layer constructions with stop-gap materials.
Rebreathers
You may have wondered about the differences between rebreathers and traditional regulators if you are considering upgrading from open circuit scuba gear. Rebreathers are more difficult to maintain and require more diving time than open circuit regulators. They also have more potential for harm. Rebreathers can be as beneficial as any other type of dive equipment. Before purchasing one, you should research their benefits.
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. The manufacturer has also developed a bottom-mounted low -pressure inflator. The STEALTH2.0 can be ordered in single-, double-, or dual tank configurations.