Did my first sidemount-dive today -
I've mounted an armadillo but-plate bought from Nortec, by drilling through the backplate quite low. This means it fits on the front, so I dont have to cut it up like Dave Cooper (
http://www.rebreatherworld.com/revo-...tml#post132065). The plate sits perfectly with the attachments a 3-5cm lower than the bottom of the rEvo.
Have not mounted the bungy completely yet, but in order to try it out, I took some narrow bungy and just used the upper hole in the Oxy-Wing, under the webbing, and the next hole lower. Just did an figure-eight knot to fasten. Tied a small retrival-line to chest d-ring.
Stage is a 7l with standard stage kit where I extended the leash on the lowest dogclip. Did some dryruns first - and it sucked. What the hell, we're diving anyway, might as well keep it on and see if it really becomes easier in water....
Splashed with stage in normal hookup. fumbled a little to get it on the butt-plate (Still attached to chest d-ring). Retireval line to long, wich got a bit tangled. Sorted it out, and voila the stage tucked completely away from legs and belly. Felt very streamlined, and I practically could not feel it was there! For the first time ever I did not mind the stage. 2nd. dive was even better - did some trimming og the retirevalline and harness. Hookup is easy, and I just replaced to normal config before ascending the shotline.
I do feel the the regulator on the stage is further away and harder to deploy, so BOV or necklaced reg becomes even more imperative.
Now the only thing is thoose rEvodreams, wich are in the way when you sink to the seabed to look under plates and scrap - will have to do something about them
When I get this completely sorted I'll post some pics if ppl are interested.
Conclusion: Sidemount rulez
Nicolai