Quote: (Originally Posted by
Ben Field)
I dive the armadillo on a KISS but I believe these comments should still be relevant.
In rough/rolling conditions you are better off mounting your stages the bad ol' way then shifting them onto the armadillo once underwater, you need to stand up to clip the tanks to the butt pad and if you can't stand up then you won't be able to mount your tanks!
I must admit I find them slightly slower to kit up but the benefits underwater and trim wise on deco are well worth the slightly longer setup.
Absolutely agree. Often you will find it easier having your bottles clipped to your chest harness and web belt first (means you have to have both clips on your bottle) and shifting over to the Armadillo once in the water. When getting back on a rocking boat it is often easier to clip the bottles on to your chest/waist before leaving the bottom/wreck, soas to be easier to hand off to crew, etc.
Also, take a look at
Rebreather Pro: Streamline Your Bailout Jill's method works very well. Others, on other Armadillo Rebreather World threads, have attached rings onto the backplate bungees to clip the tanks' necks to.
Also, just because you have the Armadillo set up doesn't mean that is the best way to rig for every dive. Caves are a hands-down yes. Ocean work can go either way. Nice to have the option.
Regards,
Bill