Quote: (Originally Posted by ScubaDadMiami)
sidemount bailout bottles, how long your regulator hoses? I am likely to continue clipping them to the shoulder d-ring rather than hanging them on bungee coming from my backplate. I bought an Armadillo kit.
SDM
I just started to do the same so take my word for what it's worth i.e. just a few hours of trials and a few sessions of drills.
I keep the same length (40in) as for a sling and it's works great for me but I have a CK with a BOV so I can take a few breaths OC from the onboard while getting to my sidemount reg. I started using the Armadillo kit and clip the tank neck on the shoulder D-ring but I did't see any + vs standard sling. I now prefer to use the back bungees. The camband or jubilee needs to be higher on the tank for sidemount vs sling otherwise it makes it difficult to clip-unclip the tank from the butt attachment as it's too tight with AL30's. It might be OK with AL80's but I haven't tried yet. The reg is stowed lower on the tank than with a sling so in the water (horizontal or vertical) the reg is stowed slightly at the same level as my leg pocket so if I can reach my pocket, I can reach the reg without looking.
Basically I use the same set-up as described in the Armadillo manual except for the suit and BC inflator hoses: suit is from a separate 6cft and BC from on-board. The RHS tanks has a QC whip to CK manifold for off-board dil.
Note that I'm still playing with this set-up and I might change a few things in the close future. Don't hesitate to let us know about your own set-up and experience as we might benefit from it too.
Best
Philippe