Diluent Configuration on the Sport KISS

Diluent Configuration on the Sport KISS
By Ben Field



Several people asked for some pictures of my Diluent distribution after I mentioned it in a couple of threads. I took a few pictures to describe the layout, as it is much easier than trying to explain it.

It is probably over complex but it does achieve what I wanted which was-

• Tidy up and reduce number of hoses around Diluent first stage.
• Provide everything with Diluent from a custom length hose (nothing too long or too short)
• Have a way in which I can access on-board, off-board (stage) or buddies OC gas as extra
• Diluent or inflation gas.
• Carry sufficient bailout Diluent for my diving while I work my way towards deeper diving without carrying a stage.

Firstly the plumbing that runs from my on-board rebreather Diluent tank.


The manifold is a 10x standard low-pressure port brass piece made by some chap who was advertising manifolds on eBay! I do not know if he is still trading but PM if you want his contact details. The mesh is to protect all the manifold and hoses, as this piece is located between the SportKISS case and my back plate behind my left shoulder.

Once assembled these hoses all run together over my left shoulder, they are held together by Velcro tape, this is very secure but easy to strip down for servicing.

Note- once donned the SPG hangs at waist height (where have a clip to hold it out of the way) and the APDiving GCS has10inches or so of slack to pick up and plug into whatever is available. The two black bungies on the right of the back plate (left in this picture) hold the bailout OC reg on its long hose.


Next is a back view of the SportKISS with the Narked@90 frame fitted and holding a “Dumpy” 3ltr bottle (From DiveLife in the UK) From this tank I’ve simply ran the primary reg from my twin set hoses with a trusted Apex TX40 and a standard octopus length hose with a female of the APDiving GCS on it, a flow stop was recommended but I don’t know if its actually needed.


Despite appearances this is still a light rig and the extra tank is barely noticeable, except for the extra height when kitting up, which is very useful to me as I’m over 6ft.

I plan to change the “dumpy” tanks valve for one where the valve tap is “axial” ie- runs parallel to the valve tap on the Diluent tank above it, I can reach it where it is now but its not perfect.

The duct tape around the handle is holding a piece of aquarium pipe to soften the handle, a boatee complained the bare ali handle was difficult to hold.

Lastly a couple of pictures of my handsets with my homemade VR3 type straps made from parts bought in B&Q (UK cheap’n’nasty hardware/DIY store) yes I know the end display is flooded but its currently on its way back to Jetsam to get fixed ?



Discuss this article HERE