Streamlining Evo

Serge

Hi all. I am considering to purchase my first Rebreather. After checking out the the Evolution at the BTS, my initial impression was that it needs quite a bit of clean-up from stock configuration. The Air-2 trunk has to go and be replaced with a BOV and a short standard power inflator. The harness needs to be stripped of all the danglies, padding, pockets, widgets, etc., and preferably replaced with a continuous standard 2" webbing. I would also like a steel backplate. Has anyone done similar config clean-up? If so, please post some pictures of what a clean unit would look like. - Thanks.

cramerdn

There's three of four differant threads here that have more info along this same lines, but...

I removed the stock harness as soon as I could. Works fine. I use a long DSS backplate with a continous 2" strap, and a standard single 2" crotch strap. I tried some of the rebreather D rings from DSS but went back to the normal ones. I used the DSS backplate adapter bits.

The auto air was dumpped for a 12" coragated hose and a Scubapro basic inflator. I had to order a short inflator hose since the manifold-to-inflator distance was much shorter. Quite happy with it. I always carry bailout so I don't miss the extra regulator/leak generater.

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diverrob

Yea the stock harness was the first to go as well, my SS BP and OC harness works great and I replaced the inflater with a standard one as well. I did keep a 2nd stage that runs off the DIL but use a 180 swivel reg so I can get to it off of the left side. I used that set up for a bout 2 years and just recently bought an Ali box and have put 3l tanks on it as well as a butt plate to side mount by BO. The stand does get in the way of the butt plate so I am going to see if I can't move it or attach the D rings to the bottom of the stand and get rid of the butt plate.

Rob

betti154

I've basically done what you're talking about but I have ain inspo/vision instead. The holes on my plate lines up perfectly with the holes on the case.

I used the counterlung buckles sold at golem to clip the counter lungs down. DeepSeaSupply Counterlung Attachement Hardware

I also use their integrated weight packs, which are great. Golem Gear, Inc. - Golem Gear Integrated Weight System for Backplate

I don't know that my selup is all that more streamlines than the stock one, but it works for me.

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Beanie

Done the same except BOV and inflator



See my teardown for more: Outlaw Divers, Inspiration teardown

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tekdiver170

I too never even dove my stock harness. As soon as I got my unit I was preparing a BP to fit. My instructor gave me the advice to drill holes 2" above the stock Halcyon holes to move the unit higher up on my back to aid in acheiving proper trim. I use the stock bolts and nuts to hold it all together. Removing the gromet from the webbing helped firm the BP to the box.

Right after my class I took the Air2 off, just trimed down the inflator hose by what seemed like 7' and added a standard inflator. Has worked perfect, no issues. I did not add a BOV, instead I ran hose off my manifold and added a necklace and wear it around my neck.

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VIKTOR66

I agree the unit as comes from the factory doesn't fit the needs of technical/cave diving. I think the factory should have a tech/cave option. I dive in warm water so I don't need so much weight and I use a transpac with a butt plate for side mounting. It works great. Very streamline for long swims in the caves. You don't feel your stage tanks. I also removed the AIR2 and put a normal inflator. I also run a normal 2nd stage by the right and I wear it attach to a neck lace. I'm thinking of a BOV, just deciding which one. I clip the counterlungs to golem accessories on the harness. I left the original wing and I use the weight pockets in the back. They are high enough. I put 2 2 pounds weight attached to the shoulder straps of my transpac, just above the D rings and they work very good. That gives me the cave diver position I'm used to. Also when I'm vertical the weight is equally distributed back and front and it's very comfortable. I re-routed the pressure gauges to my left side and clip them to D ring on the left of my harness, than virtually eliminates all dangling but I probably will buy an ali box and reorganize the unit accordingly. This configuration works very good if you need not more than 10-12 pounds weight. I didn't try it with dry suits and more weight.

Serge

That's exactly my impression. Factory setup seem to be geared more to recreational divers with no appreciable technical experience. But honestly, how many divers are out there that buy Inspo/Evo without having considerable technical experience? My guess is not many. So why do APD set up their units like that? What market niche are they trying to corner? The rationale for their business strategy is escaping me at the moment.

lbdiver21

I too have been looking at going back to a steel plate but when I set up the unit it seems to sit too low down my back with the T's sitting horizontal or even slightly back on my shoulders. I've gone as high as the plate will let me but still think it needs to come up & towards me a little as the hose's from the scrubber seem to be streched a little as well.

Any idea's or better still some pics of an EVO with a backplate/web harness would be great.

Thanks

Serge

OK. I installed the back plate, and replaced the original harness with a 2" continuous webbing. It was much easier than what I anticipated and already looks much better. Other changes - removed the "baggage handle" and gauge protectors. It's work in progress. My training starts on 6/15, so I think I'll leave it like this until the training is over . Here are some pics: