Some Advice for a new SK owner

fltekdiver

Thanks for looking,

I would like some advice, as i just purchased a new Sport Kiss, and am really picky about setting up my gear, meaning coming from diving a B/P and wing for years, and being streamlined, I would like to keep the same current configurations I had, or close to it, that I have been diving for years with O/C.

My current configuration is a Halcyon B/P and wing, it has a 6lb SS backplate, and I use their 40lb Eclipse wing. I also use their ACB weighting system for weight.

I have two concerns, one, is the 40lb enough lift, for diving the SK, and also slinging a 19-30cf seperate bail out, as most of my diving will be in 60FSW of water for a while, till I feel completley comfortable with diving a manual CCR.

Another concern I have , will this set up bring the counter lungs closest to my lungs, for a good fit, and hold the unit closest to me?

I have been reading the Dive-Rite transpack seems to be popular, all though it fits more like a B/C , which i dont like, and the Oxy Cheq wings seem very popular with the SK.

I sold my O/C gear, so I could change now, or buy back what I just sold, stupid me didnt think i would be doing the CCR thing so fast, but I deceided to make the plundge now.

Also I would like to add some of the SS rings for the hoses from Golemgear, I'm pretty sure the SK uses 1.5" dia hoses correct? I would like to add these instead of the cheaper looking solder they give you.

Also, I would like to add a quick disconnect to the L/P side of the pod, so i don't have to screw the connection in and out, any ideas where to get that?

SPG- Do I need a o2 SPG, that is green, and o2 compatible for the oxygen bottle? I was going to run two SPG's, one for dill and one for the o2, suggestions?

Right now my main focus is getting a B/P and wing set up, the gauges, and SS rings i will also need before my Feb class, but I would like to get the B/P and wing selected now.

Dusting from the scrubber? Anyone had these issues? i been reading about putting somthing there to help with the dusting , I'll look more into that.

Also pictures of running your SPG's, and hoses would be helpfull, I wantt o keep the unit streamlined and simple as possible.

Thanks for all your help. I don't know why, by I don't get emails to my post on here, so I have to keep logging in, and finding my threads, to see responces. I don't know why, but it's a pain.

Happy New Year, It's 12:38am , just after midnight of the ball dropping, and I been reading for 5 hours all ready, my eyes are starting to cross , lol

May everyone have a safe and bubble-less New Year

jepuskar

Easy boy....

Breathe in, breathe out, recycle it, breathe in, breathe out..recycle...

Little excited? I can't wait till I'm at that point.

Doug, you got your hands full..lol

J

jradomski

You can get all the rings and qds from golem gear..

Get the qd for the BOV and leave the hose connected to the exhale pod.. If you really want that disconnectable as well just get a second qd set.. Make sure you get the high flow qds from Golem..

You need to make sure that you can have the SK high on your back.. If its to low the breathing will suck.. If you are weighted properly a 40lb wind is more than adequate.. The oxycheq wing fits quite nicely..

For dusting I add scrims from the inspiration at the top of the scrubber..

All the options you have should be covered in your class.. There are alot of things to consider to get things optimal, more than a few messages will tell you..

If you are using a light wetsuit with the SS case you want to get rid of any extra weight you have.. a DS without undergarments should be about the same ...

__________________
Joe Radomski
CCR Trimix Instructor Trainer
ANDI Instructor Trainer Director #10

All posts are personal opinions and DO NOT reflect any affiliated agency unless specifically stated.

Dutchy

Start diving the thing with what you have. No harnas is needed a regular Hogartian setup will do fine. In addition the wing you have may just be exelent. Just try it and you'll know wether the balance is OK. My Buddy bought the Oxycheck one but I'm perfectly happy with the one I used before... (e.g. I don't need any weight on the top of my cylinders)

Just go diving and fnd out along the way rather than investing lot of money that had better be spent on something else (unless money is no object )

I concur with Joe that placement is important. Try mounting your SK on the top hole of your backplate and If you have only one position drill another one as high up as realistically possible. On the same topic put your wing as low as possible you might want to lift your arse up a bit...

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fltekdiver

Thank you all for your help, Jepuskar, LoL, your right man, I need to breath alittle bit !! I'm so excieted I couldn't sleep all night !!

Dutchy, I sold my Halcyon B/P and wing, not thinking I would need it again.

Now that I have my choice of B/P and wing to purchase, i would like to purchase somthing that is more streamlined and fits the SK better possibley, if not I'll buy back what I had, because I simply loved diving my set up.

I have just about every Dive-Rite wing combo, Halcyon, and OMS, even the bungeed OMS dual bladders I tried. Out of them all , the last rig I had, The Halcyon B/P and 40lb wing, for me trimmed me out beautifullly UW, and was everything I was looking for out of my set up.

I never tried the Oxy Cheq wings, and I head alot of positive results from them for the SK, so I may consider one of their wings, with the halcyon B/P.

As far as weight, I use a 5,4,3 mill wetsuit most of the year here in Florida, and summer I switch to a 3 mill, shorty, etc.

I will be using the unit only for recreational diving, mostley for taking photos, and mostley diving it around 60' in the ocean on the reefs. I really liked the interaction the rebreather ( SCR ) gave me with the fish, and I'm sure it will be even a better experiance using the SK .

Jradomski, thanks, I'll be ordering so L/P disconnects and possibley some swivels today from Golmgear, as well as three new sensors for the rig.

Thanks all for your help, I'll let you know what i order and how I trim out etc during my class in Feb.

ScubaDadMiami

Try to meet with Doug well in advance of your class. That way, you can get what he suggests with plenty of time in case things are on back order.

I would suggest finding out what Doug has to say before ordering a bunch of things that might not be right.

__________________
Howard Packer
IANTD CCR Instructor
Miami Beach, Florida
CCRDiveTraining.com

Dutchy

FWIW I consider myself an underwater photographer without a camera and I have no doubt you will absolutely love your configuration. The oxygen bleed sound is reassuring for you but silent enought to approach the most prudent of fish.

For the training try to find your minimum counterlung volume but after that try experimenting with a larger volume and an empty BC. The buoyancy is dead stable even floating near the surface which imho makes it ideal for shallow observation activity. Doing this you ca hands-free compensate for differency in buoyancy of the wetsuit.

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jepuskar

Yes, get your instructors opinion first as I'm sure he will be a big influence/help.

J

debersole

I've just been following this thread and seeing people's suggestions.

Not to worry -- Marco and I go way back. I taught his Drager Dolphin course several years ago. We've been PM'ing back and forth for months about CCR training. We're going to get together for his training next month.

I told him I agree with keeping things simple (no pun intended) and getting through the course. He can then see what modifications he likes and doesn't like.

Looks like we've officially hooked another one! Marco -- looking forward to diving together in February!

Doug

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fltekdiver

Can't wait Doug !!

I'll PM you on SB, and see what your next month looks like. I'd like to bring the unit to you somtime in Jan, so you can look at it, see what we need to order, to get me in the pool ( Blue Grotto )

I have to say, Douglas was one of the main reasons I went with the SK.

I know him for years, and like he said, he did the training on the Dolphin with me, and I know he will take his time, and make sure I completley understand the unit, and give me the best training possible.

I can't wait !!

PS, I went with a new Dive Rite Transplate and Rec wing, the unit retails for $675.00 new, and I got a good deal on SB just now for $375.00 .

I dove both the rec wing and that system in the past, and think it will be a good choice as a B/P and wing set up. I can un-bolt it from the SK, and add a STA, which only takes a min or two to put on, and dive O/C that way also.

Thanks for everyones help !!