Winging the Dolphin...

Smudgegs

Ok guys, another one for the collective wisdom...

Sometime soon I'm going to fit a wing to my Dolphin instead of that terrible stab jacket.
I know I could build adaptors but that tends to take lots of time I don't have spare, so I'm looking at an off the shelf solution.

Either the conversion kit from V4-Tec V4tec Tankbands, Backplates and devices for technical diving - Dolphin Special

or the stainless Hydrogom shell from Martin Tec Equipment für Nitrox, Rebreather Höhlen Tauchen

The V4-tec answer leavis it looking more standard (and therefore less hassle on dive boats/club dives etc as it *looks* like a standardish dolphin)
The Stainless shell looks stronger, acts as a stand, and can have a lifting handle added.
Both are similarly expensive(!)

So what is the better solution? (proper mountings for bottles on the side is an attraction for both of them). What do you guys prefer?

Cheers,
Smudge (always asking questions! )

mathias

I prefer the Hydrogom solution. The shell is a few cm longer and wider than the original, that gives you more space for the cl. And the weight (9kg) is great, no more lead necessary.
Mathias

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Numpty diver

Hi Smudge
What will you use your Dolphinfor in the future ?.
Which part of the jacket do you dislike
Dean

Smudgegs

The standard jacket doesn't have enough lift, I want to add a stage/bailout bottle, and at some point in the future I *may* decide to close it. Also the "lifting handle" isn't strong enough and can crack the shell.

Another thought, will a ten litre (steel) fit into the bottom of the hydrogom shell? It would be useful to be able to use the ten and "H" valve while the set is still SCR...

Humuhumu

Hi,

the Hydrogom shell is the superior solution. The weight is 5,5 kg plus let's say 0,5 kg for the handle.

You're right the jacket of the Dolphin is manufactured by Buddy and gives a 14,5 kg lift, that is not enough if you go deep (if you want to transform to mCCR it's obvious, but even as a SCR in a depth of 50 to 60 M, it's true) and need some bailout. The only solution is a dry suit, then it's enough but I have put a OMS wing on my Dolphin (47 kg lift :-) and it's a good solution. Anyway, all wings will fit if you use the Hydrogom shell. the V4Tec solution is nice too but the Dolphin will not stand alone... but will look more like a genuine unit...

It's up to you !

Cheers

Humuhumu

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Humuhumu Nukunuku Apua'Ha

Numpty diver

Hi Smudge
Have a look at this.
KISS-Dolphin CCR by Kim Meineche
Dean

Smudgegs

Hmmm all good points, the V4-tec system lets you get at the scrubber etc for maintenance without removing a wing, is it a pain having to take the wing off the hydrogom system for build/stripdown/scrubber change?
Mind you a bit more space inside could be nice... but then I'm only 5'6" tall so a short set is nice (for example I like twim 10's because they are the right length for me, twin 12's are too long )
Would I spend hundreds of Euros then find the Hydrogom is too long?

Smudgegs

Thanks Dean, Interesting reading. I'm not convinced how strong his wing mount/shell mods look but other than that a beautifully made rebreather and very helpful and clear descriptions of how he's done it

Edited to add: I'm *very* impressed by the Kiss OC BOV conversion, anyone else done it? Anyone know how much one costs?
Thanks again!

mathias

30 seconds

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mathias

INTRUDER GALLERIE
ccr-kiss v2.0

some other *Hydrogom*pics

__________________
Our dreams are other people's nightmares ;-)
Plus près du fond, plus loin des cons !