If you want to get deeper into the underwater world, you'll need tech dive gear. These equipment features are not available in recreational dive gear. Backplate/wing and sidemount BCDs are some examples. Advanced regulators, tanks and computers will be required if you are serious about diving in technical areas. This article will help you identify the best gear for your requirements.
Equipment for technical diving
Tech diving gear is modular. It can be customized to fit your needs. A tech BCD is composed of three basic components: a steel or aluminium backplate, harness, air bladder, and a belt. D-Rings can be added to make the harness fit your body. Another option is the wings. They are available in various sizes and configurations. You can use one tank to make your gear.
Types of gear
There are many differences between recreational and technical diving equipment, and the equipment for each is specific to the type of diving. While recreational divers may use a regular BCD, tech divers often need special backplate/wings and sidemount BCDs. They need sophisticated regulators, tanks, and computers. This article will explore the differences between the two types of gear and what you should look for in your technical diving equipment. These guidelines will help you choose the right equipment for your diving needs.
Configuration of gear
Tech diving gear can be different than recreational diving. Technical divers face different conditions so the configurations of tech dive gear may differ from that of recreational divers. Despite the differences in the configuration of tech dive gear, they all serve the same purpose: to keep the diver comfortable during the dive. Below are some suggestions for gear configuration. The gear configuration should be easy but highly effective. For example, a good regulator will have a high performance rating. You will notice a greater density of gas when you dive deep. Therefore, your equipment should be designed to handle this increase in density.
Computers
The most advanced tech diving computers are equipped with larger displays and HD screens. They also have advanced features for technical dives. They can be used for all kinds diving, from technical to recreational. Some models have digital compasses and hoseless air integration. Safety is paramount. Divers computers that don't accurately calculate decompression factors can cause serious problems.
For cold-water divers, thermal protection
Special Operations Forces personnel are often equipped with neoprene, which allows them to conduct training and operations. These suits provide only a fraction of the insulation they offer when they are on the surface. They also only provide about 1/4 of the insulation when they are 100 feet deep. To address this problem, new wetsuit constructions with R-values in the single digits are being developed. These suits will reduce thermal bridge by using innovative multi-layer constructions and stop-gap material.
Rebreathers
You've likely wondered what the differences are between traditional regulators and rebreathers if you have made the decision to switch from open circuit to scuba gear. Rebreathers require more maintenance and diving time than their open circuit counterparts, and they have more potential ways to cause you harm. Rebreathers can be as beneficial as any other type of dive equipment. Before purchasing one, you should research their benefits.
Sidemount BCDs
The STEALTH 2.0 sidemount BCD was the first to be designed for technical divers. This backmount harness is equipped with an integral TEC wing which gives you extra safety when diving deep and during decompression. Manufacturers also offer a bottom-mounted low-pressure inflation hose. The STEALTH 2.0 can be purchased in single-tank, double-tank or dual-tank configurations.