DIR

[jasondbaker]

I agree, do some reading to get a basic understanding. I'll give you my simplified answers. But they don't carry as much weight if you haven't done some reasearch. I'm not DIR since I don't completely follow the gear configuration.

I'm not sure that DIR is completely opposed to using computers. The issue is that a computer is not a useful tool for many of the dive profiles (depth, time, gas, etc) that some DIR folks are doing. They can't use a computer 90% of the time anyway. So since they don't use it they eliminate it from the list of necessary tools. I know DIR divers that sometimes use computers on basic rec dives. They use the computer but don't necessarily rely on it to dictate their profiles.

I know divers that use hoses between 5' (for purely OW rec dives) and 7'. I recommend reading up on the proper use of the long hose. Watch some videos. Then, go out and try it for yourself. I guarantee that a person with a long hose can share air more easily than a person with a standard short hose. Whether that makes you a better buddy is something that you need to determine for yourself.

The additional length of the hose has little, if barely measurable (by a machine) impact on the performance. There have been studies done by technical diving groups to verify this.