DIR

[JoelW]

DRE,

When I wrote my reply I specifically left out any mention of gear names for the reasons you mentioned. In the DIRF class we were told that the DUI suit is not a good choice. The east coast GUE jumped in on a board and said that was crap. I think that the point is to understand what in a piece of gear makes it DIR appropriate and find something manufactured that fits the bill. Blindly following recommendations serves no purpose for the buyer.

An example is wings. If correct weighting is followed then wing selection can proceed from there. For single tank diving a wing 40# or lower provides enough lift. In the 40# range there are a number of robust wings that fulfill the qualifications: OMS 40# (non-bungeed), Halcyon Pioneer #36, Abysmal 40#. A person can pick or choose the wing they want. The important part that I see DIR doing is at least describing what the important characteristics of a piece of gear are and why something should or should not be used. Jablonski's book has a lot of Halcyon stuff in it but that is to be expected. In its favor though, the book describes the characteristics for each piece of gear.

In the long run, understand the requirements and move on from there. Getting into a pissing contest with the "topdogs" won't get you anywhere.

I am more than happy with my Dive Rite Suit, Dive Rite and OMS plates, Dive Rite and Halcyon wings, Dive Rite HID light, etc. From what I have read and asked questions about, they fulfill the requirements. Other than my Weezle undies all of my gear passed the scrutiny of a couple of the DIR gods. So Halcyon is not the only choice.

JoelW