Bitz Scuba Diving Equipment Guide

Introduction

Which Attachments?

Which Buoyancy Compensator?

Which Computer/ Dive Timer?

Which Compass?

Which Contents Gauge?

Which Dive Bag?

Which Fins?

Which Knife?

Which Mask?

Which Reel?

Which Regulator?

Which Snorkel?

Which Surface Marker Buoy?

Which Suit and Options?

Which Tanks? Overview

- Which Single Cylinders?

- Which Pony Cylinders?

- Which Twin Sets?

- Which Deco/ Stage Tank?

- Which Argon System?

Which Torch?

- Which Back-up Torch?

- Which Main Torch?

Which Watch?

Which Weight System?

Marking Template for EAN50

Marking Template for O2

Modifying AP Valve SMB's

Modifying Other Style SMB's

What Do I Need to Make My Own B'C'?

Introduction

Modified Valve Drill

Valve Drill

Modified S-Drill

S-Drill

Switching to Deco Bottle

Which Dive Bag?

Now that you've got all your toys, you need something to put them in. Dive bags come in various shapes and sizes. Some are no more than glorified sports bags with a bit of mesh for some fins, others are robust padded rucksacks or come on wheels.

All of these have their various uses, but cost is a very obvious issue. Bags can run from a few pounds if you chose to buy something "disposable" from your local market to hundreds of pounds if you decide on something state of the art like a "Stahlsac" (£250+?).

There are a number of issues you should consider:

Will it hold the volume of equipment I want it to?

Will it be able to carry the weight and remain in one piece eg quality of stitching and strength of handles?

Will it be easy to carry if fully loaded, even if it has wheels.

Will it provide sufficient protection for the contents?

Does it have a plastic zip? Metal zips will corrode when placed in contact with salt water.

Will it prevent water leaking in/out as appropriate, depending on what I need it for, and whether I have a waterproof liner in the car?

Will it be suitable for travelling overseas? These frequently need to be better protected/padded to prevent damage to the contents from over-enthusiastic porters or airline baggage staff.

Does it have enough side pockets for any odds and ends?

If it is a more expensive option, does it have a guarantee?

Many people carry a number of bags with them. A reasonable compromise is:

1.

A dedicated padded bag for your regulators and computer.
These normally take the form or a padded small travel bag and should be fairly robust.

2.

A bag for your drysuit.
This is usually provided with your suit as standard. It will probably be quite light weight and fold up fairly small, but should still protect it from normal wear and tear. It may be big enough to take your undersuit as well. See "3." below.

3.

A bag for your undersuit whilst in transit and dry clothes whilst on the boat.
Dry bags can be sealed shut to prevent the contents getting wet and are available from good camping shops (Cost circa £20+). A really cheap option is a bin bag which can probably be stuffed into your drysuit bag to protect it from being torn.

4.

A general kit bag for everything else with the exception of the tanks and weights.

You will probably be able to get away with spending as little as £5 for something reasonable in a good market. This will be suitable for general UK diving, whilst the equipment remains in your care, and should last at least a year. You will probably need to consider something more substantial for travelling overseas. Always consider that if a potential thief wants to get inside your bag, he won't hesitate to cut it open, in spite of the perceived extra security a more expensive bag might offer�in fact it might be a more tempting target. Moderately priced dedicated diving bags cost between £40 and £90, with the more exclusive options costing about £250.

Recommendations

In choosing a dive bag, it is worth considering who will be responsible for its care and attention and the level protection it needs so as to protect its contents from abuse. It may well be worth choosing the cheaper options available and spending the money going diving, rather than just thinking about it!

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Key:

Good/Essential Features.

Mixed Good/Bad features depending on the circumstances.

Bad Features.

Points requiring your consideration depending on your personal circumstances.

Warnings - Points to be very careful of.

Bitz Health Warning. This feature may seriously damage your health.

Tips, Ideas and general information for your attention.

General bullets.

Hit Counter Complements of http://www.digits.com.

Diving can be a hazardous sport and the information contained within this site is not intended to replace formal training.
Furthermore no responsibility will be accepted for any accidents, injuries or financial disadvantage, howsoever caused.

	Will it hold the volume of equipment I want it to?
	Will it be able to carry the weight and remain in one piece eg quality of stitching and strength of handles?
	Will it be easy to carry if fully loaded, even if it has wheels.
	Will it provide sufficient protection for the contents?
	Does it have a plastic zip? Metal zips will corrode when placed in contact with salt water.
	Will it prevent water leaking in/out as appropriate, depending on what I need it for, and whether I have a waterproof liner in the car?
	Will it be suitable for travelling overseas? These frequently need to be better protected/padded to prevent damage to the contents from over-enthusiastic porters or airline baggage staff.
	Does it have enough side pockets for any odds and ends?
	If it is a more expensive option, does it have a guarantee?

1.	A dedicated padded bag for your regulators and computer. These normally take the form or a padded small travel bag and should be fairly robust.
2.	A bag for your drysuit. This is usually provided with your suit as standard. It will probably be quite light weight and fold up fairly small, but should still protect it from normal wear and tear. It may be big enough to take your undersuit as well. See "3." below.
3.	A bag for your undersuit whilst in transit and dry clothes whilst on the boat. Dry bags can be sealed shut to prevent the contents getting wet and are available from good camping shops (Cost circa £20+). A really cheap option is a bin bag which can probably be stuffed into your drysuit bag to protect it from being torn.
4.	A general kit bag for everything else with the exception of the tanks and weights.

Key:
	Good/Essential Features.
	Mixed Good/Bad features depending on the circumstances.
	Bad Features.
	Points requiring your consideration depending on your personal circumstances.
	Warnings - Points to be very careful of.
	Bitz Health Warning. This feature may seriously damage your health.
	Tips, Ideas and general information for your attention.
	General bullets.
	Hit Counter Complements of http://www.digits.com.

Diving can be a hazardous sport and the information contained within this site is not intended to replace formal training. Furthermore no responsibility will be accepted for any accidents, injuries or financial disadvantage, howsoever caused.