Step #1 buy gear that is easily maintainable and repairable in the first place! If it's got proprietary plastic steer clear. I have had some success with replacing/modifying inflators with standard k-type ones... But really, just opt for gear that uses standard designs wherever possible. Gotta love a completely standard Backplate and Wing setup and well proven/servicable regulators - zero worries ever. With a plastic drysuit zip such as usually used on a Santi, refer to those institutions you can find on their website/TH-cam.
I have far too much gear that I've tried a few times and then it lives in a drawer. I now only buy something if I need it and know that it's going to last
#askmark What are the top 5 adaptations / customisation’s you’d recommend making to your kit? I know you’ve shows the spool loop before, but was wondering what other tips you’ve got?
Yeah, the finger spool is important for me. 1. I always carry a backup mask after being on dives where other divers have lost their mask. I put a large O-ring around one buckle so that I can clip it to something. 2. I attach boltsnaps to most items so that they can be attached securely to a D-Ring. 3. I always bring more than one hood and gloves so I don't have to put on a cold, wet hood for dive 2. 4. Custom hose lengths are important, the standard length hoses are fine but, they're one of the first things that I change on a regulator. 5. Spring heels and fabric mask straps are my new standard. I'll see if I can think of any others...
@@ScubaDiverMagazine Agree with all of the above, but would add dive your gear for 25-50 dives before you change anything, otherwise somethings you will just end up changing back. Rule No 3, is like always double tap from Zombieland, you'll only appreciate it once you've done it. Rule 2 is supported by a bungee cord is essential part of streamlining your wing bolt snap items.
#Mark Hello Mark. Can you do a video of consumer priced air compressors. I live two hours from nearest dive shop and would like to fill my own Aluminum 80. love your videos. Stephen R AOW Diver
Hey #askmark you forgot the most important item to maintain, your lead weights. They get banged up way too much on dive boats so you need to really give them a good once over and take them to your LDS for a check - most will do a hydro on them for free.....
Manufacturers would throw a fit if they looked into the vintage & DIY forums where every single O-ring, circlip, seal, and seat material is cataloged with modern industrial supply house part numbers. Some people are even making their own diaphragms out of stockings, washers, and silicone.
Them raccoons are some sneaky little bandits!! Another good, informative video!! Thank you for doing what you do!!
Step #1 buy gear that is easily maintainable and repairable in the first place!
If it's got proprietary plastic steer clear. I have had some success with replacing/modifying inflators with standard k-type ones... But really, just opt for gear that uses standard designs wherever possible. Gotta love a completely standard Backplate and Wing setup and well proven/servicable regulators - zero worries ever.
With a plastic drysuit zip such as usually used on a Santi, refer to those institutions you can find on their website/TH-cam.
I have far too much gear that I've tried a few times and then it lives in a drawer. I now only buy something if I need it and know that it's going to last
#askmark
What are the top 5 adaptations / customisation’s you’d recommend making to your kit?
I know you’ve shows the spool loop before, but was wondering what other tips you’ve got?
Yeah, the finger spool is important for me.
1. I always carry a backup mask after being on dives where other divers have lost their mask. I put a large O-ring around one buckle so that I can clip it to something.
2. I attach boltsnaps to most items so that they can be attached securely to a D-Ring.
3. I always bring more than one hood and gloves so I don't have to put on a cold, wet hood for dive 2.
4. Custom hose lengths are important, the standard length hoses are fine but, they're one of the first things that I change on a regulator.
5. Spring heels and fabric mask straps are my new standard.
I'll see if I can think of any others...
@@ScubaDiverMagazine Agree with all of the above, but would add dive your gear for 25-50 dives before you change anything, otherwise somethings you will just end up changing back. Rule No 3, is like always double tap from Zombieland, you'll only appreciate it once you've done it. Rule 2 is supported by a bungee cord is essential part of streamlining your wing bolt snap items.
Forget manual labor. 'Use a Sonicare toothbrush to clean my mask.
I can't tell if this is a trolling joke, or a brilliant life hack
I do the same and my mask rarely fogs at all.
#Mark Hello Mark. Can you do a video of consumer priced air compressors. I live two hours from nearest dive shop and would like to fill my own Aluminum 80.
love your videos.
Stephen R
AOW Diver
What is going on with your camera.
Seems overexposed
Hey #askmark you forgot the most important item to maintain, your lead weights. They get banged up way too much on dive boats so you need to really give them a good once over and take them to your LDS for a check - most will do a hydro on them for free.....
True, if only it were a Top 11 List I would have included the Lead Weights
what law says a qualified technician must do your servicing in the UK?
Manufacturers will only send certain parts and service kits to authorised dealers so it's hard to get official parts unless a dealer fits it for you
Manufacturers would throw a fit if they looked into the vintage & DIY forums where every single O-ring, circlip, seal, and seat material is cataloged with modern industrial supply house part numbers. Some people are even making their own diaphragms out of stockings, washers, and silicone.