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Deep Sea Supply LP Hose Release & Cam Strap Tension Pads
Sometimes it is the smallest pieces of gear that make diving so much easier and enjoyable. Take the LP Hose Release and Cam Strap Tension Pads from Deep Sea Supply. What diver has never had a problem with getting the quick-connect hose fitting on and off easily from your BC inflator? Or how about tightening the tank strap? Or worse, the tank strap loosens and the tank slips down or even out. It is amazing, but these two small devices, costing just a few dollars, can so easily solves these problems.
Deep Sea Supply is famous for their world-class back-plate “wing” style BCs (popular with technical divers but gaining an ever increasing following from sport divers). But as serious divers, the Deep Sea Supply designers also take it upon themselves to spot problems in any dive gear situation, come up with solutions, and build an item to correct the problem—even if it only means a few dollars profit. Such is the philosophy on these little black pieces.
The LP Hose Release simply fits firmly over the moving portion of the quick-connect of the inflator hose. It has a raised lip on the outside to give divers the extra grip needed to move the ring up and down to connect and disconnect—even with gloved hands (very important to cold water divers!). While the ability to easily put on and off an inflator hose is primarily a convenience issue, it can also be a safety concern. In the unlikely event of a run-away inflator (where a BC inflator sticks open, filling the BC in an uncontrollable fashion), the diver’s only recourse may be to disconnect the inflator hose. This must be done quickly and this small device makes that possible.
Of equal possible danger is the potential for a tank to slip out of its strap while on your back. To be effective, tank straps must be more or less rigid. If they give too much, are too elastic, they will loosen and the tank will slip. Too rigid and you’ll never get it tight enough—which is often the case. Also, tanks can actually shrink during a dive! As the metal cools it contracts and as air is used, the tank also shrinks. It is not much but it might be just enough to let that tank slip loose.
What is needed are two firm compression points to grip and compensate for possible strap loosening. The Cam Strap Tension Pads are sold in pairs so as to provide two points where the strap can apply the most effective gripping pressure—sort of like when you grip a drinking glass —most of the pressure is applied with your finger(s) and your thumb. The Cam Strap Tension Pads provide these pressure/compression points. Added benefits include a strap buckle closure that is much easier, and the strap buckle is much less likely to break.
For more information on these two small but innovative products, as well as Deep Sea Supply’s line of back plate BCs, visit www.deepseasupply.com online or call 626-799-5078.
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Return to Cover Page/Contents for September 2005 issue