After my demo of the JJ CCR last month, it became apparent that the JJ CCR was a lot more comfortable for me to dive especially since, I did not need a weight belt due to the steel back plates. In discussing this issue with Becky Schott, she suggested that I come out and demo the Megaladon again using a unit that is set up the same way that she dives it. During my prior Meg demo I used a unit that was set up for travel that required a heavy weight belt that put too much pressure on my back. I took Becky up on her offer and tried the Meg again. This time I had such a different experience! While I did have some minimal weight added to the harness, it was not sitting on sitting on my lower back, making for a much more comfortable dive. In addition, Becky had her lungs stitched so that they were not as prevalent in front of you, allowing for more maneuverability and field of vision.
I dive a Bare crushed neoprene drysuit and it tends to be a little buoyant and I did have a little trouble getting underwater and I am gracious to Becky for hanging in there until I was able to tackle it. Once I was down to about 20', I felt great and did notice the difference between the JJ CCR and Meg in terms of breathing. I have learned that front lungs have a little better delivery of air and I definitely noticed it. This was my 3rd time on a rebreather, I am starting to feel more confident although, I have so much to learn through a course. Today, the Meg was just as comfortable as the JJ CCR which makes it harder to make a decision on which unit is best for me. I do realize that whichever unit I decide upon, I will be spending lots of time during the course getting it set up just right for me.
I saw some friends that were diving the Revo here at Dutch Springs yesterday. I would still like to demo a Revo too at some point. Seems like no matter whom I speak to about different rebreathers, they all say its is a personal preference in terms of which unit you purchase.
Thanks Becky for a great demo experience and for taking such a nice picture of me on the Meg, I even look like I know what I was doing!!
