Cool, I’ve seen people using these and have been curious, seems pretty handy and I’m thinking I’ll give it a try too. I concur that it would have been nice to have photo/video examples of the different options in use to show optimal length etc. But I definitely appreciate the tip!
The APEKS necklace adaptor works perfectly and has the added advantage of being able to lock the regulator in the divers mouth in a rescue situation. Does what it says on the tin.
I used to have a silicone necklace, but I didn't like it. You could pull the regulator from the necklace, which I thought wasn't ideal for a short hose secondary. I also didn't like the surface texture of the silicone. It felt sticky. After two dives I replaced the silicone necklace with the Apeks necklace kit. I also got the ScubaPro reusable zip tie, but couldn't get it to work with my Apeks regulator, so I'm assuming the Apeks necklace kit probably doesn't work on other brands either (except probably Aqualung). The instructions with the kit show two possible ways to create the necklace. The first is the same as Mark shows off, the second is an adjustable necklace option. I went for the latter so I can adjust it to what feels the most comfortable.
Yeah, the only silicone necklace I ever used would float so that ended up in a drawer... There are at least two sizes of mouthpieces out there: 2.86x1.27cm and 3.02x1.59cm which may be why the Apeks didn't fit. Another area where it would be great if the industry could create a universal standard size.
#AskMark why not just use a necklace for your primary? That way, if there is a current or someone kicks it out of your mouth, it will save time having to look to retrieve it because it's on a necklace around your neck. Thanks in advance for your input.
It depends on your donation method. I usually use a primary donate setup where, if another diver is OOA I will give them the 2nd stage out of my mouth. If I put a necklace on that it will make it harder to donate. With a more recreational octo setup you can put a necklace on the primary to hold it in place because you'll donate your octo.
I tried the zip tie method. But as it seems it pulls away the mouthpiece and allow the water to get through. (I tried to tight hard the zip but same thing happen over time). Any recommendation? Is bungee knot better method? Thanks.
Yeah that can happen on some 2nd stage designs. If the mouthpiece pulls off easily then I would use a half hitch knot on each end of the bungee to create an adjustable attachment loop. It's not as secure as using the cable tie but, you're less likely to lose a mouthpiece.
I tried using a octo necklace and it was a darn nuisance. Now I attach my octo to the shoulder of my BCD with a snorkel holder. Cheaper and easier and doesn't get tangled up with anything else.
@user-pu2ex8br7p An octo necklace is designed to release the octo when you pull it. My guess is that the octo was on a flex hose, which is positively buoyant, and it kept pushing the octo up against his throat. If your octo has a rubber hose, the necklace will probably work fine.
For what it's worth, I wear a necklace but have always been concerned that it could get snagged in an overhang environment and it choke me. (especially if there is a strong current.) To alleviate this, I cut the bungee and sewed on each end pice a small bit of velcro. I now stuck each end together to complete the loop which holds it all together. If I am ever in a snag, choking stituation I know that the velcro will release. Like I say, for what's worth...Peter
I have two problems with Velcro. 1. Over time, Velcro weakens, and the necklace may come off when you least expect it, and the regulator isn't going to be where you thought it was. 2. Velcro doesn't come undone easily when you yank on it. You need to pull it apart. So I don't really see how it will be any less of a snag hazard with the Velcro. Any piece of bungee, string, or any hose can become a snag hazard, that's why you keep it trim. Your necklace shouldn't extend so far it can loop beyond your regulator(s) or BCD. And in the unlikely event it would snag, you should be carrying a line cutter so you can cut it away. That's why we use lines to attach bolt snaps to hoses, so we can cut it off if we need to.
Cool, I’ve seen people using these and have been curious, seems pretty handy and I’m thinking I’ll give it a try too. I concur that it would have been nice to have photo/video examples of the different options in use to show optimal length etc. But I definitely appreciate the tip!
The APEKS necklace adaptor works perfectly and has the added advantage of being able to lock the regulator in the divers mouth in a rescue situation. Does what it says on the tin.
Wish there was roll showing length adjustment and showing the stopper knot tying. But I'm definitely going this DIR route.
I used to have a silicone necklace, but I didn't like it. You could pull the regulator from the necklace, which I thought wasn't ideal for a short hose secondary. I also didn't like the surface texture of the silicone. It felt sticky.
After two dives I replaced the silicone necklace with the Apeks necklace kit.
I also got the ScubaPro reusable zip tie, but couldn't get it to work with my Apeks regulator, so I'm assuming the Apeks necklace kit probably doesn't work on other brands either (except probably Aqualung).
The instructions with the kit show two possible ways to create the necklace. The first is the same as Mark shows off, the second is an adjustable necklace option. I went for the latter so I can adjust it to what feels the most comfortable.
Yeah, the only silicone necklace I ever used would float so that ended up in a drawer...
There are at least two sizes of mouthpieces out there: 2.86x1.27cm and 3.02x1.59cm which may be why the Apeks didn't fit. Another area where it would be great if the industry could create a universal standard size.
@@ScubaDiverMagazine The ScubaPro reusable zip and the silicone necklace now live in my SADK. Maybe someone else can benefit from them.
#AskMark why not just use a necklace for your primary? That way, if there is a current or someone kicks it out of your mouth, it will save time having to look to retrieve it because it's on a necklace around your neck.
Thanks in advance for your input.
It depends on your donation method. I usually use a primary donate setup where, if another diver is OOA I will give them the 2nd stage out of my mouth. If I put a necklace on that it will make it harder to donate.
With a more recreational octo setup you can put a necklace on the primary to hold it in place because you'll donate your octo.
I tried the zip tie method. But as it seems it pulls away the mouthpiece and allow the water to get through. (I tried to tight hard the zip but same thing happen over time). Any recommendation? Is bungee knot better method? Thanks.
Yeah that can happen on some 2nd stage designs. If the mouthpiece pulls off easily then I would use a half hitch knot on each end of the bungee to create an adjustable attachment loop. It's not as secure as using the cable tie but, you're less likely to lose a mouthpiece.
@@ScubaDiverMagazine Thank you, brother. I will surely try that.
Nice fourth elements vest, new product?
I tried using a octo necklace and it was a darn nuisance. Now I attach my octo to the shoulder of my BCD with a snorkel holder. Cheaper and easier and doesn't get tangled up with anything else.
@user-pu2ex8br7p An octo necklace is designed to release the octo when you pull it. My guess is that the octo was on a flex hose, which is positively buoyant, and it kept pushing the octo up against his throat. If your octo has a rubber hose, the necklace will probably work fine.
For what it's worth, I wear a necklace but have always been concerned that it could get snagged in an overhang environment and it choke me. (especially if there is a strong current.)
To alleviate this, I cut the bungee and sewed on each end pice a small bit of velcro. I now stuck each end together to complete the loop which holds it all together. If I am ever in a snag, choking stituation I know that the velcro will release. Like I say, for what's worth...Peter
I have two problems with Velcro.
1. Over time, Velcro weakens, and the necklace may come off when you least expect it, and the regulator isn't going to be where you thought it was.
2. Velcro doesn't come undone easily when you yank on it. You need to pull it apart. So I don't really see how it will be any less of a snag hazard with the Velcro.
Any piece of bungee, string, or any hose can become a snag hazard, that's why you keep it trim. Your necklace shouldn't extend so far it can loop beyond your regulator(s) or BCD. And in the unlikely event it would snag, you should be carrying a line cutter so you can cut it away. That's why we use lines to attach bolt snaps to hoses, so we can cut it off if we need to.
👍
Dive. Rite makes a very good necklace
I like the S-Tek adjustable Bungee Necklace, not that expensive, ~12€.