Sidemount disadvantages
Sidemount isn’t a perfect configuration — like anything in scuba diving, it also has disadvantages. The question we should ask ourselves is whether the advantages are big enough to justify the tradeoff for the type of diving we do.
In general#
There are a few clear disadvantages of sidemount compared to any classic configuration:
- Gear-up speed: in the beginning, it’s possible that the other divers on the boat will have to wait for you. Nothing that practice won’t fix (I’m usually among the first ones ready).
- More difficult water entry in some situations: especially for shore entries in waves or surge.
- Cost: switching to sidemount implies some costs — both for equipment and for courses.
Sidemount vs. Backmount (single cylinder)#
| Aspect | Sidemount | Backmount (1 cylinder) |
|---|---|---|
| Handling on land or boat | More difficult, especially on small boats / RHIBs | Easy, suitable for difficult entry conditions and negative entries |
| Availability of rental equipment | Very low — few dive centers have SM wings or regulators for rent | High — any dive center can rent classic backmount equipment |
| Availability of rental cylinders | Medium — there are areas of the world that use only short steel cylinders that aren’t ideal for SM | High — any dive center can rent classic cylinders |
Sidemount vs. Backmount (double cylinders)#
| Aspect | Sidemount | Backmount (doubles) |
|---|---|---|
| Using the full amount of gas in case of a regulator failure | Possible but difficult, requires switching the regulator from one cylinder to the other | Easy by closing the cylinder with the failed regulator while keeping the isolator valve open |
| Entry into the water in difficult conditions with 3+ cylinders | Somewhat more difficult | Somewhat easier due to the cylinders being positioned on the back |
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