The Fundamentals of AK Side Mount
The underwater world beckons, a realm of silent beauty and hidden wonders. For divers seeking to explore the hidden depths and push the boundaries of underwater exploration, the AK side mount diving configuration has become an increasingly popular choice. Offering unparalleled versatility and efficiency, AK side mount allows divers to access tight spaces, manage gas more effectively, and streamline their profile for a more enjoyable experience. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of AK side mount systems, exploring the different types available and providing the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
What is AK Side Mount? Simply put, AK side mount involves mounting your cylinders on either side of your body, rather than on your back. This configuration allows for increased flexibility, improved buoyancy control, and a streamlined profile, making it ideal for a range of diving environments, from open water to challenging cave systems. This approach is often preferred for its superior gas management capabilities and the ability to navigate restrictive passages.
The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed understanding of the various AK side mount system types, so that you can grasp the fundamentals and choose a system that matches your diving needs.
AK side mount systems offer divers a versatile approach to underwater exploration, and understanding the different types available is crucial for choosing the right setup.
Before diving into the specifics of AK side mount types, it’s important to understand the fundamental principles and advantages of this configuration.
The history of side mount diving can be traced back to cave exploration and rescue diving. Early pioneers recognized the benefits of a configuration that offered greater maneuverability in confined spaces. The original side mount configurations evolved from necessity, and over time, they have been refined and adapted for diverse diving environments. This evolution highlights the adaptability and continuing relevance of side mount techniques.
A typical AK side mount system comprises several key components working in harmony:
Cylinders: These are the tanks that hold your breathing gas (usually air, nitrox, or trimix). The choice of cylinder material (steel or aluminum) and size will depend on the diving environment, planned bottom time, and individual gas consumption.
Harness: This is the system that secures the cylinders to your body. Harnesses are available in various designs, each providing different features and levels of adjustability.
Regulators and Manifolds: These components regulate the flow of gas from the cylinders to your second stages, ensuring a consistent and breathable supply.
Buoyancy Compensator (BCD): This device provides buoyancy control, allowing you to maintain neutral buoyancy and adjust your position in the water.
Weighting System: This system ensures you are properly weighted for your chosen environment and provides a means to fine-tune your buoyancy.
Compared to traditional back mount diving, AK side mount boasts several notable advantages:
Streamlining: The positioning of cylinders allows for a lower-profile configuration.
Redundancy: Having two independent cylinders and regulators offers a significantly increased margin of safety. In the event of a regulator failure, a diver can easily switch to the other tank.
Gas Management: Side mount allows you to carefully manage your gas supply and switch between cylinders, optimizing your dive profile and extending bottom time.
Access to Confined Spaces: The ability to remove a cylinder and feed it to a teammate or place the cylinder in a tight spot, or to make passages easier to traverse.
Comfort: Side mount can distribute the weight of the cylinders more evenly across the body, reducing strain on the back, leading to a more comfortable experience.
Major Categories of AK Side Mount Systems
Now, let’s delve into the primary categories of AK side mount systems available today:
Classic Style
These systems often represent the more traditional approach to AK side mount. They typically consist of a harness, a BCD, and a weighting system. They are often known for their simplicity and streamlined profile.
These systems often utilize a bungee cord system to secure the cylinders close to the body, minimizing drag. Many use a basic webbing harness with adjustable straps to customize the fit. The BCD is usually a wing style, providing excellent buoyancy control.
Key Features and Characteristics
These systems tend to focus on simplicity and functionality. They often feature minimal hardware and a focus on streamlining. They are designed to provide essential functionality without unnecessary complexity. Adjustability is often present to provide tailored fit for the diver’s body.
Pros:
Simplicity: The reduced number of components can make the system easier to understand and maintain.
Streamlining: The design often prioritizes a sleek profile, minimizing drag and improving hydrodynamics.
Lightweight: The minimal hardware can result in a lighter setup, which can be advantageous during travel or when deploying in challenging environments.
Cost-effective: Often, these systems are offered at a lower price point compared to more integrated systems.
Cons:
Potential for Slippage: Without a properly designed and fitted harness, the cylinders might shift or slip, impacting the diver’s balance and streamlining.
Limited Features: Some systems may lack certain features, such as integrated weight pockets or additional attachment points.
Less Adjustability: Depending on the model, adjustability might be more limited compared to the more feature-rich hybrid or integrated systems.
Target Diver:
This type of system often appeals to experienced divers, particularly those involved in cave diving, who value simplicity and a minimalist approach. It can also be suitable for open water divers seeking a streamlined and versatile setup.
Hybrid Configurations
These systems often represent a middle ground, incorporating elements of both traditional AK side mount and back mount BCD designs. They typically integrate features such as adjustable harnesses, integrated weight pockets, and more sophisticated BCD designs.
Key Features and Characteristics:
These systems offer enhanced adjustability and integrated features. They often come with more attachment points, which give greater ability for customization and the addition of accessories. The BCD designs can vary, but they often offer greater lift capacity and buoyancy control.
Pros:
More Integration: Hybrid configurations often integrate weight pockets, attachment points, and other features, simplifying setup and improving convenience.
Increased Adjustability: These systems frequently allow for a greater degree of customization, enabling divers to fine-tune the fit and performance.
Enhanced Buoyancy Control: The BCD designs usually offer improved buoyancy and trim control, contributing to a better diving experience.
Versatility: The integrated features and adjustable components allow for a wider range of diving environments and types.
Cons:
Increased Complexity: The increased number of components and adjustability options can add complexity to the setup process.
Potential for Bulk: The integrated features may increase the overall bulk of the system, which could become an issue in certain situations.
Higher Cost: Hybrid systems are typically more expensive than the basic traditional designs.
Target Diver:
Hybrid configurations appeal to a wider range of divers, including recreational divers, technical divers, and those seeking a versatile and adjustable system. They are often ideal for divers who want a combination of streamlined performance and added convenience.
Backplate and Wing Systems for AK Side Mount
Some divers prefer to adapt their backplate and wing systems for AK side mount diving. This approach leverages the modularity of backplate and wing systems, offering excellent buoyancy control and a familiar setup for divers already accustomed to this configuration.
Key Features and Characteristics:
The key feature is a familiar backplate and wing setup is utilized. Often these systems come with additional harness options, and cylinder attachment systems for side mount configurations. The BCD features a wing design offering lift and buoyancy.
Pros:
Familiarity: These systems provide a familiar interface and setup for divers who are accustomed to backplate and wing configurations.
Excellent Buoyancy Control: Backplate and wing systems are known for their exceptional buoyancy control and stability.
Modularity: The modular design allows divers to customize the system to their specific needs and preferences.
Cons:
Potential for Bulk: Depending on the wing size and backplate material, the system may be bulkier than dedicated AK side mount configurations.
Harness Adjustability: Achieving the optimal trim can sometimes be challenging with a backplate and wing system.
Added Weight: The robust components of these systems can result in a higher weight.
Target Diver:
This approach appeals to divers who are already familiar with backplate and wing systems and want to transition to AK side mount. It is also suitable for divers who need exceptional buoyancy control or require a modular system for their diving needs.
Components: A Closer Look and Their Variations
Understanding the specific components and their variations is essential for making informed decisions about your AK side mount setup.
Harness Systems
The harness is the foundation of your AK side mount system.
Different Harness Designs: Harness designs vary significantly. Some utilize basic webbing with adjustable straps, offering simplicity and adjustability. Other harness systems may incorporate bungee cords and offer more complex adjustment mechanisms for a better fit.
Material Considerations: The material of the harness influences its durability, comfort, and weight. Webbing is durable and cost-effective, while more advanced materials may offer greater strength or comfort.
Buoyancy Compensators (BCDs)
The BCD provides the buoyancy control necessary to maintain neutral buoyancy and control your position in the water.
Wing Design: Wings come in various designs, including donut, horseshoe, and modified styles. The donut wing provides excellent trim and stability.
Volume and Lift Considerations: The wing’s lift capacity should be appropriate for your diving needs. Over-lift can be a safety hazard, while insufficient lift will make it difficult to manage buoyancy.
Material Considerations: BCDs are typically constructed from durable materials like Cordura, chosen for their resistance to abrasion and the environment.
Regulators and Manifolds
The regulators and manifolds control the flow of gas from your cylinders.
Regulator Configuration: Regulators are critical for safe and efficient breathing. Regulators are generally set up to have one primary regulator connected to each tank.
Hose Routing Considerations: Proper hose routing is essential for streamlining.
Cylinder Options
The cylinders hold the breathing gas that sustains your dive.
Cylinder Types: Cylinders are commonly made from steel or aluminum. Steel cylinders are heavier but offer greater buoyancy, while aluminum cylinders are lighter and more buoyant.
Size Considerations: Cylinder size should be based on the diver’s gas consumption and dive duration.
Valve Types: Consider the type of valve, whether it is DIN or yoke.
Choosing the Right AK Side Mount System: The Decision Process
Selecting the right AK side mount system is a crucial step in building your ideal diving setup.
Diving environment: Consider where you will dive. Cave diving requires a streamlined, minimalist setup, while recreational diving may benefit from a more feature-rich configuration.
Experience level: Experienced divers may prefer the simplicity and customization of traditional systems.
Budget: AK side mount systems range widely in price.
Personal preferences: Consider your comfort.
Importance of professional training and guidance. Professional training is essential for learning safe and effective AK side mount diving techniques.
Recommendations for beginners. Start with a reputable training course and get fitted properly by an experienced instructor.
Maintenance: Preserving Your Investment
Proper maintenance is critical for ensuring the longevity and safety of your AK side mount system.
Regular inspection of equipment. Perform a visual inspection of your equipment.
Cleaning and storage of equipment. Rinse your equipment thoroughly with fresh water after each dive. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Importance of professional servicing. Regular service from a qualified technician is essential for the safety and reliability of your regulators and other equipment.
Conclusion: Embracing the Freedom of Exploration
AK side mount diving is a versatile, rewarding approach to underwater exploration. By understanding the different AK side mount types, you can choose the system that best suits your diving needs, budget, and preferences. Remember that proper training and continuous practice are essential for safely and effectively employing an AK side mount system.
The journey to deeper waters awaits, and with the right AK side mount setup, you’ll be well-equipped to embrace the freedom of exploration and uncover the wonders of the underwater world.
