Sidemount harness setup and review - Nex Underwater Products VS Razor

I finally retired my Razor 🎉 Check out how I have my Nex sidemount harness setup and what I love about it.
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0:00 Intro
0:40 Expeditions
1:20 Razor vs Nex Underwater Products
2:05 Webbing
3:36 Hardware
4:08 Bladders
4:44 Y vs H configuration
6:06 Fixed vs sliding D-rings
6:50 Redundant bladders
7:41 My Nex sidemount harness setup
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[@AzulUnlimited]

What do you guys think about the harness?? 🌊Join the community: www.patreon.com/azulunlimited 🤿 Dive with me: azulunlimited.com/upcoming-diving-expeditions/

[@timgosling6189]

It looks easy to use, tough and configurable; good piece of kit! Diving this weekend 3 of us were comparing gear and apart from all being XDeep Stealth Techs with the wing inflator on the left everything else was different between them. But it all worked. If you've discussed it, weighed up the pros and cons, I say do what works for you. And I know what you mean about the webbing. My favorite was trying to make the cam bands from my steels half an inch bigger to fit a dive shop's aluminums; they just loved kidding me they'd changed and then slipping back unnoticed to exactly where they'd started. Stay safe Sarah.

[@troop1026]

That is a great harness. Very versatile. NEX is a very quality company.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Totally! I've had that issue too 😆@@timgosling6189

[@AzulUnlimited]

I love it :)@@troop1026

[@Mrveescuba]

cant wait to try mine as well ..i have the small bladder and easily i can put it all together to a backpack..

[@oggcave]

I was looking forward to seeing more about the Nex system so thank you Sarah! I love your videos. Interesting to see your SM setup. I switched those regular chest D-rings with quick-connect split D-rings from Sump UK which I found very nice. His SM harness is also very similar to this one.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Yay! Thank you!

[@Teampegleg]

Softer webbing is a double edge sword. My XDeep was assembled by CA, and they used different webbing for each component. The softer webbing that they used for the chest just doesn't stay in place for the smooth D-rings. So the upper D-rings, that I attach my stages to, I have paint marks and after each dive I have to adjust them back up in place. When I have to replace it, I am going to go there and provide some teethed D-rings and be there while it is being built, but those have the same problem as harder webbing where they are difficult to adjust. So IMO either way first setup should be annoying, but after that I don't want it to move. In fact I would rather have multiple rigs than have to adjust things.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Great point. I haven’t had an issue with things moving around on my harness, so I’ll keep that in mind

[@jaketschida7016]

Thank you for the added information on your likes and dislikes with what you have used on the side mount. You can read as much as you want, but I feel it is better to actually try them on for comfort and ask divers who have used them. I've always been curious and thought about trying out a side mount system.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Glad it was helpful! If you have the opportunity, try on a sidemount system from your local dive shop.

[@user-yn9jw5th2d]

this harness is very similar to what sump uk does. I had one last month. Personally I like the sump uk one for the metal part are a little more improved. The harness is called the sump uk total sidemount system.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Nex works in partnership with them. To each their own😁

[@davidb5195]

I like the weight plates

[@AzulUnlimited]

They are super convenient!

[@MrGlenndini]

Interesting to see your new harness setup Sarah. Where do you keep cutting devices, backup lights etc. on the harness? I just recently replaced sliding D rings with 2 x fixed on my Xdeep because they slid too easily out of trim with the weight of full tanks. It's a never ending game of trial and error.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Absolutely. All of my extra gear is stored in the butt pouch or my drysuit pockets. I haven’t set it up for a primary light yet but I’ll show how I do that when I share my cave diving videos in a few weeks

[@TEKDIVES]

I am about to start divng in the Razor 4.0. I currently dive both the XDeep Tec and the XDeep Rec. I am a cave diver and also a tech diver. That being said... From what I see in your new set up, it seems "busy". It seems like there are a lot of plate holders instead of ways for the weights to be intergrated into the harness. There are pros and cons to this- the plate holders are easier if you traveling and can just put weights on and off and not have to rip your wing apart to get at the plates but on the other hand, that's a lot of places that just have bungees that can fail or snag on something. It seems fine in open water but not sure I'd want to take that into a cave. What matters most if if you feel competent in it and safe. If you like it and it works for you and is safe, that's all that matters! Not what I think! :)

[@AzulUnlimited]

Totally understand that. I’m definitely more of an open water, recreational diver. That being said, I’m doing a cave refresher in couple of weeks so I’ll adjust my harness however my instructor suggests🙃

[@bagleyrussell9422]

Thank for sharing. I liked your Nex weight plates, but could not find them online. Could you provide a link?

[@AzulUnlimited]

They're still getting little things like that online so the best way to grab that gear is to send them an email at [e-mail] Tell them I say hi!

[@butimo]

Hi Sarah, Thank you for your review. However, I need to step in briefly for Razor. You are comparing a very old Razor with a well-worn harness. Today's Razor models have some advantages, including a softer material and improved stiffness. The D-rings, for instance, stay securely in place and don't wiggle away. Moreover, when the harness is wet, adjustments are similar to other systems. And the weight system distribution with weight pockets on the inside of the (newer) bladder is nearby unbeatable. Sliding D-rings can be effectively used with steel tanks, and there is a wide variety of options that work exceptionally well with the Razor harness. It's worth giving them a try. The same applies to the mouthpiece. There is one from Aqualung that may feel slightly too thick, but once it's in place, you'll struggle to remove it again ;-) If you're uncertain about the condition of the backup bladder, why not give it a try from time to time? I can't speak for the Nex system because I'm not familiar with it, but since Razor and Xdeep are by far the most widely used systems globally, they shouldn't be as bad as they seem to be in your experience. So be a bit more fair to the Razor ;-)

[@AzulUnlimited]

It’s all personal preference. I’m just sharing my experience with the equipment. All of the brands have their pros and cons. Razor is a solid brand. I said that I liked it, I just don’t love it😉

[@butimo]

@@AzulUnlimited I didn't want to offend you. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just wanted to point out that for many of the points you mentioned that you don't like about the Razor, there are simple and straightforward solutions, and over time, Razor has been improved.

[@AzulUnlimited]

no offense taken :) The improvements are great. Thank you for pointing them out.@@butimo

[@TEKDIVES]

@butimo- what is the Aqualung mouthpeice you are refering to? Thanks!

[@josephdracula7487]

👍

[@sergiocastellano6431]

i love the weightsystem from the razor, you are so free in adjustments with the weightpockets on the inside of the bladder. This is a big reason for me using the razor. Are you not missing that on the Nex system? Im agree with you that there are some easier systems to dive with, and i wouldn't recommend it to new certified sidemount divers, as you also said. There are of course some more user friendly systems like xDeep for example.

[@AzulUnlimited]

I had the old Razor system without all the weight options in the wing. I believe Razor is the only system with that setup and yes, I totally see the benefit of it, but I am still happy to move on from Razor.

[@sergiocastellano6431]

oh alright, i didn't noticed that you have the old system🤣. im happy for you that you found your harness now🤩wish you a great time and good dives. @@AzulUnlimited

[@tanmaydeshpande7528]

Hi, did you ever dive along amidst the kelp forest until today? If yes how was the experience?

[@AzulUnlimited]

Yes I dive in kelp all the time. It’s a wonderful experience and everyone should do it, if they have the opportunity!

[@gbsailing9436]

Interesting video again this week Sarah. What's with all the red elastic cord tying up all the webbing and weights I see there? Are the red elastic cords actually touching the weights? I ask because I'd be concerned that the weight edges 'wear' on the cords and require constant vigilance so stop weights from accidentally 'freeing' themselves from your rig at the most inopportune times when diving. I'd like more info on how the weight 'plates' secure the weights with respect to the cords. I couldn't really tell from the video. Your lighting was fine by the way that wasn't the issue. After all my years diving I'm still not sold on the benefits of side mount set ups. Perhaps you could do a video solely explaining the pros and cons of it compared with say single or double tanks using bands on a tank plate or normal BCD? See you next week. Cronulla, Sydney. Out!

[@AzulUnlimited]

The bungees wrap around and hold the weight on the harness. It's very secure and works just like other weight plates I have used in the past. I recommend not leaving the weights on the harness in storage so as to not stretch or wear out the bungees during storage time, but otherwise, no issues with dropping weight while diving. I have a video about sidemount benefits: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZnRZXZjatqEhposi=FDibRLyUW_hWpQ_A Maybe that helps?

[@gbsailing9436]

Ok Great I'll have a look at that thanks. I guess my main issue with side mount is the need for all the extra gear and how is slows divers down through the water. Seems an overly complicated business with the weight system - and a lot of work after each dive. I still prefer a weight belt over integrated systems as you just can not take your BCD off underwater if the weights are integrated, because your body floats upwards. being separated in the middle of a dive from you air source is not a good thing. If you're penetrating a wreck and get hooked up or trying to pop though a hole and wish to remove your gear to do that, you can't. Not that I advocate doing those sort of practices. but there are other reasons you may wish to remove your gear underwater and it can be difficult if you have to hang onto the stuff while sorting out a problem, having weights on your body fixes that problem. I'll watch your video with interest. Perhaps I'm just not into that style of diving. I'll take my hat off to those who are, however! LOL. ​@@AzulUnlimited

[@AzulUnlimited]

They're all tools to do different types of things underwater, so I totally understand your hesitation. Sidemount has been a wonderful tool for me in many ways, but sometimes it's not the best tool for the situation (I just always use sidemount because it's the tool that I own 🤣)@@gbsailing9436

[@gbsailing9436]

OK Yep I get that. It's great that that works for you. I've realised that our shorelines here in Australia in most places are much more dynamic meaning that you can't have heaps of gear on the waters edge while you are attaching it all together to yourself - everything would get smashed. When you get over here I'll take you on some wonderful dives, and prove my point 🤣🤣🤣. @@AzulUnlimited

[@Yggdrasil42]

@@gbsailing9436In my experience sidemount gear is more streamlined than backmount, since tanks are tucked under the armpits and sidemount divers are taught to take care to not have anything stick out or dangle (because of the tech/cave origins). That means streamline is surprisingly good. But it's definitely extra work on the surface. If you're happy with a single tank than backmount is definitely the way. But when more tanks come into play you'll have to choose between a backmounted twinset or sidemount and both have their pros and cons. It can even depend on the dive, like the entry into the water you mentioned, the amount of tanks needed, the availability of tank types (for example twinsets require left and right handed valves plus a manifold, which aren't for rent everywhere, while sidemount can deal with standard valves if needed) Many technical divers will eventually learn both techniques and own both style harnesses. I personally only dive sidemount. After a spinal injury having a tank on my back was painful and sidemount was a workaround. Now my spine is healed but I've just grown to love the streamline and the ease of getting a perfect trim so I've kept diving sidemount. More recently I've gone into cave diving with up to 4 tanks plus scooters. Yes, that's a ton of gear to carry to the water but once you're in you barely feel it. In the Mexican caves some passages are only passable in sidemount due to the tightness so I was happy that I already had that skillset. Enjoy your diving and once your dives become more demanding ask around for advice on which configuration is right for you.

[@TheRedbaron11]

What is the feasibility of having sidemount as the default set up for scuba diving? like even for shallow open water dives or going with a monkey (?) setup if only one cylinder is available for some reason? I understand it is good for people with back problems but i am asking as a general question. Thanks

[@Teampegleg]

You can do it, but the instructor has to be able to spot and adjust the setup for the student as new OWD don't know what they don't know. And most OW SM instructors don't have a clue what they are doing, so IMO it would be a disaster. Also SM is a pain in the rear on boats, so really should be reserved for exceptions rather than being the rule.

[@sergiocastellano6431]

There are a lot of benefits diving sidemount. First of all, the redundancy, so doesn't matter what kind of diving you are practicing, if you have a problem, you will always have a second independent system to save your life or the life of a buddy. Espscially as an instructor, when we are everyday in the water with different people, you could save yourself in a worse case situation, or if you have to safe somebody, in case of a air problem, you will have much more air and a longhose, to keep the situation even safer in a worse case scenario. And apart of all the safety reasons, its just an amazing feeling and so lovely to dive in sidemount. If you never tried, i highly recommand you to become a sidemount diver.

[@TheRedbaron11]

@@sergiocastellano6431 thank you for the information. I am definitely going to try sidemount at some point.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hi there! This is a great little discussion. The Sidemount and Open Water Course can be taught concurrently, but in my opinion, I don't think it's a great idea unless the diver really needs sidemount for accessibility. I think divers are better supported by separating the two, getting the diver familiar with back mount configuration/skills since just about all their buddies will have that equipment. Once they are comfortable with back mount, get them into sidemount. As for boat diving, using single tank sidemount is more manageable on a boat, but then you lose the benefits of redundancy. Teampegleg is right, sometimes sidemount is not the right tool for the job (like when shore diving with waves) so it's about being mindful of the conditions before you decide what gear to take.

[@doyleyee1992]

Isn’t this a yuhsin system?

[@AzulUnlimited]

Nex and Yuhsin partner on design work 👌

[@willsmooth45]

YOU MADE IT TO DIVE TALK!