Sidemount HARNESS setup! Get your gear fitting right 😎

Need a little help? Sidemount harness set up can be a headache, but hang out with Sarah and we'll get you sorted.
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We're big sidemount guys so we want to make sure that you are set up right. Let us know if you have more questions about sidemount harness set up and we'll help you out! More sidemount videos are coming up so don't forget to subscribe!
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[@AzulUnlimited]

Questions about setup? Tell us here! Support the plastic free message and get yourself a piece from our Plastic Planet line: azul-unlimited.teemill.com/

[@roneyyoneda556]

CAN YOU DO A VIDEO OF XDEEP CLASSIC ? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@NitrosHELI]

What the clear house on the right shoulder? @AzulUnlimited

[@SRiley-cr6td]

Hi, I'm a sidemount instructor as well and I just wanted to say I think you did a great job with this video. Thanks!

[@AzulUnlimited]

I appreciate that! Thanks for your comment and feel free to add any tips or suggestions!

[@aliasincognito0]

Great video! Here are some some modifications I made to my Razor: (1) Two loops versus continuous bungees as a method to secure cylinders, (2) Seperated the spine and crotch strap into two pieces, (3) Bungees versus bolt snap to secure LP inflator, (4) "Tie" hardware versus bolt snap to secure belly bungee, (5) Added quick release buckle on shoulder for easy don and doffing, (6) Sliding versus two fixed d-rings, (7) Replaced dump valve knob with some foam so that it floats.

[@AzulUnlimited]

I've been wanting to separate the spine and crotch strap. Just haven't gotten to it yet. Great suggestions!

[@sayhigh]

Thanks for sharing. Looking forward for more sidemount videos 🤙

[@AzulUnlimited]

More to come!

[@jesschan2187]

Very interesting and informative information. Thank you.👍😊

[@AzulUnlimited]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hcklo2982]

Amazing video guys!!!!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it 🤩

[@yogawithsarahmiller632]

Wish I had these tips when I started diving sidemount!

[@AzulUnlimited]

It's all about sharing knowledge!

[@thomastse6228]

Sarah, very thorough ... Thanks

[@AzulUnlimited]

You are very welcome. Happy sidemounting!

[@divinglamar1334]

Great Video, yesterday i get my Razor System. Thanks a lot!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Ooooo congrats! Be patient, I’m sure you’ll love it🤙

[@topcat2935]

If anyone is looking for more comfort than a bare harness and wing, check out the Dive Rite Transpac XT. I dive the Transpac and Voyager wing on recreational dives. It fits me well. Thanks to Sarah and Azul Unlimited for a great video!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thank you so much. Always love to hear other peoples' experience and recommendations.

[@martinnuneztrujillo2989]

Amazing explanation, straight forward and engaging.... The buttflap part made me throw a good laugh, thanx !

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hahaha happy to spread the joy🙏

[@timgosling6189]

Here in UK the favourite harness choices seem to be XDeep and Apeks, both of which have separate crotch and centre pieces so you can adjust independently, and similarly separate shoulder and waist straps. I do like the big D-rings and boltsnaps, but then pretty much all UK diving is cold and restricted vis. Dry gloves are much better for dexterity than neoprene ones though. Good explanation and fun to watch. Thank you!

[@AzulUnlimited]

I think, because Razor was created in Mexico, after years of cave exploration, has gain more popularity there. I been using the 3 of them ( Apes, Deep and Razor now) and maybe because my body size, warm water dives and TecDives with no more than 4 tanks, the Razor is the best one that fits my needs, but the 3 of them are incredible equipment!

[@timgosling6189]

@@AzulUnlimited It may give you a laugh, this is the sort of thing we get up to locally in UK kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGPSfoxse8-JeZo. I took up twinset diving a couple of years ago and now I fancy giving sidemount a try too. There hasn't been too much diving this year for obvious reasons, and what there has been has been our local quarry, but I'm passing the time doing research for when things improve, and your video was very useful.

[@nemmessis2405]

A good tip for storing the lead on the Siedmount is to build a Fast Mag Pouch into the belt. this allows you to easily slide weight into the mag holder

[@AzulUnlimited]

I talk about the best solution I've found on my sidemount weight system video. Game changer!

[@flanikent]

we have these wonderful oversized clips for our dry gloves

[@AzulUnlimited]

Yeah they are a must for dry or thick gloves!

[@jaume1978]

We are not picky 🤣 I own a xdeep stealth 2.0 Tec, and I love it, but configuring it correctly really is a pain in the ass, just admiring in this video the simplicity of your razor.

[@jaume1978]

I'll have to come to Komodo for a sidemount harness adjustment class, and however I'll be there why not to enjoy a few funny diving there 🤣 I'm really hating quarantine 😓

[@AzulUnlimited]

Not picky at all 😉🤣 That's a great harness. can't go wrong :)

[@AzulUnlimited]

oh man, we feel you! Quarantine has been rough. Hopefully we'll all get back to our diving ways soon! We would love to have you visit. Email us anytime :) [e-mail]

[@andysPARK]

Thanks

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thanks for watching my videos! 🙏🙏

[@renzocarreira]

Great video. The only thing that I disagreed was with the waist belt position. Steve Martin recommends it to always be on hips position and not waist position (as on a backplate setup) regardless of your own height.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hi there. I tried both positions with several harness and also back mount twins, and is true that I found more confortable the belt on the hips with backplate, but for sidemount the tanks fit better and I get a better trim with them under the hips! But of course every person need some adjustment, I think is smart to try and play with both positions for a few dives and see how you feel. Thanks for your comment!

[@AdventureTravelandScuba]

Great video nicely put together but I'll stick to my Xdeep stealth 2.0😉 nothing beats that systwm and for most part weight integration

[@AzulUnlimited]

Great choice! xdeep is an excellent brand. big fan :)

[@joshuaunderwood1873]

Agreed. Can’t beat xDeep

[@addohm]

Pubic bone, haha. Great video!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thank you!

[@chloeafp]

Hi Sarah, thank you for this great video! Do you have any advice for lower back pain situation? I try to adjust my sidemount harness considering that I am 165cm, fairly short torso, but also that I struggle with lower back pain very easily. I can’t put any weight on my lower back for instance. I have the Hollis katana 2 so that very quick to adjust. I’d be grateful for any advice 🙏🏻

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thanks for the question! I have found with my own back pain I used to have years ago that it was linked to a weak core. Once I started working out my abs and also incorporating yoga/other strength and flexibility work into my life, it went away. Aside from that, if this is a chronic pain, I would actually say that maybe sidemount isn't a great choice for you just because the body position requires us to work those low back muscles in order to maintain that perfect horizontal trim. There is a little more wiggle room and forgiveness with single tank backmount. I hope that is helpful!

[@montypythonish]

Thanks for yet another helpful educational vid. I love the way you inform without pressure. I find it really helpful and interesting to see how people set up their kit and hear the reasons why without being told 'you have to do things a this way'. I've been twinset diving, in a drysuit, in the UK for nearly 20 years. I normally dive 2 x 12l @ 21% and a 7l sling @ 50% and am thinking of changing to sidemount. Could you see any issues with side mounting three cylinders? Thanks, Dave.

[@AzulUnlimited]

You can totally do 3 cylinders, no problem. The issue will be staging them so you want to think about the type of dive sites you'll be diving. If it's easy to get them to the water and then put them on, perfect. If you have a difficult or long walk a an entry, I would stick with backmount

[@montypythonish]

Thanks for that. My journey from kit up to the sea is normally about 15 steps. I normally dive from a hard boat. I'm just a man and it's time for me too try another gadget. Love all your vids. And thanks for the reply. Dx

[@AzulUnlimited]

@@montypythonish Always good to keep learning! let me know how it goes

[@jaume1978]

I own a wonderful xdeep stealth 2.0 (really proud owner xD). But I've to admit that Razor ones are really simplistic, I would like to try some one day. It's really a pain in the ass adjust the harness, it took me really really a long time and testing to get a satisfactory adjustment. Xdeep stealth 2.0 really offers a great diversity of adjustment spots!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hello Jaume. I been using both of them and right now I keep only my Razor, but they are amazing sidemount systems, I personally find out Razor, more complicated to fine tune the harness but once is done, is like a glove. Thanks for watching!

[@Yggdrasil42]

They're both great harnesses. Razor is harder to adjust than the xDeep so if you change between drysuit and wetsuit during the year the xDeep is a better choice. The razor is a bit more minimal and streamlined though than even a well set up xDeep. I personally dive an xDeep Tec in both cold and warm water.

[@hansol0]

@@Yggdrasil42 try the classic 2.0,the brings simplicity to another level.

[@diamondback69projects]

Mine is XDeep Stealth Tec 2.0. Tried Razor 5 times. Maybe for 'stocky' build like me, i found that XDeep is more comfortable. Hahaha... Nice video tho! Go sidemount!!!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Loads of people dive that harness. It's a great one. It's all about finding what works for each individual diver. I think that's why sidemount is so interesting but also frustrating hehehe Thanks for watching!!

[@diamondback69projects]

@@AzulUnlimited maybe I'll dive sidemount with you guys after the curve flattened. Stay safe guys! 🍻

[@vanesamadero3397]

Could you give me a recommendation to set the distance between the vaulve and t he fixed ring of the thanks, since I,m short 1.65 m and I still can not avoid that the empty thanks float far from my body. Thank you so much. Vanesa

[@AzulUnlimited]

I can't give you a set distance. Each body is different. I recommend scheduling a pool day with an instructor, friend or even just a gopro and test things out until you get it right. Let me know how it goes!

[@divingmap]

nice

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thanks

[@pauldarnbrough7515]

I dive sidemount using steel 85 lp tanks in cold fresh water and Al 80s for travel. I also have 2 different harnesses for the 2 different tank types ... love to hear your thoughts on steel vs aluminum tanks ... Great channel by the way ...

[@AzulUnlimited]

That is a great topic! I'll add it to the list for when I'm in california. I actually don't know a whole lot about diving with steel tanks so the plan is to do some videos with my California diver friends so that we can all learn together. Stay tuned!!

[@Teampegleg]

The classic Mexico style vs Florida style debate.

[@awkwarddiver]

Want, in your opinion, is the your favorite/dream side mount BCD? What size tanks are good for someone with terrible SAC rate :)

[@AzulUnlimited]

I like the razor harness, which is what I dive but there are great ones from xdeep and apex too. As for tanks, if you're diving sidemount, you should have plenty of air for 2 dives on your set up. I have 2 80AL tanks

[@hcklo2982]

Hello Sarah, I was wondering, I am currently trying to use sliding D rings for my razor, unfortunately the sump UK are out of stock wich makes me go for the dive rite titanium that only works with soft webbing (not as stiff as the one out of the box from the razor). Would you have any advice or video or link explaining how to change the webbing in a razor ? Thank you a lot !!!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hey! I don't have a video on this but changing the webbing on the Razor isn't super hard. It's annoying and you need to keep track of all of your hardware, but you can definitely do it. That's the nice thing about sidemount harnesses like the Razor, it's really simple construction. I still personally don't love the sliding D ring option for sidemount, but if that's what you want to do, just make note of all the hardware pieces and how they weave together (take video to refer back to it) and then take it apart, grab your new webbing and put it all back together but with the new d rings. Good luck and let me know how you like it! I'm always curious to learn what works for people

[@kevinleong4467]

The harness is also the wing BCD or do you have to buy that separately? What else do you need to get that is different than backplate? 2 regs, 2 consoles is there anything else you have to buy 2 of or different configuration than a backplate?

[@AzulUnlimited]

Harness and wing will come together when you buy but they may be two separate pieces. BCD and reg system are the specialized pieces of equipment comparing the two systems

[@CaseyKlaus]

Show idea: I’m debating between side mount & back mount, what would you choose and why? I’ve watched your episodes on each, but how do I choose without diving 25+ dives on each? Cheers. ‬

[@AzulUnlimited]

It really depends on what you're interested in doing. I would start out with trying sidemount just to see if you like the way the configuration feels. Then, your decision can be made by how much you like one vs the other as well as how much you want to spend on your equipment. Sidemount does come out more expensive if you buy one of these brand name harnesses plus two reg sets. If you have further questions, feel free to email us: [e-mail]

[@CaseyKlaus]

@@AzulUnlimited Thank you. May take you up on your email offer as I continue to investigate. --C

[@wallybrown9509]

I just got a Sub Gravity sidemount, and OMGosh it takes forever to set up a harness by yourself. LOL. Maybe I will come out there and dive with ya.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hi Wally, welcome to the sidemount family!! Your Sub Gravity is the Diamont 2.0? I couldn't find any goos video on KZbin but I think the Apeks WSX45 is similar, have a look to this video from our DiveSaga friends kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2PMl4tjgs-gidU That may help you with the setup and then we will have time to tune up your configuration once you arrive in Komodo!! jeje Have a nice day and dive safe.

[@wallybrown9509]

Azul Unlimited Hey there, (sorry I don’t know your name) great videos by the way. Yeahhh, I’m thinking I finally may have it fitted, I’ll be diving it this week to get my weight and trim set also. Thanks for the welcome to the kool kids sidemount club, I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been diving twin set 100’s for a while, looking forward to getting that bulk and weight off my back for a while. LOL. You mentioned California, what town are you from? Anyway, Komodo National Park looks like a blast.

[@AzulUnlimited]

@@wallybrown9509 hehe our names are Aitor from Spain and Sarah from Cali (Pismo Beach area). I think most of the divers I know did the progression from twins to side and to be hones is a great way to do it because twins give you solid skills as a diver so the jump is easier that way than from single back mount to sidemount. Komodo is awesome but Cali also has some amazing dives in Catalina and channel island.... Sarah is currently there for a break and she can't wait to be back in cold water!!

[@wallybrown9509]

Azul Unlimited Great to meet you. I’m thinking hard about doing DM with you all in 6 months or so. I read all your DM online info about how you all roll/execute your DM training. I’ll let you all know when I’m ready. I live in Utah, so I will plan to do it when it’s winter here. LOL

[@dalebrownhill2540]

My question is, do you need a special sidemount bcd? I dive a dive rite transpac 2 and don't see why I can't make it work with minor modifications

[@AzulUnlimited]

People have been diving with homemade sidemount rigs for years. Of course, there are benefits to using a system that has been specifically designed for sidemount use, especially if you’re going to do cave diving or tricky wreck penetrations.

[@christianguzman4787]

Hi Sarah. I’m from Cuba, I’m ACUC OW instructor but I don’t have experience with sidemount. I got my first sm equipment a week ago (Hollis sms50) and my first dive was awful; I need adjust a few things but I was wondering if you could help me since you are an expert in it and y love the way you explain. Please let me know if we can chat to send u my videos. Thanks so much and happy new year

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hey Christian! I would love to help you with your harness. I know how frustrating that can be!! Send us an email at [e-mail] and we'll work something out!

[@Alinfinito]

WOWOWOWO

[@AzulUnlimited]

woooohooooo these arms are missing our ghetto work outs!

[@Alinfinito]

@@AzulUnlimited no true! still veeeeery strong

[@jinhantan7028]

Hi Sarah how about a step by step guide one how to setup the razor Sidemount from scratch?

[@AzulUnlimited]

I may be able to do that! It would require me taking apart mine though so i'll have to really commit to it 🤪stay tuned

[@jinhantan7028]

Welll i think it would really benefit the community if u can show a video like that for us newbies. I have never been able to find any videos about setting up a Sidemount BV from scratch, and trust me i have looked. Lol

[@jinhantan7028]

Azul Unlimited practice makes perfect?

[@sparkyabq2718]

Hey there. I loved the video and I have lots of questions. I live in New Mexico so there is no sidemount divers here but I really want to get into it. Like most people I don't have a fortune to dump into gear all at once. Soooo I was thinking of purchasing the hollis sms 75 BCD. I'm thinking of this one since I can set it up as a single back mount as well as sidemount. Do you have any experience with this BC? Also do you ever want ditchable weights with sidemount? I am thinking I would need some weight pockets for the BC especially when I am starting out using it back mount. The idea is that I can buy the regs and computers etc that I will need over time. Thanks

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hi friend!! one question first... where about in Mexico? we use to live there for the last 5 years and we miss Mexico and tacos sooooo much!! Ok about the BCD I had friend back in Mexico and he was diving with another kinda of hybrid BCD for side and back mount and the problem is that at the end the are not very good foe neither of both configurations. I will recommend to get a Sidemount configuration because you can still diving with one single tank but on the side.... About the weight, it's depends of your wetsuit but normally with a 5mm and 2 tanks you have enough weight to go down, maybe one block is necessary for trim your position... also think about doing a 50 minutes dive with 2 tanks, if you equalise the pressure while diving, most likely the ending pressure will be over 1500 PSI in both tanks, so the will not be positive buoyant. With a single tank, most of the time the extra weight is to control that extra buoyancy at the end of the dive.... If you are around Riviera Maya, check out our friends from DarkSide Divers, they are amazing sidemount instructors and cave divers, you can find them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHuvon5ojbB7ppY Let me know if you have more questions!! Talk to you soon. Aitor.

[@sparkyabq2718]

@@AzulUnlimited NEW Mexico. In the USA. Thanks for the info.

[@douglasbaker4245]

@@sparkyabq2718 I bought a Hollis SMS100D with the whole thought process of the multi BCD. You have to really to open to admit where you’ll dive and what conditions.....I ended up buying a separate side mount Xdeep Stealth 2.0 tec for the reason cited by Azul also...ends up being not good an either option.

[@thedoc01011]

Hi Sarah! I´m trying to set the Razor 2.5 but I have a question regarding the spine strap, at the level of the bungie plate, the spine strap made a bump-kind curve, I don't know if this should be like that or if I need to adjust this in a different way.

[@AzulUnlimited]

You definitely don't want a big bump because that will be uncomfortable, but sometimes with the new webbing, it takes a little while for it to relax and lay flat. Try it out and if it doesn't get better, then you'll want to adjust. Congrats on the Razor!!!

[@thedoc01011]

@@AzulUnlimitedI appreciate your help! as you said in the video, it is really a pain in the a_s. The other problem is that I'm the only one with Razor system, therefore I will need to learn from theory and practical experience. What I read about the razor are just good comments, I hope it works for me!

[@AzulUnlimited]

@@thedoc01011 It really is a great harness, just a pain to set up. take your time and be patient with it.

[@jasonnull9694]

Sarah great video. Please keep them coming. I do have a question about the shoulder straps and how tight they should be. I am learning sidemount but have been diving backplate for sometime now. Does the same spacing in the shoulder straps apply to sidemount. For example with the BP I should be able to put a fist between the strap and my chest. Is that the same rule in sidemount setup or should it be tighter? Thanks again.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thank you so much! I personally like it to be tighter. I have it loose enough to be able to stand straight with whatever wetsuit I'm wearing, but that's it. I like my harness and tanks to be nice and close to my body.

[@NitrosHELI]

What the clear house on the right shoulder? @AzulUnlimited

[@AzulUnlimited]

The clear hose? It’s the inflator to the second bladder in my razor harness

[@louis840]

👍🤙

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thankssssssssss

[@Ublomor]

Good description buuuut you should have shown WITH the harness, setting it up on your body

[@AzulUnlimited]

Imagination station 😜 thanks for watching

[@kostinioagelinio8577]

razor or xdeep - ideas?

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hi, we been using both of them.... razor is more technical to do the setup but once is done is perfect, also for technical diving you have a double bladder with oral inflation and to teach technical dive with the Xdeep (depending of the model) you need an extra bladder... For small bodies and if you are not planning to carry 4 or 5 tanks i will choose razor, maybe for something more hardcore xdeep but for sure both of them are the best on the market!

[@itsyaboimat2393]

Hey Sarah have you taught anyone with a disability to scuba dive I'm hopefully going to be taking my open water course in 2021and I have Cerebral Palsy , did you use any disability special made dive gear?

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hey there, I haven't personally done it, but I have several friends who teach for DDI (Disabled Divers International). I would definitely look for someone who has experience teaching students with disabilities so that you have the best (and safest) time underwater. Depending on your mobility, you may want to have web-fingered gloves so that you can swim with your arms. In regards to the course, as long as you have enough mobility to move around in your equipment, float and swim with relative ease, you should be able to get certified. If there are some skills you are not able to complete, you may be able to get certified with a lower level (like Scuba Diver). I'm sure that you've already done this, but make sure that you talk to your doctor about your plans and have them go through and sign the required medical paperwork for the course. I really hope you'll let us know how it goes!! Please keep in touch.

[@jefferykirk2322]

Where is at ?

[@AzulUnlimited]

This was recorded in Komodo, Indonesia

[@divetimeliu]

Promote sidemount👍You zrzor The mouthpiece for the airbag is gone

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thanks for your comment!