New Argonaut Kraken Owners Post

[gypsyjim]

My friend was diving a short steel 80, so tank length was less an issue than tank strap location. I set the tank as low as her plate would allow for her first double hose experience. I have the same "not quite low enough" issue with my own plate and wing set up, as you saw, but I have the second, lower tank strap that I really cinch down, in case the upper band slips over the bell. The Kraken plate that's offered would eliminate this, but for now I can get by by adapting.

My friend said that she said she hated the DH reg and hoses for the first 2 minutes of our 2+ hr dive, but warmed up more and more to the reg as she dived it, and became more accustomed to it's characteristics.

[rhwestfall]

Drifted the West Branch of the Niagara River for 1:20 yesterday. Aside from finding a 15# "Navy Anchor", the lack of bubbles up front got me a " kiss" from a 3# small mouth bass. Put its face right up to my mask, and was showing a dark color for dominance. It must have not liked its reflection. Very cool!

[doublej]

Now like the many before me I am stuck on an anxious wait as the new addition to our diving family "Kraken" travels the many miles to it's new home in Sydney Australia. Each day I check your tracking number twice to see what interesting part of the planet you are traveling through on your long journey home.
Your older brother "Phoenix Aqua master" is so excited to here your on the way, you two will have many years of happy times as we explore the underwater world together.

So safe and speedy travels little buddy enjoy your half world trip with usps and be ready for a welcome home party like no other.

[Bryan]

Talking to the machine shop today...so more Argonauts will be on the way soon!

[rhwestfall]

Another 45 min drift dive in the Niagara River this evening (the time was limited to this as the get out point mandated it). Had the gas to go at least another hour...... bummer!

I am still loving the bass encounters due to bubbles behind your head. Got "kissed" again! Spoils this time included a spinning rod, a crank bait, and a neck-tie (the last one threw me for a loop).

Loving my Kraken! Thanks guys. Buddy's Go-Pro froze again just seconds into the dive so no pics.... looks like I will have to try again, DARN!

[14020]

An other Kraken soon to be in Sydney.

[michael123]

Need to ask ,
are there any disadvantages if a normal bcd is used with the kraken instead of a wing ?

[rhwestfall]

The closer to your lungs (center axis), the better performing. Supposedly, it is in its best position with the can face touching you between your shoulder blades, and firmly planted there. The further away, the lesser the performance.

If you try to wear it low, you may have clearance issues too.

[Herman]

Need to ask ,
are there any disadvantages if a normal bcd is used with the kraken instead of a wing ?

Welcome to the board.
In short, yes, most all current BCs, be it a jacket style or a BP/wing do not allow the reg to be postioned properly. That is one of the major reasons the VDH plate was designed, the AK needed a good BC to go with it. This holds true for any DH reg, no matter if it's a original 50's model, the "new" AL Mistral or the Kraken. The reg "cans" need to be between the shoulder blades and as close to the divers back as possible. Most modern BCs will not let the tank be positioned low enough and many tend to rise off the divers back when they are inflated. With all that said, a DH will still work and supply you gas but its preformace will suffer if not dove with a proper BC or plate...many of us still dive them old school with no bladder and a vintage plate.

[michael123]

Oh i see.Thank you for answering.
So the proper position for the reg is under the neck ?
(ok found Bryans post here viewtopic.php?20f=12&t=2119 )

So the plate touching the back does not cause trouble with the suit/drysuit or it isnt uncomfortable ?
Also how you control your buoyancy if needed without any bc?

[Bryan]

Please take a moment and use the search feature as most of these topics such as how to use a bc with a double hose are discussed in many other areas already. This particular group of posts is mainly for New Argonaut Owners to post pictures of their regulators and equipment setups.

VDH FAQ LINK

[luis]

There are a number of modern BC that work just fine with the Argonaut. I designed the Argonaut to fit well with as many Modern BC's as possible.

The key is that the BC or harness will allow the regulator to be mounted low (between shoulder blades) and close to your back. It is important that the BC harness is not so loose that allows the tank to float up (away from your back) when you add air to the BC. A well fitting BC will not allow the tank and regulator to move around and away from your back. Sometimes a sternum strap will help and a crotch strap is always very beneficial.

The soft back types of BC's (like some of the travel BC's) tend to work fine.

It is important that it fits well and that it holds the tank in place.

The modern back-plate and wing is probably the worst option because it can interfere with the regulator and it doesn't allow it to be lower it as much. They also tend to separate the tank away from the divers back, specially if a single tank adapter is used.

The VDH plate is intended to optimize any double hose regulator performance and it is (IMO) the best choice for any double hose. I designed the VDH plate (using many ideas from a vintage, 1950's plate), but with a number of modification for it to work well with a wing type BC bladder.

I always use a VDH plate with a small wing type BC for all my diving, that ranges from cold, close to freezing water (dry suit or two piece 7mm wet suit, in some conditions) all the way to 85 degree-F water with a 3mm wet suit in tropical conditions.

Here in Maine I dive a lot with a drysuit. With a good fitting harness and the back plate, the tank and regulator stays in place and the air bubble from the drysuit does not lift the regulator away from my back any significant amount.

[michael123]

Thank you.Just order a plate and one kraken.Cant wait
For a bc i will try to install one of many that laying around here and see how it goes.

[swimjim]

I'll be meeting a couple members of "KOG", Kraken owners group, up at Lake Wazee in Black River Falls Wisconsin this weekend. Looking forward to "sounding" off of Sherwood forest! It will be a hoot. The next week it will be Fortune Pond up der in da U.P. with the same basic group and a cast of characters from the Deep 6, my local dive group.

[sitkadiver]

My Argonaut is holding up splendidly. And still looks good as new.

Only down side is the visibility here still hasn't cleared up. We've had tons of rain and a warm moist air that is keeping the sea water temps up and allowing the plankton to keep thriving.

Monday I did manage to find a few treasures in the harbor. A couple of cups, a fid and a screw driver. I passed on the deer antlers, but now I'm thinking about going back for them since they would pretty sweet on my truck.