DUI Ambassador - Laura James

October 08, 2017

Why DUI/OMS?

I dive the iQ Lite system with soft pack and Evoque regulator kit for single tank, side mount and CCR diving. The iQ Lite systems is a comfortable, light weight, modular and ergonomic BC option. Dive gear for the professional diver is a very personal thing, just like a good office chair and desk combination when you spend a lot of time working on a computer. I make a portion of my living filming underwater, so my ‘office chair’ is my dive kit.

Dive gear selection shouldn't be driven by ego or peer pressure, you should choose the gear that works best for you and your diving.

 

Memorable Dives

I started diving OMS kit back in the early 90’s. When backplates were just gaining traction in the “technical diving” world, the early commercial options from another manufacturer were made out of ABS. When using with heavy doubles the plastic had a tendency to crack along the tank attachment holes so for safety reasons, I looked around for a more robust option. My first stainless steel backplate was made by OMS, I chose the OMS plate because it had attachment point holes all the way around the plate (we were still figuring things out and it was nice to have a lot of options) and the edges were rounded and smooth which reduced potential damage to other gear such as drysuits and wings. 

 

DUI & OMS Products

Currently my favorite piece of OMS dive gear is my iQ lite soft back BC. Why? The iQ Lite gave me back my diving mojo. How did it do this you ask? First and foremost, because it does not cause my lower back/SI joint discomfort after long dives. Additionally it fits very well (no off the shoulder BC straps), the tank is stable and rides very close to my back due to the built in longitudinal stabilizers, which makes it feel like I am ‘one’ with my gear.
Oh yeah, and it’s RED and matches my custom, made to measure DUI FLXextreme drysuit!!!!

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