Top 5 Sidemount Adapter Systems
Sidemount adapter systems are one solution for diving sidemount if you already own a backmount wing, but don’t want to make the investment in a dedicated sidemount system. Obviously, you won’t get the same performance and feel as a dedicated sidemount rig gives, but it does remain an option.
The increasing popularity of mainstream sidemount diving has seen a plethora of dedicated sidemount systems enter the market in recent years. However, many new sidemount ‘converts’ already own back-mounted wing BCD systems – and they seek the opportunity to customize their existing wings for sidemount use.
DIY backmount to sidemount conversion projects provide mixed results – some exceptional and inventive, others truly horrid… dismal failures…
To solve that inconsistency, several sidemount manufacturers have chosen to release modular-styled sidemount conversion systems, that adapt existing wings for sidemount use. The main features of these adapters are a means to prevent ‘wing taco’, a secure mounting system to the harness/backplate and attachment points for bungees and sidemount cylinders.
1. OMS Tesseract/Profile Sidemount Adapter
The OMS TEC/REC sidemount diving system is a hybrid, allowing inter-changeability between back-mounted and sidemount configurations. The ‘Profile’ adapter fits over the rear of the backplate/wing, to prevent taco’ing and provide attachment points for the bungees and ancillary equipment.
The ‘Tesseract’ wing is similar to other OMS double-tank wings, but was adapted for maximum compatibility with the ‘TEC’ adapter; for instance, the inflator is off-set at the top, to allow the adapter cover/protector to fit over the top of the wing, whilst there are also dedicated attachment points at the top and bottom to ensure a maximum fit between the wing and the adapter. It has 60 lbs of buoyancy and is available in double/redundant bladder versions.
The REC version of the OMS sidemount adapter
When used with other wing systems, the REC adapter is the best choice, as it doesn’t have the reinforced ‘top cover’ that interferes with most low-pressure inflators. I have used a ‘Profile’ adapter as the basis for several DIY sidemount projects, including a 32lb single-tank doughnut wing and a 60lb dual-bladder horseshoe wing.
See my review of the OMS REC Sidemount Adapter: OMS Rec Sidemount Adapter
See my projects here: Some Options for DIY/Home-Made Sidemount Rigs.
- Buoyancy: 60lb / 27kg
- Material: Outer – 1000 denier Nylon backed with 5-6 oz Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) | Inner – 200 Denier Nylon Fabric backed with .12 mm of TPU
- Weight: Not known
- Manual: Profile Sidemount Manual
- Manufacturer Link: OMS Profile Sidemount System
2. Dive Rite Nomad XT
The Nomad is currently available in 2 models, suitable for different uses and diver preferences. The Nomad XT is based around the transpac harness and is modular. The dedicated ‘Nomad’ wing has up to 50lb buoyancy capacity and is available in single or redundant bladder options, with a central/top-mounted LPI. However, other wings can be used. The system also offers a removable butt plate.
- Buoyancy: 50lbs/22.6 kg
- Material: Outer – SuperFabric brand technology & 1000 denier Cordura | Inner – 210 denier nylon laminate
- Weight: Med: 9.375lbs (4.25kg), Lg: 9.625lbs (4.36kg), XL: 10.06lbs (4.56kg)
- User Manual: Nomad XT User Manual
- Manufacturer Link: DiveRite Nomad XT
3. White Arrow S-Wing Adapter
White Arrow produce a wing system that utilizes a conventional back-mount backplate. This is a different approach to the other adapters in this list – as it is the wing that is sidemount specific, not the harness system. The diver can then make use of their existing back-plate and harness – interchanging easily between back-mount and sidemount configurations. The ‘S-Wing’ has 15kg /37.5 lb of buoyancy and features a unique ‘butt-plate’ system that fits directly to the metal backplate.
- Buoyancy: 37.5lb / 15kg
- Material: Outer – Cordura 2000 | Inner – Cordura 2000
- Weight: Not known
- Manual: Not available
- Manufacturer Link: White Arrow Sidemount
4. Amphibian Gear Transformer |Sidemount Adapter
The Amphibian Gear Sidemount ‘Transformer’ comes from Russia. It is a modular system, similar to the OMS ‘Profile’ adapter, whereby an anti-taco rear cover/butt-plate configuration can be used in conjunction with varied wing and harness options. The picture above shows a 30lb ‘doughnut’ wing and ‘comfort’-style harness, as options. This permits a very flexible approach to suit a variety of needs and requirements; and also allows new sidemount divers to utilize some wing/backplate components they may already own.- Buoyancy: 30 lb / 14.5 kg
- Material: Outer: Cordura (1680 g) / Inner: Nylon (420 g)
- Weight: Varies – modular options
- Manual: Not known
- Manufacturers Link: Amphibian Gear Sidemount (Russian)
5. Sea Monster Sidemount Adapter
- Buoyancy: varies depending on the back-mount wing used
- Material: Not known
- Weight: Not known
- Manual: Not known
- Manufacturers Link: Sea Monster Sidemount
Ultimate Guide to Sidemount Cylinder Trim
Sidemount cylinder trim is a headache for many sidemount divers. This illustrated guide will help you diagnose the problem & find the solution
Ultimate Guide: Positioning Sidemount Cylinder Bands
I observe lots of sidemount divers experiencing frustration with their kit; and it's often due to their sidemount cylinder band positioning. There's actually a very simple principle that determines band positioning.
What are the two styles of sidemount BCD design?
The history and evolution of Mexican and Florida cave sidemount BCD designs. Understand these principles to choose the right sidemount gear for your needs,
A Guide to Modern Sidemount Diving
A comprehensive guide to sidemount diving. What it is, the history, the equipment styles, how it is configured, gear setup and everything else you need to know.
Problems Reaching The XDeep Stealth Dump Valve
I occasionally hear sidemount divers report having problems reaching the XDeep Stealth dump valve. There are some simple solutions to this problem…
DIY Sidemount Helmet Instructions
How to make a DIY sidemount helmet for wreck and cave diving. An illustrated and comprehensive guide.
Ultimate Guide: How To Set Up A Sidemount Harness
There are just a few simple steps to the methodical setup of a sidemount harness system. Knowing those right steps can save you lots of time and frustration.
Top-5 Best Sidemount Fins 2023
Choosing the right set of sidemount fins is an important decision. They have a profound effect on diver trim and control. With that recommendation in mind, here is my pick of the top 5 warm-water sidemount fins.
How To Set Up Sidemount Loop Bungee
How to set up sidemount loop bungee : an illustrated step-by-step guide by Andy Davis. Take the guesswork & frustration out of kit setup.
About the Author
Andy Davis is a RAID, PADI TecRec, ANDI, BSAC and SSI-qualified independent technical diving instructor who specializes in teaching sidemount, trimix and advanced wreck diving courses.
Currently residing in Subic Bay, Philippines; he has amassed more than 10,000 open circuit and CCR dives over 27 years of diving across the globe.
He has published numerous diving magazine articles, designed courses for dive training agencies and tests/reviews dive gear for scuba equipment manufacturers. He is currently writing a series of advanced diving books and creating a range of tech diving clothing and accessories.
Prior to becoming a professional technical diving educator in 2006, Andy was a commissioned officer in the Royal Air Force and has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Belize and Cyprus.
Originally posted 2014-01-05 16:31:05.