New divers have a tendency to use equipment to replace skills, which
is a reasonable approach to maximize enjoyment of the early dives.
However, we have seen divers looking like they walked through a dive
shop with a magnet and we wonder who recommended all that stuff.
Experienced divers know that every tool, gadget or feature they add to
their configuration increases the complexity and also increases failure
points. As the diver develops improved skills, they begin to shed gear
and elaborate features in favor of streamlined high-quality equipment
configurations. The huge knife strapped to the leg disappears along
with the snorkel, instrument console and retractor, most of the lead,
tank banger, eventually the jacket style BC and even the split fins.
When gearing up, the experienced diver will take only the tools really
needed for the specific dive. They know that simple and quality
equipment together with practiced skills are the most elegant and
reliable configurations.
Pay no attention to the experienced divers' lift bags; reels; jon
lines; trauma shears; the thigh pocket full of wetnotes, arrows, and
spools; or all those things strapped to their forearms. That DPV and the
giant toolbox that takes two people to carry doesn't count either. ;)