Hollis CRIB Lets Divers Build a Custom BCD
Hollis has introduced its Custom Rig Builder (CRIB), giving divers the opportunity to configure a buoyancy control system around their individual diving needs and preferences.
Rather than choosing a pre-configured system and then replacing individual components, CRIB allows divers to select their configuration, harness, wing, accessories and colour through a single custom-build programme.
The finished system is assembled by Hollis and supplied through an authorised CRIB Dealer, where the rig can be fitted and adjusted before diving.
Build Your Hollis Rig
The CRIB system is based around the modular backplate and wing concept, allowing divers to choose the components that best suit their equipment configuration and diving.
The build process includes selecting the type of system, backplate, wing, harness and accessories, along with the option to choose from available colours.
Hollis currently offers three main CRIB configurations:
Single Tank
The Single Tank Package is designed for divers using a single cylinder who want to refine their buoyancy and trim while retaining the modularity of a backplate and wing system.
Twin Tank Doubles
The Twin Tank Doubles Package is designed around back-mounted doubles, providing a configuration for technical divers who require greater gas capacity and a system suited to twin-cylinder diving.
Katana Sidemount
The Katana Sidemount configuration provides a sidemount option for divers who prefer to carry their cylinders alongside their body. Hollis positions the system for both open-water and overhead-environment diving.
Configured Around the Diver
One of the main features of CRIB is the ability to select individual components rather than buying a fixed configuration.
The system allows divers to choose their harness arrangement, wing capacity, backplate material and accessories. Hollis says this modular approach also means components can be changed or upgraded as a diver’s equipment and diving develop.
The current CRIB system includes stainless steel and aluminium backplate options, while available wings include different lift capacities for single-cylinder, doubles and other configurations.
Accessories can also be added to fine-tune the system, including weight pockets, trim options, tank bands and single-tank adapters.
Dealer-Guided Configuration
CRIB is built around a dealer-guided process rather than simply ordering a custom rig directly from a website.
Divers work with an authorised Hollis CRIB Dealer to select the appropriate components and configuration. The dealer then receives the completed system and can carry out final fitting and adjustments before the diver takes it home.
Hollis says available CRIB systems can ship to authorised dealers within five business days, although actual availability and delivery times will depend on the components selected and the dealer.
A System That Can Evolve
The modular design also means that the rig can be adapted as a diver’s requirements change.
A diver moving from single-cylinder diving to doubles, for example, can change components rather than necessarily replacing the entire buoyancy system. Hollis describes the CRIB platform as being designed to accommodate changes to wings, backplates, harnesses and accessories.
For divers building a system around a particular type of diving, this provides an alternative to buying a standard BCD and subsequently modifying it.
Hollis CRIB is available in single-tank, double-tank and sidemount configurations, with the system built and supplied through authorised dealers.
For more information about Hollis products, visit hollis.com.
Sea & Sea is the home of Hollis and other leading diving brands in the UK.
