BTV (hands-free equalisation) depth limit

[Santiago]

Hi,

For those that equalise via BTV (hands-free), at what depth does this technique stop working for you? Just to make this more meaningful, please also state what is your personal best max depth if you do not mind.

So for instance in my case, I have used BTV successfully to 30 meters which is also my personal best.

Many thanks!
Santiago

 

[AlexbeeintheUK]

Having not personally gone beyond that depth I cannot say from experience but I understand the BTV (VTO) can be used to any depth.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[toni_d]

it depends, mostly on the amount of the exercises I do in the days before the dive, but on a good day with cleared sinuses , I can equalize using btv upwards to 18 meters, my usual spearfishing depth is 15 to 20 m, deeper than that I switch to frenzel, maximum pb freediving depth is about 30m. i may be wrong but I remember reading once that some competitive freedivers can equalize using btv well beyond 50m.

 

[AlexbeeintheUK]

I may be wrong but I remember reading once that some competitive freedivers can equalize using btv well beyond 50m.

That was my understanding.

 

[cdavis]

For me it varies a lot. Best I ever did was 98 ft out of a 109 ft dive, half lung. Usually 60-70 ft is more like it. PB half lung is 109, about 121 full lung(its been a while). I normally use a combination of BTV and hands free frenzel(against mask pressure) so I have to think about it to use pure btv on any particular dive.

Connor

 

[Jonny250]

@cdavis, Connor when you say hands free Frenzel - how do you do that? does it only work deeper?

 

[cdavis]

Using the Frenzel "tongue piston" requires something to push against. Most people hold their nose shut, giving something strong enough to open very sticky Eustacion tubes. If a diver is using BTV at the same time , or simply has very easy ears, he doesn't need much to push against. The pressure of the mask on the face is sufficient. Hence, "hands free frenzel"

Most of the time, I will reach a depth where pure BTV or BTV plus frenzel against the mask no longer works. Pinching my nose will give me another 10 or 20 ft.

 

[Jonny250]

Thanks Connor.