Baby doubles (steel, ~ 55 cf)?

[two.crows]

Double 7 Liter setups (that would be ~ 2 x 55 cf) seem popular enough as shore dive setup in Europe - but apparently impossible to get in North America. These are 5.5" dia tanks, rated to ~ 3,000 psi (220 bar) and doubled with a short isolator manifold (example attached).

They are compact, they are not much more heavy overall than a single Al (because steel allows you to drop some lead), they give you a bit more gas, and you get full redundancy. However, they are not certified for DOT/TC but only to Euro noms :depressed:.

Looking to get such a setup, I first considered PST 65s, but they are standard thickness (7.25") and only about 17" long, thus would probably be impossible to trim well. OMS LP-45s seem more reasonable lengthwise, they are thin (5.5" / 23"), but they are LPs and 45 cf is a bit on the small side for the trouble. HP cylinders would be attractive. But I can't find such cylinders with a DOT/TC cert. On top of that, I can't even find 5.5" bands on the market .

Does anyone here have experience with putting together a baby doubles setup that would be filled in North America? Sources?

Thanks!
2.c

 

[DaleC]

A solo friend and I were just discussing this very subject the other day and the best we could come up with was twin 40 stage bottles so I have no answers But I'm tagging along to hear more

 

[dannobee]

Doubled up OMS 45/46's will hold 120 cu ft when filled to 3500psi.

5.5" bands are available through Dive Rite and probably others as well.

 

[digital_steve]

can't you guys get faber cylinders in USA?
faber do a LP 7 litre cylinder and a HP (300bar) 7 litre cylinder... dive rite do bands and short manifold.
Divetub on this board dives a set of twin 300bar 7's maybe he'll chime in.
I would like a set myself

 

[highflowdiver]

A solo friend and I were just discussing this very subject the other day and the best we could come up with was twin 40 stage bottles so I have no answers But I'm tagging along to hear more

What is the dive your wanting to do? A single with a
stage maybe can handle it? Otherwise, go full
doubles,,,
Kal

 

[two.crows]

What is the dive your wanting to do? A single with a
stage maybe can handle it? Otherwise, go full
doubles,,,
Kal

Shore, kayak - no boat. Want to cut down on weight. Baby doubles preferred to stage: more compact, easier to carry on back, same valve configuration as full doubles. I'd consider a small stage as a secondary option.

 

[micklock]

These are 40cft. I love using these tanks for shallow dives, but then I have to get both of them fillled after every dive so I use a hp80 most of the time. I have three hp80s and get them filled for free at my LDS, the 40s I have to take them to my local firedept to get free fills and don't want to bother them to much.

 

[Jimmer]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tanks-valves-bands/221077-my-new-doubles.html Have a look at my baby doubles. Lots of fun for mid range NDL dives, and I like having redundant regs when I'm diving in very cold water in case of a free flow. I used standard width manifold incase I decide to break these down I can use the manifold on bigger tanks, and I bought the bands from Victor (detroit mudpuppy) here on the board.

Jim

 

[micklock]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tanks-valves-bands/221077-my-new-doubles.html Have a look at my baby doubles. Lots of fun for mid range NDL dives, and I like having redundant regs when I'm diving in very cold water in case of a free flow. I used standard width manifold incase I decide to break these down I can use the manifold on bigger tanks, and I bought the bands from Victor (detroit mudpuppy) here on the board.

Jim

Thanks Jimmer, I forgot about that thread.

 

[two.crows]

can't you guys get faber cylinders in USA? ...

Canada actually, for me - we need TC (Transport Canada) certified tanks. Yes, we can get Fabers but apparently only LP with that diameter.