Doubles with a single first stage

[Paladin]

A single outlet setup is not a good approach, I'd learn to dive them as independent doubles, a approach that a few diving experts see as equal or superior to all others.

To each his own. I prefer the single outlet, center tap. Admittedly, this is partly because I dive a double hose but also because I don't want the added complexity of having two regulators. I have them mounted on a 1970s era backpack rigged with a set of twin bands. As far as a BC, if I use one, its a horsecollar so modification is not necessary.

I like things simple and I have no desire to get into tech diving. I just like double 72s.

 

[aquaregia]

The prospective seller has this hooked up exactly like that actually. I'm sort of at the limited-funds limited-experience limited-buddies place, so I'd rather not be doing anything that's going to lead people to think I'm a huge liability, or end up with too many sets of equipment. Or kill myself.

 

[lobstah]

Consider your options when one of left or right side valves gets accidentally open and is not hooked to any reg.

 

[aquaregia]

Consider your options when one of left or right side valves gets accidentally open and is not hooked to any reg.

The manifold in question only has a single outlet.

Although I imagine it would make a hell of a noise and you'd deal with it just like a freeflow or blown o-ring? But faster, probably?

 

[knowone]

You've got this gear, or its available. Set it up in original 72 configuration then rec dive it. It's really only the size of a one big tank mode lp 120 with a decent fill. When you're ready and have decided what setup you really want, sell it. Or keep it.

 

[Gilldiver]

Like I showed you in the photo, a vintage two post can be a way to go. You get everything you have with a single center post and the extra post for a 2nd reg set. So. with the exception of the isolator, it is equivalent to a modern manifold set.

Also, if you ever want to go vintage, the old Sherwood manifold can be reveresed to point one post backward and use a single hose reg with a double hose one. It looks like this:

I took a look at the TDL web site and Joel has DIN isolator Manifolds going for 229, used these should be in the 100-150 range. Depending on the bands they may be usable, or you may need to get new, that should be in the 100-125 range. But you can do this over time, if you want to.

If you ever do move into decompression diving, the 72's can be converted into stages and the manifold and bands re-used.

For a BC, just about any modern BC can be used with a 70's plastic back pack, and bands, but you may need to punch one or 2 holes into the center of them. As long as this doesn't get into the air chambers, it works out fine. I use a brass grommet set from Home Cheapo to reinforce the hole I punched.

 

[binobanana]

Consider your options when one of left or right side valves gets accidentally open and is not hooked to any reg.

Than you should be trained to close it without help! or you better go play Golf!

 

[Akimbo]

… It seems like that would be a valuable intro so I could get used to doubles, and as my regulators are still A-clamps I wouldn't have to worry about the DIN conversion yet. On the other hand, it does seem like hardware that I'd outgrow somewhat quickly.

Nobody can answer that until you know what you might want to do when wearing doubles. There is no reason to go with DIN or different manifolds on many dive profiles that can benefit from doubles. You can always sell them or convert them to singles if your needs change.

I'm sort of curious if people think that this would be a worthwhile transition, or sort of a waste of money. I'm sort of guessing, but I imagine this would be more reasonable than playing with independent doubles?

You can’t discuss the adequacy of valve and regulator configurations without looking at the dive profile. Doubles can be an expensive slippery slope. Can you stay warm enough in Northern California wearing your current suit to burn up doubles? Will you dive deep enough that decompression becomes an issue? Have you got brass fever (wreck diving)? Will your BC or wing be compatible? Will you dive solo or can your buddies match your bottom time? There are lots more questions but you get the idea.

 

[aquaregia]

You can’t discuss the adequacy of valve and regulator configurations without looking at the dive profile. Doubles can be an expensive slippery slope. Can you stay warm enough in Northern California wearing your current suit to burn up doubles? Will you dive deep enough that decompression becomes an issue? Have you got brass fever (wreck diving)? Will your BC or wing be compatible? Will you dive solo or can your buddies match your bottom time? There are lots more questions but you get the idea.

At some point in the future I'd like to dive some wrecks that many people don't consider prudent to dive on singles. I'm hoping to learn skills in baby steps mostly to lower cost-aversion (ie would prefer to spend money without realizing it). Additionally, there's a pretty high disparity between my air consumption and my buddy's, enough that two (no +) 72s would probably last the about as long as her on my 80.

I think I've decided that I'll pass on this equipment so I can save my cash for a doubles rig with twin regs at some point in the future. Is it possible to get bands for 6.9" tanks with the 8.5" spacing, or am I going to find myself limited to 8.25" if I wanted to manifold my 72s?

 

[Akimbo]

At some point in the future I'd like to dive some wrecks that many people don't consider prudent to dive on singles. I'm hoping to learn skills in baby steps mostly to lower cost-aversion (ie would prefer to spend money without realizing it). Additionally, there's a pretty high disparity between my air consumption and my buddy's, enough that two (no +) 72s would probably last the about as long as her on my 80...

Time in the water and a little conditioning will probably solve the consumption disparity, unless you are cold and then a warmer suit would be a better investment. As a recovering brassoholic, you have my sympathies.
:blessing: