Doubles without a manifold
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They seem to be more popular in the UK--I see references to independent back mounted doubles quite often over on Yorkshire Divers.
mala
Contributor
DevonDiver
N/A
Divers there drink strong ale, not kool aid
And wear sandals and beards, so I hear...
DevonDiver
N/A
OP
Well the experiment will begin. BM indies vs side mounted tanks. I just ordered a DIN HOG from J. Lapenta ( A+ customer service) for my side mount tryouts. I already had one on my 30 cuft pony/extra gas side slung tank and I did not want a yoke reg under my arm on sidemount. I have a couple of Mares Abysses that are yoke style for the BM indies. I believe I have enough hoses, gauges, clips, bands and such to make this happen. It may be a week or so before I get it rigged up but the BM indies will happen first as I think that is the simpler configuration to build. Pics and results will follow, so stay tuned. As far as the SM goes, I am working on an adapter for clipping off the tanks to my current Zeagle BC. I have a sheet of 3/16" aluminum that I will be making it from. Any input or pics are welcome.
DaleC
Contributor
Good responses to the thread so far, balanced and fair. I've been a user of ID's for a while and have found they work well for my needs (solo ow dives). As stated the need for numerous reg switches is overrated. I have used Al80's and St72's and can breath one side right down to 1000psi without noticing trim issues. For OW I prefer to calculate my rock bottom gas requirements and use that as my switch pressure.
For example, if diving St72's to 100' at a particular local site with something of a return to shore I will reserve 1000psi as rock bottom. I will breath the left tank to that mark, switch and breath the right to that mark and then begin ascent. That gives 1000psi in each tank in case of failure.
However, I have also begun the transition to sidemount and really like what I am experiencing so far. Both single and double SM rock!
While I fear this may mean my BM ID days are numbered I would never say that they are a substandard form of tank mounting though. Different strokes for different folks.
For example, if diving St72's to 100' at a particular local site with something of a return to shore I will reserve 1000psi as rock bottom. I will breath the left tank to that mark, switch and breath the right to that mark and then begin ascent. That gives 1000psi in each tank in case of failure.
However, I have also begun the transition to sidemount and really like what I am experiencing so far. Both single and double SM rock!
While I fear this may mean my BM ID days are numbered I would never say that they are a substandard form of tank mounting though. Different strokes for different folks.
ianr33
Contributor
Different strokes.
I've dived manifolded doubles and independents in the past. Use sidemount pretty much exclusively these days.
They all have their good and bad points.
Manifolded doubles. Pros:Simple gas management.Quick and easy to gear up and walk/jump in water. Cons: Often not available when traveling. Never felt 100% safe solo diving this way.
Independent doubles. Pros:Great for traveling/vacation diving.Good for solo. Cons: Possible to lose access to half gas.Need to think about changing regs. (really no big deal)
Sidemount. Pros: Only way to dive low caves. Feel very safe solo (Personal opinion) Cons: Steep learning curve setting up gear.Can be a pain gearing up and on boats. Need half a brain cell to switch regs.
I do proudly remember a GUE instructor referring to my independent doubles as "Suicide Twins" !!
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