EFX
Contributor
EFX:There is one scenario that is a distinct possibility in the diving I do, where carrying the alternate second stage on the back gas, in addition to a pony tank is necessary and valuable. I solo dive with a AL80, a 19 ft3 pony strapped to the AL80, a long hose primary, the alternate main second stage clipped to my right chest D ring, and the pony second bungied on my neck. I dive where there are other rec divers of all skill levels. If another diver goes OOA and I can get to him or her before their buddy then they get my primary and I instantly go on my bungied pony. Once things have calmed down I can switch to my back gas alternate second. My pony is strictly for an emergency when my main gas has failed. For me, there is no confusion. Having the additional second stage creates a safer enviornment for me and the OOA diver in this scenario.
to what benefit? You have already been on your pony so it has to be filled at the end of the dive. If the pony is sufficiently sized, then what benefit does switching to backgas have? Why do you feel the need to have that extra complexity in your rig, yet if we were in a cave or inside of a wreck, that configuration would not be allowed?
I agree with you regarding technical dives where there are multiple gases and having non-essential regs could cause confusion that could lead to injury or death by breathing the wrong gas. The dives I do are recreational so no multiple gases. The main reason is that it is inconvenient for me to have to remove the secondary main reg for solo diving and then have to reconnect it for other diving. On a deep dive where I need to share gas with an OOA diver and having to spend some time at depth getting things calmed down it's nice not to be limited to the gas in my pony. That's the benefit in having the backup main secondary ready to go. So, for me it's not making the configuration simple (which is not a concern for me) but having options to ensure my safety and those I'm saving.
I find it kind of odd that you advocate for not having an extra main secondary reg clipped out of the way when you, as a technical diver, have multiple regs clipped or stowed. You can manage multiple cylinders and regs but you have trouble with me managing one reg on the same tank. Hmm....curious.