jim T.
Guest
Hopefully my personal info. below will help you to decide what you'd like to do/try...
I've only had 3 dives in doubles so far. (dives 57,58 and 59).
One in generously lent LP85s and two in my own HP100s. I had very severe (and realistic) concerns regarding whether or not I should/could even handle doubles due to a spinal fusion of 30 yrs. ago and a "tricky" back as a result.
I've been pleasantly surprised that the HP100s (I'm 5ft. 11 & 3/4" 195lbs.) have been ok for sand beach shore dives. Haven't had to climb rocks yet, but did have to step over a couple of 2' dia. floating logs with 'em. I may throw my back out yet, but I'm hopeful it's all gonna be ok. I HAVE been weightlifting doing squats and deadlifts and lat/shoulder work which I highly recommend for self preservation
I still have concerns about climbing a boat ladder with them on and may just opt to take them off in the water and hand them up. (Won't be boat diving with doubles for awhile yet.)
I like the increased sense of stability underwater of the doubles. Less pendulum rolling side to side, slower ascents and easier stops have been positives.
The extra time in shallows if great if your buddy (ies) have similar amounts of gas.
If you are ALWAYS paying attention to time at/and depth, slipping into deco time shouldn't be an issue. I also think that OW classes in the U.S. should include (at least as an option) some deco training. I believe in Europe that is done by some agencies.
I agree that if singles serve you well for the diving you do that's maybe the best choice for now.
My personal situation is that I'm 55yrs. old. Have "intellectual" interest anyway, in deep/deco/ mixed gas diving and wreck exploration, but don't know if I have the stamina, courage, long/short term memory function ;-) left, to know how far I'll go in the Tech. direction. My age makes consideration of all of this a "double edged sword". On one hand, I have a limited time left, (maybe about a decade) physically, to achieve whatever Tech. level I ultimately wish to acheive. On the other hand, I am a relatively new diver and will take things in lengthy "baby steps" not rushing anything. I also must respect my wife's as well as my own tolerance for risk.
If you're (very likely) younger than I am, then there is plenty of time to consider doubles for yourself. I do recommend along with others, to try smaller lighter doubles and do at least a half dozen dives with them before deciding how you like them.
Be certain that you can reach the valves on your manifold with doubles otherwise the redundancy of a 2nd tank doesn't really exist for you.
When I dive a single tank, I always sling a pony for bailout/redundancy.
If you have no interest in deep dives, exploration of wrecks, caves, etc. then
there isn't necessarily a need for them.
Try some LP85s if you can't find the older 72cf.
Good luck!
I've only had 3 dives in doubles so far. (dives 57,58 and 59).
One in generously lent LP85s and two in my own HP100s. I had very severe (and realistic) concerns regarding whether or not I should/could even handle doubles due to a spinal fusion of 30 yrs. ago and a "tricky" back as a result.
I've been pleasantly surprised that the HP100s (I'm 5ft. 11 & 3/4" 195lbs.) have been ok for sand beach shore dives. Haven't had to climb rocks yet, but did have to step over a couple of 2' dia. floating logs with 'em. I may throw my back out yet, but I'm hopeful it's all gonna be ok. I HAVE been weightlifting doing squats and deadlifts and lat/shoulder work which I highly recommend for self preservation
I still have concerns about climbing a boat ladder with them on and may just opt to take them off in the water and hand them up. (Won't be boat diving with doubles for awhile yet.)
I like the increased sense of stability underwater of the doubles. Less pendulum rolling side to side, slower ascents and easier stops have been positives.
The extra time in shallows if great if your buddy (ies) have similar amounts of gas.
If you are ALWAYS paying attention to time at/and depth, slipping into deco time shouldn't be an issue. I also think that OW classes in the U.S. should include (at least as an option) some deco training. I believe in Europe that is done by some agencies.
I agree that if singles serve you well for the diving you do that's maybe the best choice for now.
My personal situation is that I'm 55yrs. old. Have "intellectual" interest anyway, in deep/deco/ mixed gas diving and wreck exploration, but don't know if I have the stamina, courage, long/short term memory function ;-) left, to know how far I'll go in the Tech. direction. My age makes consideration of all of this a "double edged sword". On one hand, I have a limited time left, (maybe about a decade) physically, to achieve whatever Tech. level I ultimately wish to acheive. On the other hand, I am a relatively new diver and will take things in lengthy "baby steps" not rushing anything. I also must respect my wife's as well as my own tolerance for risk.
If you're (very likely) younger than I am, then there is plenty of time to consider doubles for yourself. I do recommend along with others, to try smaller lighter doubles and do at least a half dozen dives with them before deciding how you like them.
Be certain that you can reach the valves on your manifold with doubles otherwise the redundancy of a 2nd tank doesn't really exist for you.
When I dive a single tank, I always sling a pony for bailout/redundancy.
If you have no interest in deep dives, exploration of wrecks, caves, etc. then
there isn't necessarily a need for them.
Try some LP85s if you can't find the older 72cf.
Good luck!