Aqualung Legend regs for doubles?

[Fssf]

How actually good / bad are aqualung regs for doubles? Does the non-optimized hose routing really impact on the dive quality (and safety)?

I have a set of Legend MBS for single cylinder with long hoses, which I quite like, but I’ll start using doubles / twins as well. Thus, I am considering buying either:
1. Another aqualung legend first stage, minimizing costs at expense of hose routing optimization. I’d change hoses every time I swap from doubles to singles (~USD 450-500) or
2. A new set of regs for doubles, including first and second stages, spg and long hoses. I’d have optimized hose routing and separate sets for singles and doubles, but a higher cost (~USD 1,400-1,650) and additional maintenance expenses. These will be Apeks Xtx50/40 + 2 DST or ScubaPro s600/g260 + 2 Mk19 or Mk25.

I am looking for an optimum solution. I only dive once a week or fortnight, but I take diving seriously in terms of safety, qualifications and equipment quality. I don’t mind spending the money as I plan to continue to dive in the longer term (including evolving to tech diving in 1-2 years from now), but only if I have a good reason to do so.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

My doubles reg set when I was diving doubles were Legend LXs. I found the hose routing just fine. I turned the 1st stages sideways and routed the hoses down. I had no issues with the standard tech hose setup. If you're interested I could probably find a photo or two that shows the routing.

 

[Fssf]

My doubles reg set when I was diving doubles were Legend LXs. I found the hose routing just fine. I turned the 1st stages sideways and routed the hoses down. I had no issues with the standard tech hose setup. If you're interested I could probably find a photo or two that shows the routing.

That’ll be nice! I looked for it, but couldn’t find any online. Thanks for your response.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Here are three photos of my former doubles kit. Both regs are Aqua Lung Legend LX regulators. You'll see how I rotate each 1st stage sideways and route the hoses down.

I've moved away from doubles for personal reasons and have since broken down these regs and configured them for singles/stage use.

 

[Tracy]

I would buy a used set of doubles regs for the 450-500 you have budgeted for a single legend and have both.
If you want to go that route, I have a few sets laying around I could put together in the brand of your choosing.

 

[Marie13]

I would buy a used set of doubles regs for the 450-500 you have budgeted for a single legend and have both.
If you want to go that route, I have a few sets laying around I could put together in the brand of your choosing.

Tracy’s very good to deal with.

 

[Fssf]

Here are three photos of my former doubles kit. Both regs are Aqua Lung Legend LX regulators. You'll see how I rotate each 1st stage sideways and route the hoses down.

I've moved away from doubles for personal reasons and have since broken down these regs and configured them for singles/stage use.

View attachment 653253 View attachment 653254 View attachment 653255

Thanks, Jim. I think you just made history. I believe these are unique pictures of legends on doubles. I’m not a specialist, but hose routing seems clear to me.

 

[Fssf]

I would buy a used set of doubles regs for the 450-500 you have budgeted for a single legend and have both.
If you want to go that route, I have a few sets laying around I could put together in the brand of your choosing.

I’m far, far away from the US, but I appreciate the offer and idea. A second hand set would work just fine as well.

 

[Pearlman]

I just spoke to my LDS for buying two Apeks DS4s with a 90deg LP swivel connector each (a DS4 is $120 cheaper than a DST here ) to pair with two XTX50s. He doesn’t have them in stock but asked me to consider two Aqualung Core Supremes ( the previous version of the Legends ) which he has now. The Cores have the added benefit of ACD but lack the turret form factor of a DST or DS4.

I am yet to learn Tech Doubles or Sidemount, just making a once in a lifetime purchase once and for all. So I have two questions :

1. How are the Aqualung Cores for deep/Tech diving ( let’s say up to max 80m )? Will they breathe well at depth? Everybody seems to favour the time tested DS4s or DSTs but I’m just trying to save some moolah and still get a workable reg set.
2. Will the Aqualung Core form factor work for Sidemount with the 90deg LP Swivel joints? I intend to learn both backmounted Doubles and also do a Sidemount course before deciding what to stick to…

Thanks for your insights on this.

 

[rongoodman]

I can't see any reason to spend the extra money for less than optimal hose routing. Buy a pair from Hog or Deep 6 unless there are issues getting them serviced wherever you are.