Double X7-80's or Single Faber 149?

[Borlock]

I didn't think EAN is still considered tech diving.

Thanks though. I'm now convinced that I'll hate the trim on the double 80's. I'm 6'1 myself.

Maybe I should go mainstream and consider the X7 120's, but then again the length is so close to the Faber 149 (28" vs. 29.5") that it doesn't seem worth it.

Looks like I'll have to try and rent first and then decide. I have no idea where to rent a 149 though. My LDS doesn't have any, so this will have to be an online buy. I'll be in Oahu October till Jan though. Any suggestions for diveshops over there that might have any?

Sometimes I long back to the days I couldn't afford anything. "What is the cheapest tank?" generally has a much simpler answer .

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Just rent the LP 121/125 OMS/Faber tank that has a rated pressure of 2400 psi. A lot of people will fill them to 3000 psi. These are relatively common tanks.

As explained, the characteristics of the old 2400 and the new 3500 are indistinguishable, for me anyway.

 

[stoiclown]

I'm sorry after re-reading my post I should have communicated the intent of my comments more clearly.

Purchase the 80s and dive them as singles. It has been my experience that a 120/150 is too large and heavy for everyday use, and there is not enough gas available for average DECO diving.

While I appreciate you can enter into DECO while diving the 120/150, there are only a limited number of scenario's you can dive with this setup (based on the rule of thirds), whereas starting out with a larger setup opens up your dive options (i.e. I feel you'll want to replace this tank for a larger setup). There is very solid reasoning why you see DECO divers diving twin 100s, 120s/150s, and even 130s, it's about the dive flexibility and options.

In conclusion my experience has shown me the 120/150 is to large for your everyday dive, and to small for your average DECO diving needs.

 

[JerseyMike]

I don't understand why someone would say "dive with doubles instead"? It isn't lighter.
Who came up with that conclusion and why?

I've never seen a 149 in person but spec says it weighs 47lbs.
2 x X7-80's however come in at 56lbs (lightests 80s I know of).

In the water, the 149 has an 11lbs boyancy differential full vs. empty.
2x80s has a 12lbs differential.

So to me it seems logical to get the single 149, as it's actually lighter. HOWEVER, every review comment I've ever seen says: "Don't get a tank > 120. They're too heavy. Get doubles instead."

But (banded) doubles are always going to be heavier. So what gives?