Doubles Bands and Manifolds

[rvojr]

I was able to pick up two tanks for relatively cheap so I will double up either HP100s or HP120s. I'm not sure which for now. Are there many differences between bands for doubles whether Highland, Light Monkey or DiveGearExpress as long as they are stainless? As for the manifolds, I was interested in the XS ones with the less turns required to shutoff. With the DGX being $100 and XS are $250, I'm not sure it is justified. Any advice is appreciated!!

 

[runsongas]

the dgx ones are fine

 

[Compressor]

I have DGEx ones too and they are just fine. NO issues with them.

 

[NothingClever]

I was impatient and bought some local IST manifold valves. I thought they were OK. Then I bought DGX valves for my deco tins and realized there’s a big difference. The DGX valves open very smoothly whereas the IST valves crack open abruptly.

 

[tmassey]

The only annoying thing about the DGX manifold valves is that they turn on very abruptly. That’s with three different manifolds all purchased in 2019. If you’re using an analyzer that goes right into the valve opening, it’s a real hassle to get a gentle flow. As for more or less turns: I actually *prefer* more turns: when I hit a ceiling it’s that less likely the valve is rolled off...

As for the bands: the Highland bands I have are noticeably bigger and thicker (and prettier). But ‘more is not always better, sometimes it’s just more’, and I think this is one of those cases.

I think the DGX bands and manifolds are an outstanding value that makes it easy to overlook these tiny details. They will do the job quite nicely, for a lot less money.

ETA: Mine are the long neck valves. I find the short ones cram the valve knob, reg, hoses, etc. too close to the tank and make valve drills more difficult. I appreciate the extra bit of space. Maybe others are using the non-long-necks...

 

[NothingClever]

The only annoying thing about the DGX manifold valves is that they turn on very abruptly.

LoL....I think I’m 0-2 this week.

Maybe DGX’s O2 valves are different....I wouldn’t think so but when I compare my DGX and IST valves side by side, the difference is entirely noticeable to me.

But you’ve bought more DGX valves than me so I’d recommend rvjor side with your experience.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I mentioned in another thread that I found the DGX valves harder to turn than the Thermos that I ultimately replaced them with, but everyone else in that thread who had tried both said they found no difference. Could there be a little bit less resistance, or could it be something else, such as proper lubrication? I don't know. When you're struggling to reach the knobs for a valve drill, every little bit less resistance helps--at least psychologically. I have run across one other instance of someone saying the Thermo turns easier than the DGX, so maybe I'm not totally crazy.

 

[tmassey]

I mentioned in another thread that I found the DGX valves harder to turn than the Thermos that I ultimately replaced them with, but everyone else in that thread who had tried both said they found no difference. Could there be a little bit less resistance, or could it be something else, such as proper lubrication? I don't know. When you're struggling to reach the knobs for a valve drill, every little bit less resistance helps--at least psychologically. I have run across one other instance of someone saying the Thermo turns easier than the DGX, so maybe I'm not totally crazy.

Nope, I totally agree: my Thermo manifold turns easier, takes a full turn to start leaking, opens slowly and gently, and has a broader range from closed to open. Bad part: if that manifold touches the ceiling, I’m guaranteed that the left post is 1/4 closed, and that little bit will shut down a little of the flow. So that smoothness and gentleness gives, and it takes.

And it costs 150% more. On balance, I think I prefer the Thermos, but not at *that* kind of premium.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Nope, I totally agree: my Thermo manifold turns easier, takes a full turn to start leaking, opens slowly and gently, and has a broader range from closed to open. Bad part: if that manifold touches the ceiling, I’m guaranteed that the left post is 1/4 closed, and that little bit will shut down a little of the flow. So that smoothness and gentleness gives, and it takes.

And it costs 150% more. On balance, I think I prefer the Thermos, but not at *that* kind of premium.

On the upside, as a new Intro-level cave diver, I quickly learned how often I need to check for a left post roll-off.