Doubles question

[Jason B]

How hard is it to reach the valves? Are doubles easier, as far as reaching valves, than an H valve?
Thanks,
Jason

 

[DEEPLOU]

Its all a matter of how you have your tanks rigged. But if you can't reach the valves, get back to the drawing board, adjust your tanks till you can.

 

[OneBrightGator]

One's no harder then the other, keep your elbows in and reach straight back and you'll get 'em.

 

[netmage]

One's no harder then the other, keep your elbows in and reach straight back and you'll get 'em.

I'd suggest doubles MIGHT be easier as the posts are farther off center than say an h-valve which will put both knobs closer in line w/ the center of your back.

When I first got my doubles - I had all sorts of problems reaching my valves. My harness was junk and WAY too loose and the bands were low. Just kept pulling the plate and tanks lower. Adjusted the harness and the problem went away.

 

[fdog]

For me, yes, it's easier to get to the valves on doubles.

All the best, James

 

[TomvdH]

The secret - when you first start with doubles don't be afraid to play with them. Try various settings and adjustments (backplate, straps [positions and degree of tightness], wings, etc.) until the rig becomes 'yours'. I recommend doing it in a pool when you have dedicated time just to setting up your rig.

 

[Jason B]

Let me try asking another way. I'm not a real big guy (5'9" - 150lbs) and was looking at doubling some E7-80's because of there small size. I have someone who is willing to sell me a pair (lives out of state so I can't try them) because they are to short and he can't adjust them so he can reach the valves (he' 6'2"). I'm just trying to find out if this may be a problem for me also. I think the PST E7-80's are about the same height as a pair of 72's. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Jason

 

[TomvdH]

All-in-all you should be able to adjust them to a position which is comfortable for you. Do you have anyway to get the same set up (beg, borrow, rent, or . . .) where you are to try? I would hate to see you spend money on a set of twins only to find out that they were not what you needed. I am sure most would agree that you should test drive before you buy. Good Luck.

 

[matt_unique]

Let me try asking another way. I'm not a real big guy (5'9" - 150lbs) and was looking at doubling some E7-80's because of there small size. I have someone who is willing to sell me a pair (lives out of state so I can't try them) because they are to short and he can't adjust them so he can reach the valves (he' 6'2"). I'm just trying to find out if this may be a problem for me also. I think the PST E7-80's are about the same height as a pair of 72's. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Jason

Steel 80's are tiny little things and you will definitely have limited space to adjust bands if needed. I would not buy them without diving with a similar set. Search around and see if you can borrow a pair. Then again, if the price is right and they don't work you can probably get your money for them in a resale.

I dive alum 80's and I had to adjust the placement of my bands to ensure access to the valves.

--Matt

 

[netmage]

Let me try asking another way. I'm not a real big guy (5'9" - 150lbs) and was looking at doubling some E7-80's because of there small size. I have someone who is willing to sell me a pair (lives out of state so I can't try them) because they are to short and he can't adjust them so he can reach the valves (he' 6'2"). I'm just trying to find out if this may be a problem for me also. I think the PST E7-80's are about the same height as a pair of 72's. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Jason

I've been taught that the bands should be right at the lip of the tank before the neck slopes inwards. This height should keep the valves relatively consistant across most tanks.