Doubles question

[matt_unique]

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.

The exact location would depend on the person and their gear. I dive with a neoprene drysuit and with my thick winter thermals for example I need my bands a little lower on the tanks to ensure a comfortable reach. If you have limited flexibility for gear or other reasons you may need to adjust the placement of the bands.

Those 80's are convenient and light. Ha ha, even though they hold the same air as my larger alum 80's they still look like two peanuts strapped together. Steel is an awesome thing....

--Matt

 

[nalfein]

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.

My wife dives twinned E7-100's, we originally had the bands up high like that, but it screwed her trim up. With the bands a bit lower, it helps her trim out, but she has a much tougher time reaching her valves.

She's in an Abyss 7mm drysuit, so I expect fighting all that neoprene isn't helping her get her hands on her valves. I'm in a trilam, and I have no trouble at all reaching my valves, and I'm no whiz in the flexibility department. But I'm only in twin Al 80's, I'm expecting a set of bands in the next week for my 130's, we'll see how that works out.

 

[CNTdiver]

Like most people have already said, make sure comfort is of the highest priority. I would recommend trying out different settings in the pool so you can adjust and configure to "YOUR' specifications with ease. Also, when I say your, I am truely emphasizing yours. Please do not look at one person who has doubles and do it his way because what works for him might not work for you. I remember that it took me many dives to get it just on the right path. Play with it and you will find out what your style is.

 

[mempilot]

Just a thought, but I used to own 2 of the PST E7-80's. The center of gravity is moved up the back slightly due to the short stature. I didn't care for the balance all that much. I felt 'head' heavy all the time. I would imagine doubling them up would exagerate this quite a bit. There is definately no room to adjust bands on those tanks. If he wants HP steels, I'd recommend the 100's since they are the same dimension as an AL80.

The exact location would depend on the person and their gear. I dive with a neoprene drysuit and with my thick winter thermals for example I need my bands a little lower on the tanks to ensure a comfortable reach. If you have limited flexibility for gear or other reasons you may need to adjust the placement of the bands.


Those 80's are convenient and light. Ha ha, even though they hold the same air as my larger alum 80's they still look like two peanuts strapped together. Steel is an awesome thing....

--Matt

 

[Eric__U]

Hey

Im 5, 9 140lbs and have no problem reaching my valves on e8-130's. The bands on my tanks are all the way up as well.

eric

 

[Scuba_Steve]

I'm essentially Eric_U's stature, and I always had my bands about 2 inches (at least) down from the crown. Never had a problem reaching my valves.........ever.

Took the Fundies class, with the bands as per GUE "standard", which meant moving them up to almost the crown, more or less. I'll be damned. Just like I thought. Harder to reach. I kept it that way, as I'm a stubborn SOB, and I WANT it to work. So call me inflexible (physically and mentally). That being said...........

I personally don't see what all the hubub is about, if you can maintain trim in either position, which I can. yes it feels a little different, but I guess the body adjusts pretty quickly.

Proved that to myself again in Mexico. First time ever in twin ALU 80's. First time in doubles witha wet suit, different fins than my normal set. Trim felt different, but after 1 day I didn't think about it again until it struck me after almost two weeks of diving that way, that it wasn't an issue anymore. My body had adapted on it's own.

Of course the valve drill was a snap. I was practically naked, no gloves,...dang, there's something to be said about warm water diving.

Still don't know why some people freak about where the bands are, if it's not a problem for YOU.

 

[fdog]

Mempilot confirmed what I would anticipate...a "strong head down tendency" using the E7-80's.

Everyone's different though; it might work for you.

All the best, James

 

[Jason B]

Thanks guys, I decided to not get the E7-80's. Is there a test I can do to see if I have the flexibility required to reach the knobs...something like stand 6 inches from a wall (wall to your back) and reach back and try to touch wall. I'm planning on going to take a class down in Florida (deco procedures) where I'll be required to dive doubles. I'm afraid I won't have the flexibility required to reach the valves, thereby making my trip a waste. Any tips, stretching exercises or recommendations?

Jason

 

[matt_unique]

Thanks guys, I decided to not get the E7-80's. Is there a test I can do to see if I have the flexibility required to reach the knobs...something like stand 6 inches from a wall (wall to your back) and reach back and try to touch wall. I'm planning on going to take a class down in Florida (deco procedures) where I'll be required to dive doubles. I'm afraid I won't have the flexibility required to reach the valves, thereby making my trip a waste. Any tips, stretching exercises or recommendations?

Jason

In my opinion there is no test other than suiting up and going underwater. I'm sure you'll be able to get to your valves. It just may take some adjustments on the bands. Don't be afraid to move your bands until it works for you. There is a procedure for moving the bands of course.

--Matt

 

[CNTdiver]

If you are having trouble reaching the manifold valve, there is a great tool that can assist you. It is called a remote valve knob assembly. It basically extends the knob, on a flexible cable, so you can bungie it to your webbing and you will be able to turn it on and off anytime you please. OMS makes it. Here is the website:

http://www.omsdive.com/valve-access.html