Doubles

[DudleyNMU]

Ok i have a question for you all. I would like to get into using doubles. What would be the best way to start.SHould i just go out and get a Rig and learn as i go or is there any classses that deal with doubles...Not soo much Techincal class but just diving doubled at a rec. level. Anyways let me know how you all got into it. Thanks

 

[Dive-aholic]

Do some research. Decide on what set up would be best for your type of diving. Do some more research. Change your mind a few times. When you're sure you know what you want, think again.

Anyway, when you decide on buying, get your rig and dive it. Once you've had a several dives in it and feel comfortable with your new trim, take a class on shut down procedures. No point in taking the class without the comfort level first.

 

[Diver0001]

Ok i have a question for you all. I would like to get into using doubles.

Why?

R..

 

[HarleyDiver]

Ok i have a question for you all. I would like to get into using doubles. What would be the best way to start.SHould i just go out and get a Rig and learn as i go or is there any classses that deal with doubles...Not soo much Techincal class but just diving doubled at a rec. level. Anyways let me know how you all got into it. Thanks

I think the real question is why do you want to use doubles, and what kind of diving will you be doing? You say "not technical" but with doubles you can go waaaaay past your ndl real easy, that makes it technical.

 

[UnixSage]

I think the real question is why do you want to use doubles, and what kind of diving will you be doing? You say "not technical" but with doubles you can go waaaaay past your ndl real easy, that makes it technical.

I too have kicked this around, doubles that is. Depending on what form you are on taking spair air/pony's generate a lot of discussion. The one thing that seems to be common is that people say dive doubles instead of dragging a pony. I myself am thinking a 130cf tank but that still does not get me by a 1st stage or valve fail... I was thinking more for backup than to actually use.

My 2 cents

 

[wedivebc]

The thing I see about this new trend toward using doubles for rec profile dives is that the extra gas carried allows more bottom time. Enough to get into trouble without proper training.

The common 80 al tank holds enough gas for an average diver to stay submerged at around 60ft for about 50min. This pretty much forces the diver to leave the water before serious deco considerations are required. Increasing this amount of gas and you will soon see profiles well exceeding NDLs which require proper training to execute.

With that in mind I think you need to ask yourself why do I need doubles. If it is because you are looking at more tech training in the future then I would say you need to see what the requirements of the dives you are planning and buy accordingly.

FWIW I regularly do trimix dives below 200fsw using twin steel 85s and more often than not it is the deco gas volume that limits my dive.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I myself am thinking a 130cf tank but that still does not get me by a 1st stage or valve fail... I was thinking more for backup than to actually use.

H or Y valve. Tank neck Oring failures are extremely rare.

Tobin

 

[cool_hardware52]

The added gas of a set of doubles can truely get you into trouble if you don't plan your dives. So can a E-8 130.

Having said that I like doubles. My reasons are:

They don't roll around in the back of my truck, or on the boat.

A small set isn't too heavy 72's or 85's.

I usually have no trouble getting two nice recreational dives from one fill. I'm just relaxing while others are swapping / filling tanks during the SI.

I like the redundancy.

I can easily reach all the valves, far easier than with a single tank.

It's very stabile.

Downsides:

Somewhat heavier, but not much compared to a big steel single and H valve.

Gotta keep a sharp eye on the baggage handlers and tank monkeys, they like to grab the manifold.

Tobin

 

[TekDiveGirl]

Having said that I like doubles. My reasons are:

They don't roll around in the back of my truck, or on the boat.

He he he -- I have never heard this reason -- but I suppose that I can't disagree with it!

A small set isn't too heavy 72's or 85's.

True true - my 85's are my favorite set to grab and take on the boat for some fun dives...

I usually have no trouble getting two nice recreational dives from one fill. I'm just relaxing while others are swapping / filling tanks during the SI.

Or the look on the DM's face when you say hey -- wouldja go change out my tanks for me -- and they walk over to them and I say -- oh oops -- it's already done.. and giggle -- just kidding....

I totally agree on not having to change out. Its a nice thing.

Kimber

 

[TekDiveGirl]

I think the real question is why do you want to use doubles, and what kind of diving will you be doing? You say "not technical" but with doubles you can go waaaaay past your ndl real easy, that makes it technical.

You can -- but you can also use them for two (or more for that matter) recreational dives if you are using proper gas and time management. Just because you have tons of gas on your back doesn't mean you are going to use it all in one single dive. It is all in what you are planning on doing.

Kimber