palmm
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i am thinking about going to a double tank set up after a complete cavern class. any suggestions on brand and any specifics to a double tank set up.
equipment suggestions
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Wow, this question will absolutely EXPLODE with responses in a day or so!
I've been diving my doubles (steel 119's) regularly for over a year and love them! I wished I had followed my instructors suggestion, though. He suggested using the OMS bands bc they hold the tanks just far apart enough that you can squeeze the boots back onto the tanks. This will give you way more stability when you're putting them on/taking them off. I chose the Halcyon bands because they were cheaper, by like $70 or so. In hindsight, I should've picked the OMS bands.
I'm not sure how it compares with cave applications (probably the same), but for tech diving, a 300 bar manifold was required (by my instructor).
The 119's were suggested over the 100's because they would take me all the way through trimix. I'm glad I went with the big one because now whenever we dive, I have MORE than enough gas should anyone need it.
I've been diving my doubles (steel 119's) regularly for over a year and love them! I wished I had followed my instructors suggestion, though. He suggested using the OMS bands bc they hold the tanks just far apart enough that you can squeeze the boots back onto the tanks. This will give you way more stability when you're putting them on/taking them off. I chose the Halcyon bands because they were cheaper, by like $70 or so. In hindsight, I should've picked the OMS bands.
I'm not sure how it compares with cave applications (probably the same), but for tech diving, a 300 bar manifold was required (by my instructor).
The 119's were suggested over the 100's because they would take me all the way through trimix. I'm glad I went with the big one because now whenever we dive, I have MORE than enough gas should anyone need it.
If you have 130s, you'll need a set of 8" bands and a manifold, probably an Al plate. I have Halcyon gear, but there are lots of choices. They're not especially hard to put together, even the first time. My bands allow for the use of any type of boots, and since boat owners like them, l left them on. I got rid of the octagonal plastic ones, though, and got the low profile kind that Faber uses, with no protruding edges to catch on things. Also, why not consider taking Cavern in doubles if you're going to continue on?
I dive 112's and love them. I have OMS bands as well and really like the fact that I can leave the boots on. It makes a huge difference when gearing up. I am a fan of the larger tanks as well because they feel more stable in the water to me.
I would also recommend that if it is possible for you that you take cavern in doubles. You will continue to dive them once you are done with the class so you might as well get the transition over with before you start overhead training. Once you get used to them you will not want to go back to singles. I dive both on a regular basis and much prefer my double rig. The only reason I ever dive with singles anymore is because that is what we teach openwater students to dive in. If it weren't for classes yu wouldn't see me in singles at all.
I would also recommend that if it is possible for you that you take cavern in doubles. You will continue to dive them once you are done with the class so you might as well get the transition over with before you start overhead training. Once you get used to them you will not want to go back to singles. I dive both on a regular basis and much prefer my double rig. The only reason I ever dive with singles anymore is because that is what we teach openwater students to dive in. If it weren't for classes yu wouldn't see me in singles at all.
So because you haven't yet decided on your equipment, it's not a bad idea to find someone who does what it is you want to do and ask THEIR opinion. Here on SB, we all dive differently in different places, so our gear will be taylored how WE like it. A doubles rig is a heafty investment. It pretty much buying most things twice:depressed:
A good source would be the guy who teaches the class you want to take.
A good source would be the guy who teaches the class you want to take.
Your posts are pretty vague, but I'm guessing it's because you don't know much about this. Nothing wrong with that at your level of experience, but knowing more would help us make recommendations better suited to you. My first recommendation is to get into doubles and get proficient in them, then take your cavern class in doubles. Why train in a single tank if you plan on being in doubles?
Take a look at sidemount, also. There's no point in spending a ton of money on backmount gear to only end up buying sidemount gear a year or two later...lots of people have done this, me included.
Bigger tanks aren't always better. I can get just as far in a cave in my 85s as I can in my 108s. The 108s are huge tanks and my air consumption goes up when I have to swim them. Sometimes less is better. If you already have 130s, then by all means use them, but if you need to buy tanks, do some research. The right tank for you will depend on your height and build.
As for lift, you need enough to compensate for you and your gear. Unless you plan on diving dry, you'll probably need more lift for those 130s. I dove in Mexico a few years ago and got a set of 104s (heavy tanks). I could barely stay neutral with those tanks in a wet suit and a 70 lb lift wing. Also, if you plan on diving wet, get a dual bladder wing. You'll want the redundancy.
Tell us more about your future diving plans and we can provide more advice. Another thing you might want to consider is completing a course like Intro to Tech, Twinset Diver, or Sidemount Diver. You'll learn more about the gear and be better educated before you spend your money. During the courses I teach, I have my students try at least a couple of different tank sizes so they can feel the difference.
Take a look at sidemount, also. There's no point in spending a ton of money on backmount gear to only end up buying sidemount gear a year or two later...lots of people have done this, me included.
Bigger tanks aren't always better. I can get just as far in a cave in my 85s as I can in my 108s. The 108s are huge tanks and my air consumption goes up when I have to swim them. Sometimes less is better. If you already have 130s, then by all means use them, but if you need to buy tanks, do some research. The right tank for you will depend on your height and build.
As for lift, you need enough to compensate for you and your gear. Unless you plan on diving dry, you'll probably need more lift for those 130s. I dove in Mexico a few years ago and got a set of 104s (heavy tanks). I could barely stay neutral with those tanks in a wet suit and a 70 lb lift wing. Also, if you plan on diving wet, get a dual bladder wing. You'll want the redundancy.
Tell us more about your future diving plans and we can provide more advice. Another thing you might want to consider is completing a course like Intro to Tech, Twinset Diver, or Sidemount Diver. You'll learn more about the gear and be better educated before you spend your money. During the courses I teach, I have my students try at least a couple of different tank sizes so they can feel the difference.
I have two sets of the same 119's with highland bands. No problem with tank boots.
That said, there may be different tank boots you can use with your tanks? I've never actually looked for other than the hexagonal ones that came with the tanks.
SuPrBuGmAn
Contributor
Cave instructors are gonna frown on tank boots anyway, so I wouldn't even bother with them...
Highland bands are great. I never had problems with Dive Rite bands either.
I doubled up HP130s when I dove BM and enjoyed them quite a bit. Lots of gas, just heavy on land *shrugs*
Highland bands are great. I never had problems with Dive Rite bands either.
I doubled up HP130s when I dove BM and enjoyed them quite a bit. Lots of gas, just heavy on land *shrugs*
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