Help Moving Into Doubles

[WreckDiver1321]

Getting my first doubles set put together and I need some advice. What is the best tank size for me? I know it depends on a lot of factors, but I would like a general idea of what I should get into.

I want to get into wreck penetration. Caves too, eventually, but mostly wrecks. As well as mixed gas deep diving. I'd prefer LPs.

 

[ajduplessis]

Like you said, it really depends on a lot of things. You did mentioned deep dives and for those you need large cylinders. I use 15l 232 bar steel fabers (i think hp120 is the correct imperial definition). They are well balanced and gives me a flexible setup in possible applications. Make no mistake, they are heavy to carry and that's about the only down side. My brother have slightly smaller 12l doubles with a narrower profile, perfect for wrecks but have a limit on possible depth. Anything smaller and IMHO you are wasting your time.

 

[japan-diver]

Choosing the right size tanks will depend on many factors- and if you truly get into wreck and cave diving you will end up with more than one set of doubles. The size tanks you need will depend on your RMV, depth of planned dives, penetration distance, physical size and other factors. I would find a good tech instructor who can work these things out with you. Many of my tech students start with AL80's as that is what they have and they work for many of the intro level dives and tech one level dives. As the dives get deeped and longer they move to LP95's or larger tanks.

 

[DevonDiver]

I'd suggest getting some appropriate training - the cost of an 'intro to doubles' session easily offsets any potentially wasteful and costly gear purchases you might make.

Internet is fine for seeking information, but very limited on providing detailed, personal feedback and guidance.

 

[Doppler]

See my response on The Deco Stop.

 

[Doc Harry]

Double AL80s are cheap, light-weight, easy to throw around and easy to trim out underwater. Unless you live somewhere with really cold water, you can't go wrong starting out with double AL80s.

 

[a22shady]

I personally Like the Worthing HP100's as singles and as doubles. For me they have the best characteristics between Weight/bouyancy. I dont want to be lugging an extra weight than I have too and the tanks provide me with enough air for any dive'(s) that I may do. Everyone has there own prefernce best thing to do would be go to your LDS hopefully they have a couple different Doubles set up so you could try out on land/pool if they have one. But again overall the HP100's seem have the least weight with good Air. Nothing against lower tanks that over fill because not all places will over fill a tank and again I have herd some people say some shops dont do good fills on HP tanks but I have not yet had this Issue

Here is spec list on Worthington Tanks

XS Scuba Worthington Steel Cylinder Specifications (Copied from my reply on TDS)

 

[WreckDiver1321]

Thanks for all the responses!
I've done tons of research and looked very hard at all of my choices and I've settled on getting a set of Worthington X7s. I have a friend bringing a set for me to try out before I commit for sure, but the HP100s seem the most logical set for me. I know eventually I'll have several set, but they seem like the best all-rounder for me.

 

[Teller]

Make sure you can get those tanks filled before you buy them. If not consider the AL80s mentioned above or go with a LP cylinder. I find 85s to be suitable for much of my diving including deeper trimix dives.

 

[elan]

Thanks for all the responses!
I've done tons of research and looked very hard at all of my choices and I've settled on getting a set of Worthington X7s. I have a friend bringing a set for me to try out before I commit for sure, but the HP100s seem the most logical set for me. I know eventually I'll have several set, but they seem like the best all-rounder for me.

For me this set also seemed to be the most logical . Guess what , some other people are now enjoying it. The problem is even if you try the set that your friend will bring you you will most likely not be able to evaluate it properly because you do not know where to look. What might seem to be perfect will not be in fact perfect after you learn the details.

If you absolutely do not waist your money get a set of Luxfer AL80 (not catalina). This is a good started double set which can later (when you settle on what tank you finally need) be broken down into 2 stages/deco cylinders.