How much difference is there between DH regulators?

[halocline]

I've already got a couple of LP72's, J-valves, a backpack and a vintage mask, so it should be more a matter of learning than buying equipment.

I used a plastic backpack from an old SP jacket BC for a while with the double hose, and I think the trident catalog still has those single cam strap plastic backpacks; narrow at the top. Is that the kind of backpack you're talking about?

I found some nice webbing that's more flexible than the typical hogarthian harness stuff, scubatoys had it. I'd recommend it for the backpack. As Herman said, the trick is getting the cans close to your back right between the shoulder blades.

You'll really enjoy the 72s if you are not already familiar with them. They're light, compact, and neutral empty. Perfect for diving when you don't need a huge amount of gas. Many vintage divers are reluctant to use anything else. The real beauty of them is a 2700 PSI fill gives you as much gas as an AL80 in a much smaller, lighter package, about 8-9lbs different on land considering the extra lead for the AL tank.