Let's see...in the stable, I have a set of LP108's, LP95's, and access to HP100's and some LP85's. If it's a fundies class, I assume you'll want 32%. Let me know if you're interested as some of them have trimix in them that we'll need to boost into a cascade bottle.
As far as wings go, I have a small doubles wing, (Dire Rite Trek Wing~40 lbs lift) and a medium doubles wing (Dive Rite Classic, 60 lbs, IIRC). I also have a big doubles wing, but I wouldn't recommend it (80 lbs lift).
Dan, thanks so much for your generous offer. I'd think that HP100s or LP85s would be the first choice, as that's what I'm looking at buying eventually: the thought of staggering to the water wearing 105 lb. of full 108s or 100 lb. of 95s is not attractive. And judging by the comments the 40 lb. wing would probably be the way to go, with the 60 as second choice.
Taking fundies in a set of doubles that you know probably won't work does not make sense. Really this is true for diving in general, fundies aside. It sounds like you have been talked out of this already, so that's good. I would say that if you can't find a better option, take the class in a single tank. If you show up with a wonky set of doubles like the Asahis, you may end up struggling with them, which is not the best use of class time. I took fundies in a single tank and later upgraded to the tech pass. I think that makes more sense than rushing into doubles in a non-optimal way.
I wouldn't go to the extreme of 'probably won't work', more 'much less than optimum'; if I thought they wouldn't work at all I wouldn't dream of trying it (Old Faber HPs or, god help us, Heiser 190s? Thanks, but I'll pass
). I was originally planning to do the class in singles and then upgrade later for the reasons you state, but your hubby strongly suggested Fofo and I do the class in doubles (that's it, blame the husband
). Of course, he had no idea I'd have to use the Asahis (thankfully, not now).
Since you mentioned a desire to do tech diving in the future, I will give you a little unsolicited advice. Tech diving is expensive. Between training, gas fills, gear, boat costs, blah blah blah, it costs a lot. It doesn't make sense to try to save a little money on sub-optimal gear, first because it's only a little money (in the scheme of tech diving) and second, because you will invariably decide later on to replace it anyway, when you realize it's sub-optimal. I realize that with doubling up the tanks, the components will all be reusable. This is just a general statement about how to select gear in the face of budget constraints.
Allison
Allison, you're preaching to the choir.
It's because I don't want to buy sub-optimal gear that I put off buying gear for as long as possible (or in this case, because it's absolutely necessary if I'm to afford the class at this time). I borrow, rent or (sometimes) buy something quick, cheap and dirty that works which I can later pass on, like the used Genesis crossbar I'm picking up for my Asahis for $30, while I find out (and save up for) exactly what I want/need.
Of course, with Dan's offer to loan me tanks/wing that won't be necessary for the class, but I've still got them as a backup and if I buy some bands, can get some (sub-optimum) doubles experience while I'm saving up. Diving is not the first equipment-intensive sport I've been involved in, and having done the starving climber/skier bit I've always been willing to hold off buying until I can afford exactly the high-quality gear I want. Paying a lot for that doesn't bother me because I'll be using it for years if not decades (original backpack still going strong after 36 years; had to pension off my 28-year old 3-season down bag a few years back).
Ah, thanks for the clarification. I didn't see earlier that you had asked Rob already, and it looks like with 2/3 of TK and Tobin you're definitely in good hands here.
For my own diving, I also consider the importance of that hackneyed phrase "balanced rig." In addition to being able to move weight around, having >35lb of your ballast as unditchable is something I'd be wary of. In the event of a total wing failure at the beginning of your dive, you may be able to puff up your drysuit more to keep you afloat, but with the ~25lb loft of a typical drysuit undergarment, you're still left with the possibility of having to swim up (and keep afloat) 10+lb, which I'm sure you can do (but certainly not something I'd really care to do through kelp all the way back to shore).
By the way, one of my buddies did actually experience a near-total wing failure near the farthest point of our dive not too long ago, and though he swam it back on his own power, being able to hand one of us his weight belt made it a whole lot easier, especially at the Lobos ramp.
I'm sure this will be covered in class, but if you can obtain a loaner set of tanks that are more suitable for doubles, I think it'll make life much easier!
Along that line, I've always assumed that a big SMB or lift bag was there with doubles partially to act as emergency buoyancy if needed. I'd think that clipping either off to the front crotch strap D-ring or one of the shoulder rings would help with surface swimming on your back. My rig is nicely balanced for singles with my current undergarment and no ditchable weight, but doubles will likely be a different matter. I've always found the suggestion that you figure your can light as ditchable weight to be unrealistic in anything less than extremis.
Survival, sure, but not for the situation you describe.
Guy
