Need advice about doubles equipment

[*Floater*]

Right now I have a DSS singles rig, dive-rite reg and octo, a sherwood brass spg and a versa pro computer, plus some other basic items (lights, 100ft spool/smb, etc.). I've been using a 3mm wetsuit during my vacations, but I'd like to get a drysuit so I could dive over here in Pennsylvania and elsewhere as well.

My question though is about what doubles equipment I should research and keep an eye out for. As far as I can tell I will need at least:

-a manifold,
-tank bands,
-doubles wing (considering the DSS torus),
-second first stage (considering DR RG1208).

Is there something else I will need? (I don't want to buy tanks yet because I don't have a car and I move a lot anyway- after I graduate I don't know where I will end up living, not even what continent I'll end up on.)

I'm not necessarily planning to buy these items anytime soon, but I'd like keep an eye out for good deals. I just need to know what brands/models you would recommend and where I could find good deals on them. Would buying these items used (if I can find them used) be a good idea?

Any other advice for moving towards doubles diving?

 

[Mark Vlahos]

Bring your wallet.

 

[PerroneFord]

I would recommend you wait until someone has a fire sale on a set of doubles. I see sets for sale nearly every week. You'll need to know what size tanks you want. A matched set of regs is also nice. I'd wait on buying the wing until you have had a chance to dive at least a couple of wings to get the feel. They are different.

And that comment about bringing your wallet is SPOT ON. I am in the midst of my double's purchases and it's no joke. I spent $400 today...

 

[Daylonious]

Definately bring the wallet. A set of HP 120's with the manifold and the bands can easily run you $1000. Then you have to buy the wing and reg..

I'm shopping for some doubles as well... glad I don't golf, this sport is expensive enough...

D.

OH.. and I'd also recommend learning how to dive doubles as part of a class. For example I learned while taking my Deco Procedures / Adv nitrox class - definately recommended.

 

[Derek S]

http://www.allaboutscuba.com/

AL80s / Halcyon 300 bar Manifold / Highland millworks bands - $700

I love mine. Bob can also hook you up with a Halcyon wing if you desire.

 

[*Floater*]

Actually, I'm not going to buy the tanks yet because I travel a lot to dive and I don't want fly with tanks, but I'm considering purchasing the other things incrementally over time if I chance upon good deals- just need to know what to get so that I can get it when I see it.

I'll try to rent some double wings and equipment on my next trip if they are available.

 

[*Floater*]

OH.. and I'd also recommend learning how to dive doubles as part of a class. For example I learned while taking my Deco Procedures / Adv nitrox class - definately recommended.

At some point I'd like to take that class. In Puerto Galera I've seen the listed price for it (TDI version) as $450 (there may be other costs), which is a lot of money for me. Is that a good price? What other similar classes should I compare it to? Not sure that would that be the best way for me to spend $450 on scuba right now... For example, for the same price I could do over 30 fun dives and gain more experience.

 

[Daylonious]

That price is pretty much average for the class. I think I paid around $500. If you ever want to get into deeper diving (past 100') for longer periods of time then the class is a must. After that class, you are rated to do 150' decompression dives.

The reason I recommend taking a class involving doubles is something I learned in my class - With a pair of steel doubles, and an uninflated wing, you can roll off a boat and LITERALLY descend faster than your power inflator can compensate for. Straight to the bottom.

Good tidbit to know...

D.

 

[karstdvr]

If you look around or willing to pay a little shipping you can find some great deals. I have 6 sets of doubles at home right now and have never paid more than $500 total for the tanks,manifold,and bands. Look on different sites and you'll see gear for sale all the time,and you'll frequently see tanks for sale. Something to consider adding to your gear list if you are considering doing an advanced level class involving deco procedures is an oxygen cylinder and a regulator,perhaps a 50/50 too.

 

[PerroneFord]

At some point I'd like to take that class. In Puerto Galera I've seen the listed price for it (TDI version) as $450 (there may be other costs), which is a lot of money for me. Is that a good price? What other similar classes should I compare it to? Not sure that would that be the best way for me to spend $450 on scuba right now... For example, for the same price I could do over 30 fun dives and gain more experience.

I see that you don't have a lot of dives in your profile. But you've got more than me. Please don't take this the wrong way.

Moving into technical diving is an expensive proposition. So much so, it really bears no resemblance to single tank diving. A technical diver can spend more on getting his or her tanks filled per trip, than a recreational diver may spend on their first BC. You've now got to deal with 2-3 or more of everything. Tanks, regulators, wings, backplates, etc. The classes get far more pricey. The Adv. Nitrox course you saw at $450 is about average. I just looked at two cave courses (over a year away for me) for $1500-$1800.

You're worried about buying tanks because you don't want to fly with them. What do you plan on practicing with at home? Do you plan on building a doubles set when you get on-site each time you fly? Or renting a set? Very few places I've seen outside of cave country rent doubles. Building a set each time you want to dive would be a major PITA.

My humble suggestion would be to wait until you have the money to throw at this and THEN start looking at gear. Buying it incrementally has some merit (I'm doing it) but it's still expensive.

I bought a doubles set (AL80s, Sea Elite manifold, Highland bands) for $450. New this would be $700 or so.
I need a wing that will be $300-$400 depending on model
Regs will cost me about $600 total and one of those is used.
Add in your class to learn to use them properly $400-$500
Factor in that your fill prices will now be 4-5 times as much. (2x for 2 tanks, 2x for nitrox over air, add a bit if you buy tanks larger than 80s). So that $5 fill just went to $20-$25 per dive.

All this is ON TOP OF your singles setup. How is your exposure protection? Now that you can stay underwater twice as long, will you be getting cold? 1.5 to 2 hours under the water is a long dive.

Again, I don't want to dampen any spirits here. I am in nearly the same boat as you. Only difference is thanks to this site, and some good friends, I went into this with my eyes wide open. I just want you to do the same.