Opinions on Inline Regulator Shutoff Valves for SideMount Diving?

[billgraham]

I recently acquired a pair of shut-off valves, which go between the LP-hose and 2nd stage. At first it seemed like a great idea; I could tune both regulators on the brink of free-flow, but shut off whatever I'm not using or in case of free-flow.

I'm not attached to either side of the "argument" but I am second-guessing using these. The valves cost me almost nothing, so no loss either way.

• As everyone always points out, it's another potential failure-point, even if very small. (Not a major deal with redundant air)
• I haven't really needed one in my 1.5 years of SideMount, although it might occasionally be nice to have.
• It may be a slight hazard, if I try switching regulators and don't realize it's closed.
• It's a potential hazard if a dive-buddy (I normally solo) goes for the regulator, and can't breathe from it.

Anyway, for normal recreational SideMount, would you have shut-off valves installed, if you had some spares sitting around? Specifically, just SM, and not technical-diving, deco-bottles, etc. However, I may put one on my pony-bottle-regs.

No. Sell them to some CCR divers.