Reversible/Left-Handed Second Stage for Sidemount

[AquanutAlex]

Hi all, I was thinking of purchasing the Deep6 Signature Sidemount set, but then I realized that the second stage is not reversible/capable of being placed in a Left-Handed configuration. I'm therefore wondering: For people who have experience diving sidemount both with and without a reversible second stage, how beneficial is having the reversible second stage?

If it is really beneficial, then I was thinking of perhaps going with a Deep6 Signature for one regulator and a reversible regulator like the Apeks XTX50 or Diverite XT1/XT2 for the other. Alternatively, could I use an Apeks XTX50 or Diverite XT2 second stage with a Deep6 Signature primary stage? Thanks in advance for your comments! Of note, I will be diving with a 7 ft long hose on my right tank and a short hose on the left tank.

 

[Mobulai]

Of note, I will be diving with a 7 ft long hose on my right tank and a short hose on the left tank.

In such a setup the reversibility provides no benefit
Only if you decide to use 2 “long”s it would be helpful, like 2x 5” hoses

You can mix and match 1st/2nd stages as you like, as long as they are in the same operating IP ranges (I believe everything except the Poseidon 2nds have overlapping ranges) — but even then you can tune to match
But would be wise to tune once you start mixing and matching

Honestly, go with the D6 setup and you’ll be happy as a clam; no backorder worries about part availability or worries about the continuity of the company

 

[grantmac]

You run two right hand seconds in any typical sidemount setup.

 

[gmerick]

Diving solo, I have two 24" 2nd stage hoses, with both 2nd stages on necklaces. Mirrored 2nd stages make this convenient (and workable). When not solo, I dive a long hose. No need for mirrored regs, but it does provide an indication of which tank I'm currently on.

 

[tursiops]

No need for mirrored regs, but it does provide an indication of which tank I'm currently on.

Yes, nice tactile benefit. I use a HOG reversible on the left for this reason, older DiveRite elsewhere.

 

[AquanutAlex]

Thanks all! I think I'll most likely just go for the Deep 6 Signatures and forget about reversing the second stage.

 

[mr_v]

Your sidemount configuration depends on where you dive, with who, and your buddies' setup. Tell us more. E.g., if you're plan on donating your 7' hose, then having a reversed first stage and a shorter hose on the left may make the donation process more effective and w/o tangles. Also, what did your instructor say?

 

[rx7diver]

Diving solo, I have two 24" 2nd stage hoses, with both 2nd stages on necklaces. Mirrored 2nd stages make this convenient (and workable). When not solo, I dive a long hose. No need for mirrored regs, but it does provide an indication of which tank I'm currently on.

I don't dive sidemount, but I've been considering it for several years. The possibility of eventually going sidemount is precisely why I've held onto my Poseidon Odins (which were my Great Lakes manifolded doubles extended-range regulators and haven't seen much love in a couple of decades).

I'm thinking I would set up my sidemount rigs mirrored, like you describe, @gmerick, for local, solo, walk-in recreational diving here in MO/AR. OMS (Faber) LP46's or Faber LP50's. Maybe old-school PST 72's. Seems simple and straightforward. Uncluttered, since everything (2nd stages, SPG's, etc.) stays on its own side, bilateral. Easily managed, I would think, for this recently-turned septuagenarian. Less chance of slipping and falling (than when wearing a heavy cylinder high on my back) as I enter and exit the water, clambering over rocks and tree roots.

rx7diver

 

[lizardland]

The possibility of eventually going sidemount is precisely why I've held onto my Poseidon Odins

Sidemount diving was invented by the UK Cave Diving Group members and Poseidon regulators have been the de facto standard sidemount regulator in the CDG for about 40 years at least. Particularly the Cyklone. A lot of members use other regs now but the Cyklone is still pretty much the Land Rover of the CDG for sump diving in harsh conditions.

If I remember right the Odin is the Jetstream over here? I used them for a couple of years for SM but found them a bit sensitive for being dragged through crap. but yeah, sidemount diving is the only time I still use my Poseidon regs. I think my preference will always be the Cyklone though.

 

[halocline]

Yes, nice tactile benefit. I use a HOG reversible on the left for this reason, older DiveRite elsewhere.

You can get a similar benefit by putting your short hose (left tank) on a 90 elbow. It also cleans up the routing, makes the short hose sit closer to your head.

TBH I’ve never seen anyone use a left hand 2nd stage in SM in the MX cave community, but maybe people do things differently in other parts of the world.