Rigging of multiple stages...

[rjack321]

The diver in then video has 3 bottles, while some are smaller its pretty unwieldy to have 3 bottles under the arm. Turns you into Michelin Man. I have only ever actually dove (not goofed off for practice) with 2 bottles. 2 al80s is pretty bulky already. I put them on my left and can get streamlined behind the scooter with my right. When one is used up I typically put it on a leash and stow it on my left d-ring. Nose clipping there is tight with an al6 argon bottle and makes access to the spg a hassle too.

I prefer to put the 50% on the inside as I find with drygloves its easier to manipulate the outside bottle. The 50% is one of my most critical bottles and never needs to be moved then. I use the switch protocol Jonathan posted. Even with 2 Al80s full of EAN I have never really felt unbalanced. I can easily shift a little extra gas in my wing to that side if need be (it tends to go there naturally anyway).

 

[texdiveguy]

If I have more than one bottle I always have clipped one to each side. Doesn't having all the bottles on one side throw you off balance ??

Also curious as to the advantage to having all the bottles on one side as opposed to one on each side. I haven't had any issues with not having a free hand or movement restriction.

I do like the idea of raccon tailing the 02 bottle, but as a previous poster said, this wouldn't work in the caves

I use the L/R methods of bottle slinging also.....but stacking 2 bottles on one side is not a big deal either.....for multiple bottle dives I still prefer the L/R method as it is just a more balanced feeling and easier to handle IMO. I like the use of bottle leashes only for spent bottles and securing staged bottle/s in fixed locations as required. Its not an issue as some suggest about trapping your long hose by caring bottle/s on the R side....if you follow proper kitting protocols and bottle handling procedures.

 

[JiveMaster]

All that being said, I'd welcome you to improve upon the procedure and share your improvements. I think you'll fine that you have to give some thing up in order to reduce the risk of dropping a bottle. The question will then be, is that trade off worth it to you?

I guess the biggest issue I'm having with this is the juggling TWO insecure tanks around at the same time. I would of course have to go try this out, but just off the top of my head I'm thinking of 2 other possibilities, clip the leash of the tank your holding/switching to the tank you're about to remove before removing (eliminating the 2 tanks free with 2 hands not)...I'd have to get in the water with this one to really work it out. The other (not at good) would be to simply clip off the one you're switching, to your right shoulder d-ring before throwing it under your shoulder...a bit more time consuming...

Either way I'd have to get in the water to play around with it.

And Texdiveguy, I agree, if rigged correctly a stage under the right arm does not get in the way of deploying the long hose, I've seen it done many times...

Just hashin it out....something to play with next time I'm in the water with time for a skill circuit.