Steel doubles - 119's or 130's

[rileymartin]

I'm buying a set of steel doubles and was debateing on getting 119 cuft tanks or going bigger and getting 130's. I've been told the 130's would be too big but I haven't spoken to anyone who has actually dove with them. I've been using 100's with no problem so I'm definately getting at least the 119's.

Thanks,

Riley

 

[Rainer]

I have a set of double HP130s. They trim quite nicely. Personally, I prefer them over the shorter 119s/95s (more mass up high).

That said, do make sure you actually have a legitimate need for cylinders this big; it's a lot of gas. I use them when I'm looking to do *two* T1 dives off one set of doubles. Above water, they're not nearly as fun as my LP85s or HP100s (or singles!).

 

[rileymartin]

I'm only 5' 9". How tall are you? I was told my height might be an issue also.

 

[keithdiver]

I have a set of double HP130s. They trim quite nicely. Personally, I prefer them over the shorter 119s/95s (more mass up high).

That said, do make sure you actually have a legitimate need for cylinders this big; it's a lot of gas. I use them when I'm looking to do *two* T1 dives off one set of doubles. Above water, they're not nearly as fun as my LP85s or HP100s (or singles!).

What size wing are you using for your double 130's

 

[Rainer]

6'0".

Even at 5'9", I think you'd prefer the longer cylinders (nevermind the increased gas capacity). Too much mass high can be a real issue in achieving decent trim. The 130s are basically as long as AL80s, so nowhere near as long as 120s.

Can you not try out each pair? Surely there are divers local to you with both sets.

 

[Rainer]

What size wing are you using for your double 130's

50#. Works fine.

 

[mksmith713]

I'm 5'8" and my 120's can be an @sskicker when shore diving.
Off the boat they're awesome.
Never dived 130's so I can't give you my .02 worth but I like my 120's just fine.

 

[DeepSeaDan]

...those are some heavy tanks! I'm using a wing with 80 lbs. of lift. One drawback of these monsters is the need to either carry a spare bladder, wear a drysuit or, if you plan to use a wet suit, be sure you can crawl back to surface! If you lose your bladder buoyancy & have no other source of lift, you effectively become an expensive anchor!

I'm 6' 1", 230 lbs. I do alot of mid-to-heavier resistance training. You should have strong quads & back for moving about, plus good shoulder strength for hoisting them up onto dressing platforms.

Not everyone's cup-of-tea, I'd wager.

Regards,
DSD

 

[rileymartin]

Did you say that the 120's are longer than the 130's? I thought the 130's were longer than the 120's?

 

[stargost]

Beyond height, don't forget the 119s are also 8" diameter (like the 130). Seems no big deal, but it is likely going to make the v-drill a little more complex, unless you are already 100% comfortable with the 7".
After struggling heavily with LP85, I almost considered starting doubles with LP72 to save another extra 1/2 inch in diameter...

Then for extra gas, I compared x7.120 vs x7.100, and looking at extra weight/size i went with the x7.100 which appeared the right compromise (I'm 5.11). I can still carry them for quite some time on land, and still haven't been able to empty them yet (but l'm looking forward to it)

x8.130 ... waouw ... next next next step !