Thoughts on alternative to independent dbls for travel

[beasleym]

I looking at an option to independent doubles for travel and wonder if anyone has tried using a manifold block as an option to having to switch 2nds during the dive.

Currently for home diving I use two Apeks 50 firsts on isolation manifold doubles with an SS1 on the left and a 50 second stage on the right. (Dry suit is on the right as well, but that's not relevant to this discussion. Let's not get into the SS1 either - let's just leave it that I find it more streamlined.)

When traveling it's a pain to switch things around and I miss my doubles for redundancy plus I use up air on a single 80 faster than I would like. Independent doubles are an option, but that doesn't work well with the SS1 plus it's a pain to switch connections around.

As an option, has anyone tried using a manifold block (such as M&J Miller) with a lp hose from each regulator feeding the ATX50 second stage. Gets me the no switching but loses some of the redundancy. Putting quick disconnects on the block would allow being able to switch between travel and normal configurations plus gets some of the redundancy back.

Thoughts anyone?

 

[PaulSmithTek]

Get a rebreather!

 

[edparris]

My first option would be to use a dive operation that provides the gear I want. My travel expierence is very limited but here are 2 operations I've had expierence with that I would recommend. I'm sure there are others.

http://www.oceanfrontiers.com/
http://www.caribbeangastraining.com/

If the operators didn't have the gear I wanted I'd bring a set of bands for AL80s and a manifold with me. If you're diving several days with the same operator then you should be able to work out a deal where you double up a few of their rental tanks for the duration.

 

[Meng_Tze]

side mount?

 

[diversteve]

I'm considering this Universal Manifold kit and a set of OMS travel bands. Not sure if that's what you want though. I want to be able to use two tanks with a single reg without having to change valves out.

 

[Meng_Tze]

Looks dodgy to me.....

http://www.technodivers.com/Photo1.htm

OP was asking about independent doubles.... this is two tanks wired together

 

[rjack321]

That's not a manifold IMO, its a transfill whip with a reg attachment.

I see zero redundancy and a whole lotta failure points.

 

[JimC]

Second vote for sidemount. Be warned, its habit forming with a rather fast physical and mental addiction.

 

[Charlie99]

Second vote for sidemount.

Is that the same as clipping the 2nd tank off to the side as a big stage bottle? If not, what is the relative advantage and disadvantages of side mount vs just taking the 2nd tank as a stage bottle / front mounted pony bottle?

 

[JimC]

That's not a manifold IMO, its a transfill whip with a reg attachment.

I see zero redundancy and a whole lotta failure points.

Please note that this product is not intended for use in exceeding the U.S. Navy Dive Tables.

It's not supposed to offer redundancy. Its just a cheap way to make one big cylinder.