I currently only dive SM with my own personal cylinders, configure just how I like 'em. However, I like to travel too, and many remote dive resorts and live-aboard dive boats offer only right-hand valve AL80 cylinders. (e.g. - both the resort I stayed at in Bonaire last year and the live-aboard I was on last fall offered convertible din/yoke AL80s, but only right-hand valves...) The scope of the question is focused on open-water diving - possibly "light" deco, but no caves/hard ceilings/wreck penetration.
I'm interested to see if/how you set up your valves/bungee/regs for SM in a location where you can only get Right-hand valves, instead of L/R valves. Are there any special considerations?
I know I can just single-tank SM, but if/when I want two cylinders, I'm trying to decide how best to rig. It seems "one reg up, one reg down" would work fine, even if it looks goofy and takes some getting used to. I suppose you could also just have both R valves pointing the same direction, and shutting down the one pointing "inward" would just be a little tricky... and the inward-pointing valve might cause some discomfort, depending on where the cylinder sits in your armpit. Depending on your bungee system, it might also be trickier to kit up.
Another question - has anyone been SM diving with yoke valves? It strikes me as bulky and awful. The only reason I'm even considering the question is in the event that I want to travel really light (only one BC), and the location only offers yoke valves, but want the option of two cylinders. I'm sure it is possible, but I was hoping someone here could share their experience trying it.
I'm interested to see if/how you set up your valves/bungee/regs for SM in a location where you can only get Right-hand valves, instead of L/R valves. Are there any special considerations?
I know I can just single-tank SM, but if/when I want two cylinders, I'm trying to decide how best to rig. It seems "one reg up, one reg down" would work fine, even if it looks goofy and takes some getting used to. I suppose you could also just have both R valves pointing the same direction, and shutting down the one pointing "inward" would just be a little tricky... and the inward-pointing valve might cause some discomfort, depending on where the cylinder sits in your armpit. Depending on your bungee system, it might also be trickier to kit up.
Another question - has anyone been SM diving with yoke valves? It strikes me as bulky and awful. The only reason I'm even considering the question is in the event that I want to travel really light (only one BC), and the location only offers yoke valves, but want the option of two cylinders. I'm sure it is possible, but I was hoping someone here could share their experience trying it.