Twin Tanks

[Max_Power]

A little embarassing but a very simple question: Can BCDs like Mares Vector 1000 and Scubapro Glide 2000 be used with 2 tanks. Being a very novice diver I am thinking of purchasing equipment and am considering what diving I will be doing in the future. I would like to start using Nitrox soon and eventually get into deco diving. Any help appriciated.

 

[Max_Power]

I have just read a similar post and am now alot more informed, I dont think the BP/Wing setup is applicable to me, but I would appriciate any tips on buying "my first BCD".
Cheers in advance.

 

[Scubaroo]

BP/wing sounds great for your diving actually - assuming you'll be diving in cold UK waters, the backplate gets weight off your belt onto your back, and you can use a single tank wing now, and when your diving progresses in a couple of years to the point when you're ready to undertake deco training and doubles diving, get a double wing for the same backplate (along with the rest of the gear), and you'll have a couple of years experience using the relevant gear.

 

[MaresMan1]

Max_Power,

I cannot speak to the ScubaPro Glide, but I do not believe the Mares Vector 1000 will serve your purposes in the long run. Only has buoyancy lift 13.5 kg (size L) and the twin tank adapter in not the greatest.

For the kind of diving that you are referring to, you might be better served by going with a BP/W setup. With that setup you can easlily upgrade as your needs require.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Dive Smart; Dive Safe
Enjoy the ride
:cool1:

 

[matt_unique]

A little embarassing but a very simple question: Can BCDs like Mares Vector 1000 and Scubapro Glide 2000 be used with 2 tanks. Being a very novice diver I am thinking of purchasing equipment and am considering what diving I will be doing in the future. I would like to start using Nitrox soon and eventually get into deco diving. Any help appriciated.

If I had it to do over again I would have gone straight for the BP/Wings. Get a wing for single tank diving for now. Later you can upgrade to a larger wing with more lift. Before I really researched them (and purchased the rig) they were a bit of a mystery for me because I assumed too much about the setup. The fact is they are very simple, very streamlined, very ridged, less likely to ever have a tank slip, simple to use, and upgradeable into any level of diving you may wish to pursue.

I just bought a Dive Rite stainless steel BP, wing with 59#'s of lift, Highland Mills tank bands, and Dive Rite 300 bar manifold with isolator for $540 US. This is about $100 more than what I paid for my Seaquest BC that I no longer have use for. (I will use it for single tank dives since I already have it).

--Matt

 

[PonyBottle]

If I had it to do over again I would have gone straight for the BP/Wings. Get a wing for single tank diving for now. Later you can upgrade to a larger wing with more lift. Before I really researched them (and purchased the rig) they were a bit of a mystery for me because I assumed too much about the setup. The fact is they are very simple, very streamlined, very ridged, less likely to ever have a tank slip, simple to use, and upgradeable into any level of diving you may wish to pursue.

I just bought a Dive Rite stainless steel BP, wing with 59#'s of lift, Highland Mills tank bands, and Dive Rite 300 bar manifold with isolator for $540 US. This is about $100 more than what I paid for my Seaquest BC that I no longer have use for. (I will use it for single tank dives since I already have it).

--Matt

I agree. When I was first certified (80's) I got a Scubapro jacket BC, sure it did the job for what it was intended, but I soon outgrew it (diving wise). I then went through 3 other bc's, each as my diving progressed. My last bc purchase was a BP/wing setup, and since I have accumulated 4 BP/wings each geared towards a certain type of diving. The only BC that you will NEVER outgrow in scuba certs and experience IMO is the BP/wing setup. They are versatile, can do singles as well as doubles, you only have to replace the parts as they wear out; wing...harness...you dont have to replace the entire bc.

Don't get me wrong, I still dive with a SeaQuest Balance on occassion, but if you are looking to purchase ONE bc that can be used throughout your diving progression I recommend a BP/wing setup.

If on the other hand you don't have any intention on going to doubles and DECO diving, just about all the BC's on the market will fit the bill, it then becomes a matter of personal preference.

Good luck!

 

[Max_Power]

Thanks for the advice guys. I am definately going to go with the BP/Wing set up. I like the idea of the Transpac II harness and interchangable wing. I will stick with single tank, no deco for the mo, so which wing do you recommend??

 

[IndigoBlue]

Thanks for the advice guys. I am definately going to go with the BP/Wing set up. I like the idea of the Transpac II harness and interchangable wing. I will stick with single tank, no deco for the mo, so which wing do you recommend??

Since you already finished your basic open water cert, and since you already have some experience with rental gear, and since you do intend to graduate to doubles and to deco diving, you are the only new diver whom I have met on this board who I would recommend that you actually SHOULD get a backplate configuration.

Before you buy it, find yourself a tech instructor first. And see what he/she recommends. There are several backplate styles available. See what your intended instructor recommends, and then buy it from his store.

Then you will have the opportunity to get really familiar with it before you go onto deco, and that will give you more confidence later.

Good luck. Welcome to ScubaBoard.

 

[Max_Power]

Cheers everyone I have definately decided on the wing as the way ahead. I have posted another thread with my choices, would appriciate your views there too.

 

[pvcole]

Max, I have a DR Rec Wing which I use on my TransPlate and TransPak. It is a few years old so if I had it to do over I would choose a new DR doughnut shaped wing rather than a horseshoe shape, just because it is easier to rinse the inside. I like 50-65 lbs of lift for cold water diving (Seattle, WA, USA area). Perry