Using back mount doubles as single tanks

[Fishdip]

So any reason I could not use doubles as if they are individual tanks IE no manifold?

 

[Pumpkin King]

I’ve seen the term “independent doubles” used to describe this configuration.

 

[rhwestfall]

Why? In what configuration would you use them? What do you gain?

 

[PEDiver]

Independent doubles have neither the pros of manifolded doubles (no regulator switching, access to all gas via the manifold, etc.) nor the pros of sidemount (valves where you can see and easily manipulate them). I also have not personally seen or heard of any widespread manifold failures to make me think they are inherently more failure-prone than diving without a manifold. The pros/cons just don't line up for me - either dive manifolded doubles or dive sidemount if you want independent tanks.

 

[Angelo Farina]

There is one simple advantage: you can assemble a twin-tank setup "on the spot" by two single tanks.
Good in places where no "real" twin tank (or large single tanks) are available.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I also have not personally seen or heard of any widespread manifold failures to make me think they are inherently more failure-prone than diving without a manifold. The pros/cons just don't line up for me - either dive manifolded doubles or dive sidemount if you want independent tanks.

There's actually been a push by some to completely do away with the isolator valve because in a lot of OOG situations the diver has been found with one tank still with gas. They either rolled it the wrong way or forgot or whatever.

That's always in the back of my mind when I splash. Always check my isolator

 

[Cio]

I do it for travel, just bring bands and in 5 mins you are good to go.

 

[DAJ]

I’ve seen the term “independent doubles” used to describe this configuration.

We use to call those twins. If they are connected, they are doubles.

 

[Angelo Farina]

There's actually been a push by some to completely do away with the isolator valve because in a lot of OOG situations the diver has been found with one tank still with gas. They either rolled it the wrong way or forgot or whatever.

That's always in the back of my mind when I splash. Always check my isolator

My twin tank (and that of my wife) are manifolded, but they do not have an isolator exactly for this reason. I always want to be sure that both regs have access to all of my gas.
However, these Aralu twin tanks have a spring-loaded reserve, which ensures that, even after a catastrophic failure (like an O-ring extrusion), and after closing the affected valve, you can pull the reserve and retrieve a substantial amount of air.

 

[Fishdip]

I’ve seen the term “independent doubles” used to describe this configuration.

Well that pulled up what I was looking for thank you!