Valves up or down? Considerations...

[KenGordon]

VALVE PROTECTORS

Another option might be independent twins, or leaving the manifold closed. Or go directly to a rebreather.

You have my sympathy with the elbow. Persist with the physio.

 

[KevinNM]

From a UK GUE instructor
http://divedir.com/Blog/reaching-your-valves.html

Twinset Configuration

I thought I’d avoid this one, but it will no doubt appear on any subsequent thread so let’s just get it out of the way. This is one of those TRUTH moments, where you have the priveledge of sharing something which many people seems to struggle with but is an undeniable fact. Are you ready? Here we go. Inverted cylinders are easier to shutdown. Sorry!

There’s so many pros and cons of both ways that I am not going to get into it, but the fact remains that from a perspective of shut downs, inverting is the way forwards, so to speak. Many people adopt inverted rigs for this very reason. It doesn’t appeal to me, but then I can do a shutdown. The DIR mob claim that everyone can do a shutdown if their rig is properly configured and they are trained properly in how to trim and weight themselves etc. Well, for the Non-DIR crowd, there really is some truth in this I’m afraid. For the DIR crowd, it is “some” truth, and not the whole of the truth. Some people simply do not have the mobility in their joints and require another solution. This section is in here just to recognise and remind you that the contents are what worked for me, and what I learnt on the way. You may have a pre-existing condition that means inverting is the only way to do it, and if so, go for it! Actually, if you just fancy having inverted cylinders, go for it.

 

[Schwob]

@All of you:
Wow, some really great answers, stuff to read up, links, descriptions, explanations, opinions... all good! .... I need to give this the proper time and thought it deserves prior to saying much more. Inspiring & encouraging from all angles really. Won't get to check it all out prior to the weekend.
In the meantime, thank you all. Excellent!

One correction of a misconception that came up.
It was someone else who was injured (someone mentioned in one of the replies), my mobility trouble is bothersome but not extreme and not not due to injury or an accident. But whoever that person with the arm (shoulder?) injury is that manages to get by just fine with inverted cylinders: Great going!

 

[Remy B.]

You may want to consider Sidemount, if you have shoulder mobility problems.

Me as well wanted to do back mount inverted doubles, I ended up with Sidemount.

If you look for Akimbo here in SB he have a nice setup picture of what he build for him self

 

[RainPilot]

Once you have the stand fitted, there is a lot of weight going on very low (valves, manifold etc etc) so you might have to deal with some trim issues, especially if you are wearing a lot of weight on a belt already.

Nothing that can't be solved, just bears thinking about. Personally, I would go side mount , its changed my life (and my wife's) and I really only dive back mount with my rebreather these days.

There's no scuba police, find what works for you and have at it!

 

[ahereng]

Here's a stand ready made: Inverted Twinset Cylinder Stand

 

[ajtoady]

As someone once told me,,,there are no scuba police!! If you are comfortable and feel secure in your endeavor, by all means give it a whirl. You will have nay sayers in any configuration and really, does it matter? You are the one that will be diving it and if you make the adjustments and learn the limits, dive on! I like independent doubles and I will use a 30 cu ft for a pony/ planned gas in a dive on occasion with a single tank. As you try it, if you do, post your pros and cons for all to share. Safe Dives!!

 

[JohnN]

Here's a stand ready made: Inverted Twinset Cylinder Stand

Sorry for the thread hijack, but I have an unused OMS bracket for inverted doubles. There are brackets that go around the neck of your tanks and a platform to support the tanks.

$30 plus shipping from Oregon

 

[Schwob]

Thank you for bringing up this topic. I broke my right elbow 10 months ago....

I think this turned into a good discussion, but I surely don't deserve credit for anything. Just trying to figure things out that work for me.
You deserve credit for trying with a bum elbow. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Schwob]

I thought a lot about this when I first started diving doubles. There is no question that having the valves down will make them easier to reach and manipulate. On the other hand, with practice, most divers can manipulate their valves when pointed up. Once you learn to manipulate your valves in the upright position, the logistics of upside down mounts and weird hose routing just doesn't make it worth it. I'll admit, that as someone who is not mobility impaired, manipulating my left valve is always more difficult for me; my left shoulder just isn't as flexible. For someone who physically couldn't reach upright valves, I could see upside down mounts as a possible solution though.

Ryan, in principle I agree with all you write.
But things cannot be generalized. What is or isn't worth the trouble always is in the eye of the beholder. I am far from having made up my mind yet, just working on figuring things out. Appreciate the input.