Manifolds and Twinning Bands

[And]

Hi

B4 I go running off to Roho, SDS, Diverswarehouse or even Lids I thought I'd ask what manifolds and twinning bands you recommend. I understand the Scubapro one is good but that they don't do a 300 bar one anymore (DIR recommendation but not sure whether it really matters) I'd like twin 12's cos I have a spare 12ltr Faber cylinder already less than  a year old and so I'll just match up a new one.

I like to get good value for money (don't we all) but I don't really know the price ranges.

Kindest Regards

WL

[Duncan]

MDE manifolds are the best but also the most expensive (you pays your money......)
a mates just got a good price from Deep blue ( full manifold MDE) £150 thats about the cheapest ive seen em.

[Mr T.]

I just scored my MDE manifold and OMS bands from Andy Hayhurst - I can't print the prices on here as that would start at riot. Suffice to say that I recommend that you call him for a quote on TEL: 07702 - 819381.

Good luck. I have a feeling you might be pleased.

[Mark]

Halcyon now make a 300BAR manifold. http://www.halcyon.net/acc/manifold.shtml Should be available from a dealer near you. I guess it will cost about the same as the S/Pro - FTP is &#36254/£158.

The best tanks bands you can get are from Highland Millworks. I have some and they are lovely! You can now get them in the uk from Abyss uk - http://www.abyssuk.com They are not cheap but they are very good.

(Edited by Mark at 9:49 am on Jan. 29, 2003)

[Ian Murray]

Have a look at the manifold sold by Beaver watersports
http://www.beaversports.co.uk/
It's in the valves section.
It's basically the same one as the Scubapro (twin barrel 'o' rings) but costs less as they haven't been 'branded'.

Regards, Ian.

[Dr Stevil]

I've got an MDE manifold so very happy to hear what you said Dunc, but I read that a certain style of diver (mentioning no acronyms) prefer scubapro, yet I'd always been led to believe MDE was "the mutts nuts", oh well, c'est la vie
Chee-az
Steve

[Ian Murray]

There some good descriptions and details of manifolds on the gas diving site

http://www.gasdiving.co.uk/pages/misc/kit/cylinder.htm

regards, Ian.

[Duncan]

Think Scubapro earned its good rep early on, since then MDE has become the best, scubapro are still good but i think MDE are better finished.
well thats my thoughts whatever there worth!

[Bob Cooper]

For bands and manifolds contact Mario Arena at North Eastern Divers.  He has the Scubatec "Italan" manifold, 300 bar (same one that Halcyon supply) for Euro 140 including UK shipping.  I have a photograph of this. e-mail me and I will send you a pic.

He also has Highland bands (#700 to fit UK 12.2L Faber steel tanks) for Euro 110.

Contact Mario at ntnar@tin.it or fax +39.040.303585

Alternatively, Underwater Explorers in Portland have bands made in Czeck Republic which are a very good copy of the Highland bands (about £70). In my opinion, you can't beat the Highland bands.

Hope this helps.

Bob