Deco stage set up

[videogirl]

I am currently doing a Nitrox Decompression course and am looking at possible stage set ups for my deco gas. I currently dive with a single cylinder (12l) and a pony. I potentially may switch to a twin set at some point in the next year or so.

What would people recommend as a stage set up for deco? Does anyone use a 3l deco cylinder attached with a clamp on the other side of the cylinder (2 pony set up?)

[witchieblackcat]

Originally Posted by videogirl

I am currently doing a Nitrox Decompression course and am looking at possible stage set ups for my deco gas. I currently dive with a single cylinder (12l) and a pony. I potentially may switch to a twin set at some point in the next year or so.

What would people recommend as a stage set up for deco? Does anyone use a 3l deco cylinder attached with a clamp on the other side of the cylinder (2 pony set up?)

You mean the Space Shuttle configuration
I've seen it done but personally I'd prefer a twin for what you're contemplating

[videogirl]

I quite fancy a twin set too but just about finished house renovating so the bank account is looking a bit empty!

[broady]

My advice - make kit decisions after the course, you'll save money from making purchase mistakes.

If after the course you're struggling to find funds to purchase additional kit e.g. stages etc... ask around to see if you can borrow a stage or two, or pair up with someone on a dive that can lend you kit it need be.

In my opinion if you can't afford the right kit for the dive - don't do the dive.

Hope that helps

G

[DAFFY]

our DO dives this configuration, one pony for bail out and one with a 80% mix. I think he has dived this set up for years. Strange thing is he is quite anti-twins citing weight as one reason yet a 15l+ 2 3ltr ponies probably do not weight much less than twin 10's/12's

[Clare Gledhill]

Are you sure it would be a lot cheaper doing it this way?

You have one pony and reg already, and are contemplating buying another and a clamp to mount it plus the regulator. If you sell your single and put the money together with what you have saved buy not buying another 3 litre, you will not be too far out in the second hand market. That way you don't face losing even more money when you switch to a twinset soon - as per your plans. Wings and things are another matter - but i have no idea what you are currently diving so can't advise on this really.

There will be people who will tell you that it can be done - I've seen it done. But whether or not it is a good configuration is another matter. Don't forget that the set will also be massively heavy on the surface.

[NotDeadYet]

What Broady says. You should get a chance to play with different set ups.

I prefer a side slung bottle, I like access to the valves/regs, I like it being tucked out the way from anyone grabbing it and I like being able to take it off/hand it off if needs be. Downside is with a normal stab jacket then it isn't particularly convenient as the d-rings are usually fixed and in the wrong place. Ideally a webbing harness is best.

Worn on the back there are downsides to the way it's rigged. You can clip off the 2nd stage like a pony reg in which case it can be mistaken for a pony reg. You can invert it and shut the valve off in which case if it gets mistaken for a pony reg then someone is going to get a reg which will go dead after one breath. You could bungee the hose against the cylinder out the way and pull it out when you need it but once it's out you can't put it away on your own.

If you want to borrow a stage and/or twinset for the SOM trip let me know, I've got spares. As Clare says, flog the pony, buy another cylinder and set up twins. With a single cylinder the time advantage of carrying a deco stage is minimal (especially if restricted to EAN50 or something post course), better off spending the money on twins rather than a stage which isn't gaining you much.

Cheers,

Stuart

[chrisch]

I don't see the point of a nitrox deco course unless you move to twins to get the capacity of back gas you need to be bothered with accelerated deco. The wakko BSAC course aside (you need to do ERD at the same time IMHO) all the Advanced Nitrox courses use twins for the training....

Chris

[IanDennis]

I've seen it done too - 15 and 2x7 ltr- not sure what the diver was trying to achieve but far to heavy and I would suggest an accident waiting to happen.

There are better ways of rigging kit and diving to the sorts of depths where you need to employ such strategies - as wisely suggested above if your doing the sort of dives where you intend to use decompression procedures then really you should really be on twins.

There seem to be some very good deals around at the moment on 2nd hand fabers

Surely your instructor on your course can give you some guidance upon better configurations?

[Reikimaster]

personally i would not dive with a deco mix and or bailout, that i can not confirm when going to it.

1 pony on your back for bail out = great you know what it is and where it is.

2 (one for bail, one for deco) which is which where are the regs, what if someone else takes your 80% reg in an OOA

i would seriously suggest twins and a 7lt stage