Reg Braithwaite
Contributor
Ok, I know zip, nada, zilch about side mounting other than what appears to be obvious: Independent doubles slung under each arm like stages. Over in Basic Scuba a few folks are re-debating pony bottles and arguing that they make a good travel option since taking manifolded doubles can be arduous.
So... Given appropriate training in their use, could sidemounting a pair of AL80s be a good travel option for situations where more gas and/or redundancy is needed? For example, I just returned from Cozumel. I passed on Punta Sur/The Devil's Throat, a dive that goes to 130' and includes a short cave section. I felt that a single AL80 was cutting things too fine for my personal taste.
Very naïve question, I know, and I am not advocating trying such a thing without specific SM training. Just curious about what people with SM experience think about using them for less technical environments...
So... Given appropriate training in their use, could sidemounting a pair of AL80s be a good travel option for situations where more gas and/or redundancy is needed? For example, I just returned from Cozumel. I passed on Punta Sur/The Devil's Throat, a dive that goes to 130' and includes a short cave section. I felt that a single AL80 was cutting things too fine for my personal taste.
Very naïve question, I know, and I am not advocating trying such a thing without specific SM training. Just curious about what people with SM experience think about using them for less technical environments...