Doubles deal??

Hymark Cylinders AL80 or AL72 Doubles Package - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL

I am curious if you guys think this is a good deal or not.

I am in the market for a set of doubles but don't know much about Hymark cylinders.
I was thinking I could get a couple of valves, break the set down for when I need a couble of exta single-cylinders.

What are your thoughts??

Ron

It is a pretty good deal - you would basically be getting the bands for free.

Single AL 72's are superb for stages - especially if you practice 1/2 plus 200 gas management with your stages - as the tank is about neutral and floats fairly level in the water with 500 psi and a stage reg attached compared to an AL 80. The Al 72 is also a 6.9" diameter so it is a bit thinner and easier to work with as a stage. I am assuming the 7.25" bands work ok on the smaller tanks but you'd want to confirm that first.

Either double 72s (144 cu ft of gas at 3000 psi) or double 80s (154 cu ft of gas at a 3000 psi) would be enough for short to moderate deco dives in the 130-150 ft range.

The 7.25" bands and the manifold would also work well with any 7.25" diameter tanks so you could move up to X7-100s or, if you are fairly tall, X7-120s.

Thanks guys for the information!!


Ron

The Hymark cylinders have approximately the same buoyancy characteristics as Luxfers.

This is a good price on pre-assembled doubles. But take a look around locally at used sets before you buy (unless you are determined upon new gear). At least in my area, people buy doubles and then give them up or trade up, and used sets often go for a third or more below new price.

Ron, may depend on your interests. If you have an interest in caves or deeper dives, you may be happier with with a set of larger capacity steel tanks. Otherwise, the above package may fit your needs.
Ditto what the above poster said about the price. Not sure where in Ga you are but you may want to check out any doubles packages from some of the cave shops in Florida. Not trying to steer you towards cave - they just have a lot of experience with doubles, their trim and buoyancy characteristics, set up, lift requirements, BP/W set ups, etc. (And you may know that already)

You could try Edd at caveadventurers.com - Home in Marianna or Rich at Cave Excursions in High Springs - about 3 miles from Ginnie. Also in Ga, you could try Chattahooche Scuba in Columbus. If these shops are close enough, you could save on shipping charges in addition to assistance in assembling the doubles.

Good luck.