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that, though I never bother trying to get DIN tanks, I just swap over to yoke and call it good...
Can I reverse a tank and regulator
- Thread starter trrchaney
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that, though I never bother trying to get DIN tanks, I just swap over to yoke and call it good...
high/baric
Contributor
I use DIN and regardless of whether I ask the dive shop in advance or not, almost always they have DIN tanks or can covert one for me. After all, most yoke-style tanks are just DIN tanks with an insert screwed in, and provided the shop has maintained them somehow they should be able to remove that insert for you (this is my experience at least). However, I always carry the adapter with me just in case.
Edit: Of course I don't mean you should just go there and expect them to accommodate you. It is polite to ask them in advance. The times I did not have a chance to ask about it beforehand were unusual circumstances, but as said, it still worked out most of the time.
Edit: Of course I don't mean you should just go there and expect them to accommodate you. It is polite to ask them in advance. The times I did not have a chance to ask about it beforehand were unusual circumstances, but as said, it still worked out most of the time.
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Russoft
Contributor
Most placed I've dived have DIN tanks available upon request, though I usually give them advanced notice. The only place that didn't was a resort in Mexico. I used the adapter there, but never had a problem hitting my head on the 1st stage. Maybe try modifying the height at which you mount your tank? My 1st stage is relatively compact and doesn't have a fancy swivel mechanism so maybe that's why I never ran into an issue.
I have an Allen wrench set so the DIN dial-out is easily removed by me. I just ask the dive shop or boat crew beforehand so they know what I'm planning. Easy.
high/baric
Contributor
I should definitely get one those as well. The only problem is that if the shop has old tanks and has just let the part sit in without ever removing it for maintenance it is likely that it can no longer be removed or a DIN first stage attached in its stead due to corrosion in the thread from salt water. In fact that's just about one of the only bad things about DIN (compared to yoke), if you have your own tank you have to check and clean that thread with the rest of your gear after diving. Yoke is much more resilient to neglect and that's one of its main selling points when diving ops with large volumes of tanks are concerned.
Kca3131
Registered
Think what your instructor would say if you put the tank on backwards. It looks like it is time to get your own tank with a DIN valve. Or if you are traveling, try to find an operator with DIN tanks. Or buy a new reg.
Stoo
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So many valves are convertible, you might be surprised at how common they are.
I hate those adapters too, so when I travel, instead of carrying an adapter, I carry a spare identical first stage that is a yoke model. It cost a few bucks more, but relative to the cost of all the dive trips you're going on, it's peanuts... If you get there and find that there's no DIN, you swap your hoses, and away you go. No more head-whacking, and more importantly, you won't have to put up with every DM and guest on the boat who feels the urge to point out that you have your reg on back-asswards...
I hate those adapters too, so when I travel, instead of carrying an adapter, I carry a spare identical first stage that is a yoke model. It cost a few bucks more, but relative to the cost of all the dive trips you're going on, it's peanuts... If you get there and find that there's no DIN, you swap your hoses, and away you go. No more head-whacking, and more importantly, you won't have to put up with every DM and guest on the boat who feels the urge to point out that you have your reg on back-asswards...
I've got 2 regulators. 1 DIN, 1 yoke. (I also have an adapter for the the DIN)
Have you considered switching to a back-mounted BCD. They tend to put more space between your head and the tank. I have a Zeagle Tech and a Zeagle Ranger. I don't really have head-butting problems with those. I only have the head-butting problem when I use the tiny little tropical BCD I use for traveling. But since yoke seems to be the only type tank I encounter traveling, I just take a yoke reg.
halocline
Contributor
Yes you can do this. You have to change some hoses around. Exactly how you do it depends on your 1st stage, like does it have 2 HP ports. There is an increased danger of smacking the 1st stage but in OW it's not much. I know people that do this in Cozumel because DIN tanks are not easily available with most dive ops. You can also try, as people suggested, lowering the tank a bit and angling the BC a bit so the 1st stage is not sticking directly in the back of your head.
This is EXACTLY why I get peeved when folks on SB advise new recreational divers in the U.S. to get DIN regs, because DIN is "better." Not when using one of the adapters!
It's really not much more of a pain to convert your 1st stage to yoke for the trip. Keep this up and you'll just buy a yoke regulator; even just a yoke 1st stage would make your life a little easier.
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