I was just curious what others thought about diving with an H-valve while diving recreationally? Seems like a good idea to me for redundancy and self-reliance, but I’m not sure of the downside if any.
Thanks in advance for your insight.
Kevin
Your buddy is your redundancy. The entire buddy system is based on that concept. If you are progressing towards being a solo diver then an H valve is a half step and not a good one, IMO a half step backwards. It creates complexity and more failure points while at the same time not offering true redundancy. Think it though. A slung auxiliary bottle would be a better choice. It provides true redundancy and is acceptable for solo or self reliancy per both SDI and PADI.
I will add, if this is in relation to a regular buddy (wife, friend, brother, whoever) then your buddy/team skills need to be addressed. If this is in regard an insta-buddy, you have my sympathy, then proceed with due consideration of exactly what it is you wish to accomplish, a H valve is not true redundancy.
N