Transpac XT Twin Tank Question

[The_Aviator_1]

I just purchased a Transpac XT and I plan on taking it to Mexico with me. Unfortunately, I won't be able to assemble a set of doubles there, but I want to use twin tanks at least. I haven't had any real experience with a Transpac, so this is my question. I have the transpac and a REC EXP wing. I also have all the necessary regulators and SPG's, as well as the double cylinder bands. Can I just use them independently without the manifold and switch between regulators during the dive to leave a safe reserve in each tank while using the 1/3 rule? This is my first venture into doubles, as I've always used sidemount in the past and I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!

 

[gekodivebali]

Why not stick to what you know and dive sidemount?

 

[rongoodman]

Where are you going in Mexico? There are certainly manifolded doubles available in cave country.

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

Exactly, why not Sidemount???? I personally recommend a BP for doubles over soft back harness (Transpac). BP offers a lot better back support for the doubles. If you are going to stay with the Tanspac and doubles then make sure you get the Stabilizer Plates.

 

[Cyprian]

Folks, I believe you misunderstood his question. He has the Transpac XT with a Rec Wing. It's not the side-mount Nomad XT. So he has SM experience, but he's asking about a non-SM setup. That's the way I read it anyway.

Safe dives,

Cyp

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

The_Aviator_1 - "I've always used sidemount in the past"

This is the statement that lead to our response.

 

[Cyprian]

I understand, Wayne and didn't mean anything by what I said.

I was just pointing out that he apparently wants to dive his new BM setup as opposed to his SM setup and that is why he was asking the question. When I had quickly read over the post at first...I saw Dive Rite and XT and SM and immediately thought he was diving the Nomad, as I am used to seeing XT associated with the Nomad.

Anyway, carry on gentlmen, I'm just babbling and taking up thread space.

 

[The_Aviator_1]

I appreciate all the responses and I completely understand where the initial thought would be why change. After open water my initial venture into tech was always side mount. And while I do enjoy it, I've always been curious to know what it was like to dive double back mounted and to experience the differences between the two so I can decide which I prefer myself. It's probably a waste of money but at least ill be able to say that I've tried it haha. Thank you for the stabilizer plate information I just ordered a set and I apologize for taking so long to respond back. I was out of cell phone range so I couldn't get on. I was starting to go through sb withdrawal!

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

No worries Cyprian, I just wanted to explain my reasoning behind my comment.

Aviator - Like I said, if you want to give it a fair evaluation, a Backplate will make a huge difference over the Transpac. When I first started diving doubles, I too did it with the Transpac and a Wreck Wing. After months of diving that way, my brother said I should be in a BP. I switched and saw a difference, then he pointed out that I should be using a wing that is meant for doubles and I switched to a Classic Wing. Both changes were huge and made a big improvement to my overall control in the water and I have never looked back (when it comes to philosophy) with diving doubles. Being that everything is new and you want to use it for doubles, I would try to exchange it for the BP (SS or Alum.) w/Classic 360 wing and that would be a much better combo for the doubles. Hope you don't mind the post, just want to share the experience I went through and try to steer you right the first time around. Secondly, I would try to find an quality Instructor/mentor that can help you set up your harness/doubles and that can help you with valve management techniques. Without proper guidance a lot of people have trouble reaching valves and working them properly.