What form of redundant Gas supply is preferred?

[Bartman69]

Hello all. I've known for a long time that I would be joining the ranks of Solo Divers at some point. I'm getting to the comfort level where it's getting close to be a reality. I've got some classes scheduled here in the next couple months to get myself to where I want to be. This is by no means a Troll post or anything like that. I value the input of all the Solo Divers in this section. Even the ones that seem to be a Jack*** have contributed some good info in the years I've been reading this section. So the question is:

What is your preferred form of redundancy? Independant doubles, manifolded doubles, Mounted Pony Tank, Slung Pony or anything else that I haven't yet thought of...

Thank you in advance

 

[DennisS]

Spare Air is better than nothing

 

[Bartman69]

Spare Air is better than nothing

Now I intentionally left it off in fear of being accused of trolling. lol but since you brought it up we'll add it to the list

 

[DaleC]

I currently dive ST72 independant twins.
I sometimes also dive a small (19cuft.) pony with my vintage rig or when I'm experimenting.
I used to dive a larger (30cuft.) pony/single tank.
I have used manifolded doubles in the past.

Everybody has an opinion on which system is better but I feel all systems are valid if one understands the benefits and drawbacks and adjusts for the type of dives one is doing. For me, I appreciate the larger gas capacity of doubles plus the fully redundant nature and adaptability of independant twins. They serve my type of diving well.

 

[cmburch]

Northern California single tank recreational diver.

No redundant air supply other than surfacing if need be when diving solo.

I freedive more than SCUBA as I get older.

 

[Bartman69]

Northern California single tank recreational diver.

No redundant air supply other than surfacing if need be when diving solo.

I freedive more than SCUBA as I get older.

Ex NorCal diver here. Use to dive folsom lake alot. Ahhh the good ole days

 

[fire_diver]

The best AAS would be doubles, either manifolded or independent. The problem is that most people end up using them to extend the dive instead of as an emergency reserve. Next would be a pony. I prefer slung for valve access and ease of removal. Size of pony should be determined by your SAC, work load SAC, and depth of planned dive.

Yeah, true, a spare air is better than nothing. The problem with thier tiny size is that at even typical rec depths, its very possible to run out of air with that. They are basically a CESA tool. If you want to make a normal surface profile you need bigger.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Slung 30 or 40.

 

[ianr33]

What is your preferred form of redundancy? Independant doubles, manifolded doubles, Mounted Pony Tank, Slung Pony or anything else that I haven't yet thought of...

It depends on the dives you are doing to a large extent.

 

[pnw_diver]

With the caveat that I keep my solo dives shallower than 60 feet, and I stay well within no-decompression limits... I usually dive with a slung 19cf pony. However, I do plan on getting a slung 40 for the extra safety margin.