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I have a brand new in box Deep Outdoors 85# wing, and a set of pressed steel 95's doubles L/P with manifold w/isolator O2 cleand last hydro was 11/91 + Very nice tanks but they are to heavy for me set up as doubles. I need to sell them or trade them for some L/P steel 85 because of back problems I need lighter tanks.
Not interested in the tanks or wing, just wanted to tell you that as one with back problems myself you will love going to the 85's. You might also want to consider giving sidemount a try. Good luck with it 8)
I cant find anyone to teach me sidemount cause I do not have enough cave dives. and you have to be full cave in order to start logging them. I sure hate it for open water people that want to do side mount for health reasons. I hope they are not clostraphobic L.O.L. I talked with Brian Kacook last night at Cathy's and he said that they are working on writing up a new program for people to do sidemount without the cave dives but he will not be able to do this till late this year and so it will be next year or so before they get it all worked out..
Not really that much to it once you have your basics out of the way. A class can be a good thing, but it could certainly be done with the aid of a good mentor. I learned with the help of a friend/mentor, after having several folks recomend that I try it given my back problems. Now if I can just get a rig put together and make the switch full time. I see nothing wrong with swimming SM in OW myself. Once I get something set up I doubt if I ever put tanks on my back again. Until then, the 85's are the way to go.
Well I was talking to Brian and he said that the faber 85's are the best tanks he has ever used for side mount.
Faber 85's are the best I've ever used period. The thing I like about SM is that it makes it possible for me to use a larger tank if I need to without having to worry about my back supporting the load. 85's are good for the tight spots as they can be pumped up and provide plenty of gas and still have a slim profile. I can usually pump my 85's up and sling an 80 and match most folks with those heavy arse 104's.
Now you are making me rethink it all. with two atrifcial hips and no weight on my back. go SM. I have not dived sidemount in 13 years of cave diving. Might be something to re-think. thanks guys. I know DUH!! :roll:
Not to keep this thread off-track... but I also have to vouch for the 85s in sidemount. I started with my 108s because that was what I had... I still dive them when doing long dives, but recently Rennaker gave me his personal 85s to use and I was sold right away... I was using them to hit a real small sidemount tunnel where I knew the 108s would be big, and I am glad I did. I will be ordering the 85s as soon as my DUI comes in and I pay it off... :?
My fiance is gonna kill me with all this gear buying... :wink: