View Full Version : twinsets manifolded or independent
Twin sets, some people have a manifold, some use independent sets.
Which is safer & why?
Scenario 1…..first stag failure!
Manifold:-
You have the option to isolate, shutdown, reopen isolation & still have all your air to use.
Independents:-
Shut down & bail out on your single cylinder with no access to the air in the now shut down cylinder.
Scenario 2….manifold isolation tap knocked & leaking badly.
Manifold:-
You’re in trouble, isolate, bail & hope for the best?
Independent:-
No issues
Comments, scenarios or real life experiences appreciated.
Lizardland
05-10-06, 23:10
Safest is whatever you're used to or know how to use. A manifold is completely pointless if you can't reach the valves AND know which valve to shutdown when; independants are a waste of time if you don't have the discipline to keep a balance between the bottles by switching valves. I've seen divers with manifolds that have to go through a whole procedure of moves in order to reach the manifold and I've also seen divers that don't keep on top of their reg switching when on indpendants.
Personally I usually always manifold my twinsets but I do have some sets that are independant. I think a manifold is simpler for hose routing and general diving practice but that's just me. I also like having one reg in for the whole of the dive. I dived for a long time on independants but after I got my first manifold (about 12 years ago) I wouldn't go back.
Cheers,
Stuart
As it has already been pointed out Manifolds are only any good if you can reach the valves easily. I know a number of divers who are very proud of the fact that they can reach there valves, although it takes a couple of minutes and a great deal of contortion. I'm sure they'd be stuffed in a confined space or a real emergency.
I dive with inverted manifolded twins - the valves can be reached in seconds with no struggle at all. Can't understand why more manifold divers don't adopt this method. Is it some sort of macho thing?
I prefer to keep my twin 3s independent :D
Lizardland
06-10-06, 12:41
I dive with inverted manifolded twins - the valves can be reached in seconds with no struggle at all. Can't understand why more manifold divers don't adopt this method. Is it some sort of macho thing?
I thought diving with inverted twins was the macho option :)
I don't like them for a number of reasons. You need custom length hoses for your wing and regs. I found it hard to reach the valves if I had stage bottles on. You need some kind of protection for the valves or you risk battering them when getting your kit on and off. The main reason is I can reach my manifold easy enough so I don't need to complicate things.
Using a manifold needs a bit of common sense. I've been in some very tight places with manifolded sets i.e. chest on floor, cylinders scraping roof. There is no way that you would be able to reach your valves and no way either that anyone could donate a reg in that situation so I shut the isolator before I go through and then open it on the other side. For the time I'm in the restriction, I'm essentially on independants. You can see a confined space coming so you react to it.
Like Ding, I'm on inverted independant twin 3's now anyway :)
[QUOTE=Lizardland;3011]I thought diving with inverted twins was the macho option :)QUOTE]
I thought diving with inverted twins was the macho option
Prehaps we should take the macho bit out of the equation.
At the end of the day if it works for you then it's right
Hi Pacman,
Welcome aboard.
Can you do us an introduction in Jimmy's.
Cheers.