Hello out there, Al Webber from the Central Valley of California here, a new DH diver with a freshened up (but not yet Phoenixed) D.A.A.M. and a couple of tank questions.
I have a single steel 72 with a J valve set up with a USD KamPack that I really like using, it fits me well and is comfortable. The tanks I'm having a little trouble with are the twin 72s (with J valve) that I just got. They came with a 3-piece manifold and simple, narrow (1") webbing that is attached directly to the tank bands without any sort of backpack. I'm thinking that I'd prefer some sort of a backpack between the tanks and my back but have not run across anything like a "twin KamPack". What do you guys like to use for twin tanks? Also, the 3-piece manifold deal worries me a little, leaks at the joints and such (no actual leaks, just me worrying)- is this a real worry such that I should look for a 1-piece manifold or should I forget about it?
I'm also thinking about when I take both the single 72 and the twins into the ocean (I've been limiting myself to local lakes until I get used to this "new" stuff)- I think I'd prefer a B.C. in the ocean, especially as I'll be diving with my girlfriend who will be using a modern singlehose on a B.C.- I want to have the same basic operational layout as she's pretty new to scuba in general. Is anyone here using Bryan's Ultimate BCD SetUp with twin tanks? How are you attaching the tanks to the BC? Any other suggestions for a newby?
Thanks for your thoughts-