New To Board, Not To SCUBA

[lapowers57]

I have been an on again, off again diver. Originally certified in 1971. I still remember that there were two bags of regulators that came to the class, on full of shiny new single hose regulators and one full of older double hose regulators. I always chose a regulator from the second bag. Being young and poor my first regulator was a single hose and I witnessed the death of the double hose. I have too many hobbies so they tend to ebb and flow. It has been a few years since I did any serious diving and now the bug is hitting me again.

I have been quite pleased to learn that the double hose regulator is actually alive and well and being nurtured by certain divers. I would like to assemble a new set of gear that includes a double hose regulator, steel tanks and a horse collar BC.

Any information that people can provide me on what to look for in a good vintage double hose and how to safely use vintage gear would be appreciated. Any FAQ's that people can recommend would be great place to start.

My early diving was in Candlewood Lake in the 70's it was still a relatively clear cool water lake. Being man made there were plenty of bridges, foundations and other structures to explore. And the deep part of the lake was 90ft a very scary depth to the neophyte teen diver. The last time I was really into diving it was the late 90's and in Southern New England. I dove a few of the local wrecks as well as exploring rocky shore lines. I now have the bug to visit some more wrecks here, in Lake Champlain and the great lakes.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[JES]

Welcome "lapowers57"!.

Thank you for introducing yourself. You have definitely come to the right place for Vintage Diving.

It's great that you have decided to become a part of this community. I think you'll find that the members are friendly, extremely helpful and very knowledgeable.

If you use the search feature (located on the title bar at the top of the page) and read the various posts you probably find everything your looking for. However, please don't forget that your questions are always welcome. ;D

Welcome aboard and remember to stay connected, post often and dive safe!


Best Regards,

JES

[scubadiverbob]

Royal Aquamaster (a.k.a. RAM) is a good doublehose reg to start with (you mentioned 90 ft. depth - they can do it, no problem!). I use a Aquamaster DA; but, due to medical reasons very seldom dive that deep anymore. They are also great regulators. If you can find a RAM that was designed for 3,500 psi that's the best. I like these, 'cause they have an IP port to attach to a bc hose.

You will find, besides vintage divers, some underwater photographers use a doublehose to keep bubbles from interfering with photography; they are less expensive than closed system rebreathers.

Welcome to the forum.

Robert