Steve,

I don't dive doubles. I dive HP119's but Mike dives doubles and so do a lot of the other guys and gals but not everyone. You'll find these guys are very accommodating, knowledgeable, and helpful. I've had nothing but great experiences thus far. And instead of doing one long dive, they will break it up and do 2.

Jay

I don't do doubles either yet. I am thinking about getting my own tank i was leaning more towards a High Pressure 100 so that if and when i decide to do doubles the tanks will be more manageable. What are your thoughts about diving doubles do you really think doing the course is necessary. But this is still future thinking not till next year at earliest.

Steve,

Don't get intimidated by doubles. I dive them, but all that really means is that I have two tank on my back instead of one (plus the bailout/sling 40 cf bottle on my side). It also means I don't (usually) have to change out tanks between dives. I actually prefer singles. Just because someone has doubles, it doesn't make them a better diver than someone who has singles (no offense to most of y'all diving doubles )

I understand that. and i am sure i will do doubles just not right now. I spent enough money at the moment lol. But what i like is the ability to have a little longer of a dive and the redundancy if there was an issue and the extra gas to have a relaxing dive. As i am sure you still can with a bigger tank. As of yet i have only dove Aluminum 80 so hopfully will be able to get little better bottom time when i get the HP steel 100.

Steve,
Yes I would definitely get tanks, HP100 would be fine and if you are so inclined you can convert them into doubles later. I myself would keep some singles around and purchase doubles later on. You have to remember that you have to lug those things around when you go diving so sometimes singles may be a better option. As far as redundancy most dive charters require that you dive with a sling or pony bottle with its own 1st an 2nd stage unless you are diving doubles. I have a 20cuft pony that goes on my tank and I'm good to go.

Just FYI you can always look around and find deals on used dive gear. I bought my tanks used and got an incredible deal on them. I had them inspected, filled and I was off to Dutch for a day of diving with Mike..LOL
As soon as Mike says the word, we'll get together and go diving.

Jay

Sweet Yea im ok with that. I have been told about the redundency with goin on boat dives that makes me want to do doubles more personally i would rather have double tanks then sling something. i know some people do both personally i dont like the idea of sligin the bottle just because its something hanging there. But thats why there are different methods of this each person feels comfortable a certain way. And thats why i was thinking abiout goin with the 100's because i could use them as the single and when ready to go to doubles i could buy another one and double them up:)

Steve what kind of gear do you have so far?

Halcyon Eclipse System w/ added 6lb weight, 40lb wing, SS backplate and ACB Weighting Systems
Halcyon Trim Weights
Bought the Halcyon Doubles wing 60Lb
Scuba Pro Mk17/G250V Reg W R295 Back up on Long/Short Hose
Bare Trilam HD Tech Dry Drysuit
Fouth Element Arctic Undergarment
Turtle Fins
Oceanic Pro plus 2 computer

You have some pretty hardcore gear for someone just starting out! You don't need much else, a good light and a back up if you don't already have one. You really need tanks my friend, that would put you over the top..hahaha You've spent that much money you might as well go and get two HP100's..

Yea i had alot of good advice and did a whole of researching. My thoughts are i dont want to have to buy anything twice I'd rather do it right the first time and be covered. So now im pretty much future Proof. Plus i was able to Negotiate a pretty good deal with everything. If or when i decide to do wreck or cavern or whatever i dont need to purchase new equipment. But yea If i get tanks i can only get one for now i have spent alot of money especially since i had to buy 2 of everything. So the lights and doubles tanks will have to wait lol. That will be next years thing unless i come into some extra un expected money