Warning

Every time we sell a manifold or switch block, we shudder a little bit. The gas switch block is used in primarily by hookah surface supply divers to switch from surface supply to emergency bailout gas. Manifolds are primarily used in gas distribution systems. But the key here is that there are not different gas mixtures involved.

Unfortunately divers sometimes get the idea to match these products up with multiple cylinders and/or or quick disconnects to create some type of elaborate system for rapid switching between different gas mixtures and/or cylinders. Gas switching errors are very often involved in technical diving accidents. Over the years we've learned about several near misses and fatalities that were directly attributable to mistakes with switch blocks that were connected to different gas mixtures. No matter how careful the diver, or how many safeguards, we think using switch blocks with different mixtures is a very bad idea.

Trusted Scuba Advice

Advice you can trust from The Scuba Doctor.

Trusted Scuba Advice from The Scuba Doctor

Drysuits, wetsuits and undersuits
at The Scuba DoctorOwning diving equipment represents a long-term investment in fun and safety. A good set of dive gear can last through years of diving and travel, take you to unforgettable experiences in incredible underwater environments and bring you home safely. It is important to buy the right gear for the type of diving you will do, ensure that it fits and is comfortable, be trained in its use and keep it serviced at recommended intervals.

The Scuba Doctor offers free advice to divers of all levels of qualifications on the right diving equipment to use and purchase for their particular scuba gear requirements. Whether you are a recreational diver just starting out, or a technical diver looking to "Do It Right", we have the scuba gear and diving equipment configuration advice you need.

OMS in stock at The Scuba DoctorUnlike normal dive shops whose prime business is to sell you the gear they have in their store, The Scuba Doctor's interest lies in making sure you have the right gear to suit your diving, within your budget, and we will recommend the best place to buy it. Our recommendations are truly unbiased.

Scuba Buying Guides

Not sure what to choose. Well we have Scuba Buying Guides to help you how to buy and what to buy. These are extensive advice pages written by our diving professionals which offer the best advice short of contacting us by phone, email or in person at our dive shop.

Dive Gear Features You Need to Know About Before You Buy

Not sure about the key features you need to know about, and what you can ignore when buying dive gear? Then we also have the following pages to help you get to know what matters and what doesn't about the key features of dive gear.