Twinset vs Sidemount for UK Divers: What the Internet Doesn’t Tell You

Confused about twinsets or sidemount for UK diving? Discover what most divers don’t know and how Van Overbeek Technical helps divers choose the right setup.

Twinset vs Sidemount for UK Divers: What the Internet Doesn’t Tell You

When Anonymous Diver 2 first came to Van Overbeek Technical, he was already a competent UK diver.
50 dives or so, a drysuit pro, and Nitrox certified, he wanted to push further — maybe into twinsets or sidemount.

He’d spent hours reading forums, watching YouTube debates, and asking friends. But the more he learned, the less certain he became.

Should he stick with a back-mounted twinset, or explore sidemount? Which rig would suit UK lakes, Vobster currents, or deeper wrecks off Plymouth? The internet offered opinions, but rarely clarity.

The Core Difference: Configuration and Control

At its heart, the choice between twinset and sidemount isn’t just about appearance — it’s about how you move and control yourself underwater.

Twinset (back-mounted double cylinders):

• Offers redundancy and longer bottom time.
• Keeps cylinders behind you, which can affect trim if not configured correctly.
• More familiar for divers moving from single tanks.
• Efficient for vertical descents and deeper UK dives.

Sidemount:

• Cylinders are mounted on your sides rather than your back.
• Can improve horizontal trim and streamline in overhead environments.
• Easier to carry tanks into tight UK cave or wreck entries.
• Provides redundancy with easier valve access underwater.

Both setups are valid. The difference comes down to diver goals, body mechanics, and comfort in the water, not “best in theory.”

Why UK Conditions Make the Choice Special

UK diving offers some unique challenges:

• Cold, lakes like Capernwray or Vobster require precise trim to avoid stirring silt.
• Currents or surge in Plymouth and the Clyde can punish inefficient finning.
• Boat vs shore dives may require different entry/exit logistics for twinsets.

Anonymous Diver 2 learned quickly that what works abroad — long, clear Red Sea dives — doesn’t always translate back home. Choosing a rig isn’t just a gear question; it’s a problem-solving exercise for your local environment.

The Real Lesson: Balanced Rig + Posture = Trim = Buoyancy

In every coaching session at Van Overbeek Technical, one principle dominates:

A balanced rig, combined with good posture, leads to good trim — which in turn leads to good buoyancy control.

For sidemount divers, that means positioning cylinders so the diver floats horizontally with minimal effort. For twinset divers, it’s about cylinder height, wing configuration, and backplate weight distribution.

Anonymous Diver 2 noticed it immediately. On his first twinset dive, his cylinders were too low, his feet sank slightly, and he had to fin constantly to stay level. With proper adjustment and guidance, he achieved a “flat and weightless” position in minutes.

The same principle applies to sidemount. Once the tanks were positioned correctly along his sides, he could hover without sculling, even in poor vis or under mild current.

Twinset Advantages: When to Choose

Twinsets are ideal if:

• You want longer bottom times without complex gas switches.
• You enjoy vertical descents in open water or wrecks.
• You want a configuration compatible with many technical courses.

For Anonymous Diver 2, twinsets gave confidence in redundancy and simplified gas planning for deeper UK dives. But there was a learning curve — he had to master balancing weight, posture, and trim before enjoying the benefits.

Sidemount Advantages: When to Choose

Sidemount is ideal if:

• You often dive in UK overhead environments like wrecks or caves.
• You prefer easier tank handling on shore entries or tight spaces.
• You want improved streamlining and efficiency.

Anonymous Diver 2 tried sidemount on his second session and immediately felt a difference. Moving through the water, he noticed reduced drag and easier finning.
Sidemount also provided peace of mind: if he mismanaged one cylinder, he could still access another easily.

The Bottom Line: Try Both Before Committing

One of the biggest mistakes UK divers make is committing to a setup based solely on online opinions. The reality is personal: body shape, diving style, and local conditions matter more than gear reputation.

At Van Overbeek Technical, divers are encouraged to:

1. Test both setups in familiar UK conditions.
2. Focus on trim and buoyancy with each rig.
3. Evaluate comfort, redundancy, and handling underwater.

Anonymous Diver 2’s decision became clear after experiencing both. He initially leaned toward twinsets but realized sidemount suited his style and local lake diving needs better.
Either way, he walked away with newfound confidence, understanding that balanced rig + posture = trim = buoyancy, no matter the configuration.

Key Takeaways for UK Divers

• Don’t choose gear based on hype — test both twinset and sidemount.
• Trim and buoyancy are always the deciding factors, not just cylinder placement.
• UK conditions reward careful configuration and technique over raw gear.
• Coaching can accelerate the learning curve dramatically.

Next Step: Experience Both Rigs

If you’re curious which setup suits you — or just want to refine your trim and buoyancy — a weekend with Oli van Overbeek Dive Training can make the difference.
Learn how to balance your rig, improve posture, and feel effortless underwater — whether twinset or sidemount.