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When I want to choose a tank, here is what I do:
1) Decide on the min capacity I want/need
2) Determine the optimal buoyancy characteristics (positive or negative when empty and how much of each)
3) Trim issues - Which tank is easier to carry horizontally when diving
For instance, I'm 5'10' and I want a tank with more than 100cft. I Plan to dive dry so I want a negative tank when empty. That leaves a couple choices. Here's a few. LP120, LP112, HP120, HP119, and HP130. (Al gives + when empty)
Of those, the LP120 is roughly a small water heater which may not be very comfortable to lug around. The HP 120 is extremely long but only 7.25" inches (or 7" can't remember), again to long to be comfortable. The LP112 is just a bit taller than the HP119 (think LP95) and the HP130. They are still quite close in height. One of those tanks would be my choice depending on the specifics of the buoyancy characteristics and what I wanted.
Now, for HP or LP. It doesn't make much of difference. The HP130 is roughly an LP104, the HP149 is an LP120. If you can't get 'full' fills then remember what the 'lp' equivalent is and plan around that number.
I have LP104's and when I get another set, it will either be the HP130's, HP119's or LP112's but most likely the 130's.
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