Zeagle 6 cf Pony Bottle System

[citykid]

Anyone have any opinions on this? Or would you want to make you own? Get a small tank and your choice of 1st & 2nd stages.

Exactly how big is 6cf?

I am looking for a nice small back-up system.

Thanks all.

[3rdEye]

i've been looking at that, and i think for me, i'd go with a larger - probably 13cf tank. I think the zeagle pony attachment for the Ranger (that goes under the wing) can hold up to that size. I do like the Zeagle Razor reg setup that is included in that pony system though.

[medic001918]

I agree in going with a larger bottle. The 6 cu. ft. really isn't that big. But it all depends on what type of diving you do and your SAC. You want to have enough gas to ascend and hold your safety stop. Add a little extra for stress to ensure you have an adequate supply. The 6 cu. ft. just wont' really go that far.

Shane

[Xspect]

when does one decide to use a pony bottle. Im a rec diver that is still an air hog.

[citykid]

Good input. How big (physically) is a 13cf bottle? I have the Brigade which is actuallt the Ranger but with a smaller bladder.

[medic001918]

The 13 cu ft. bottle isn't that large. you might want to look into a 20 that's slung on your BC. It's a decent amount of gas to get your through a problem. And the answer about pony's is that anyone can use one. It's simply a means of redundancy. Just know that the gas in your pony is NEVER to be used to extend your dive. You don't plan that you have it. It's there in case of emergency only.

Shane

[wxboy911]

I was looking at getting a 30cf or a 40cf pony in the future-I guess it depends on how deep your dives are. From what I have read its only a "Bail Out"-The reason I am looking at one is that one of the Lakes nearby has a couple of wrecks in an underwater park run by the state. To dive on the deeper ones a pony is required. Not sure how I will carry it exactly-slung seems to be the methode of choice though.

[cummings66]

Originally Posted by wxboy911

The reason I am looking at one is that one of the Lakes nearby has a couple of wrecks in an underwater park run by the state. To dive on the deeper ones a pony is required. Not sure how I will carry it exactly-slung seems to be the methode of choice though.

If it's deep enough they require a pony then I'd start looking at something more in line with a 30 or 40 cf tank. They're not a hassle diving with, sling it and things work fine.

A 6cf tank would be a joke at those depths, a 19 might be ok but I'd go all the way to the larger myself in that situation.

[No Misses]

ST sells the Quick Draw II bracket that fits both AL13 and AL19 bottles. They also make brackets for bigger bottles. I have not used the big ones. I have an AL19 that I attach upside down, to the left side of my AL80. I have tested it by doing a controlled slow ascent from 100 fsw w/safety stop. I still had ~1000 lbs left in the bottle when I surfaced. It should be noted that I was not stressed on this dive and my breathing rate was not elevated. If you are stressed out while ascending, your SAC rate will be much higher. I carry the pony bottle on almost every dive. On the last dive of the day I will deploy it and use it to ascend. This way I know that the bottle and reg are tested on a weekly basis. It also provides for muscle memory training. I stow my reg hose along the side of the pony with bungies. I reach back with my left hand, grab the 2nd stage and pull it free. I then reach back and turn on the first stage (with it off, I know that my pony has not been leaking and will be full when needed). I swap second stages and either breath out or purge the pony sencond stage. This may sound like a lot of steps. But, it really does not take long at all. I hope this helped with your decision.

[Coaster]

Originally Posted by medic001918

The 13 cu ft. bottle isn't that large. you might want to look into a 20 that's slung on your BC. It's a decent amount of gas to get your through a problem. And the answer about pony's is that anyone can use one. It's simply a means of redundancy. Just know that the gas in your pony is NEVER to be used to extend your dive. You don't plan that you have it. It's there in case of emergency only.

Shane

I dive a 20cf pony...recreational diving...it has what I need if I ever need it...air... to safely return to the surface.