Pony setup

[bsktcase93]

I need a 1st and 2nd stage for my pony bottle any advice is great...oh yea not looking to spend alot of money

[Sansho]

For my pony, I bought the Oceanic Alpha 8 octo and CDX5 first stage, which is now around $145. ST substituted the octo for the Alpha 8 second stage. The only difference between them is that the octo has a higher crack pressure (less likely to freeflow) and a yellow hose. The CDX5 is environmentally sealed too, if that matters.

[navyhmc]

Mares R2 Rebel Regulator reviews and discounts, Mares

A good reg. For a SPG, I recommend a button gauge-less than $40

[Sansho]

I recommend a button gauge-less than $40

Good point, which I didn't mention. I got a Highland mini-gauge (easier to read than the other pony gauge ST sells) and mounted it on a ~20" long hose, which I zip tied to the octo hose. I've also seen where people mount the gauge directly to the first stage.

I mount mine off the tank behind me using a Quick Draw Pony Bracket.

[jbres1]

Where are you going to hang the pony ? And what size ?
Left side off of the chest D-ring and waist D-ring, or off of the main tank behind diver.
I ask because if you want to be able to read the gauge its best to mount off of the D-rings.
I use both a Scubapro MK2+ with R190 or a Scubapro MK11 with a R190 second, both with a 2" gauge on a 6" hose banded to the first stage with innertube. Set up is about $150.00 (MK2)/$300.00 (MK11) for the regs, $60.00 for the gauge and $20.00 for the hose.

Jim Breslin

[navyhmc]

Originally Posted by Sansho

Good point, which I didn't mention. I got a Highland mini-gauge (easier to read than the other pony gauge ST sells) and mounted it on a ~20" long hose, which I zip tied to the octo hose. I've also seen where people mount the gauge directly to the first stage.

I mount mine off the tank behind me using a Quick Draw Pony Bracket.

That sounds like a good set-up.

I like the button gauge as I sling my pony and it's right there with one less fail point. And since it's close to me, it's less of a snag hazard and is mostly protected by my body from damage.

[HuntsDesk]

Originally Posted by Sansho

For my pony, I bought the Oceanic Alpha 8 octo and CDX5 first stage, which is now around $145. ST substituted the octo for the Alpha 8 second stage. The only difference between them is that the octo has a higher crack pressure (less likely to freeflow) and a yellow hose. The CDX5 is environmentally sealed too, if that matters.

That's exactly what I did. Great option, IMO.

[acamato]

He has a a 19 cu ft pony. I have the same tank. We bought the tanks from a FD dive team that is selling their gear. I am going to use a X-bracket (won at Beneath the Sea) and a Oceanic Delta (given to me from someone that found out they can dive after purchasing their equipment).

I have a button gauge, but will probally change to a small gauge on a hose (zip tied to the reg hose)

[Empacher]

any other suggestions? If you mount the pony on your tank, how can you read a button gauge? What are some other methods of knowing how much gas you have??

[Sansho]

If you mount the pony on your tank, how can you read a button gauge? What are some other methods of knowing how much gas you have??

Here's a quick picture of my setup. The button gauge is mounted on a hose which is long enough that I can read it if I'm using the pony regulator. ST even included a hose strain relief, which you can see at the first stage.