Pony Bottle

[GLENFWB]

Okay, I have decided that sometime soon I want to get a pony bottle. I want the security of an alternate air source. I know all the arguments for and against doing this so please, let's not go there. My question is, for those of you who have made the plunge, if you had to do it again what kind of setup would you recommend? I am a big guy 6'2" and I still don't have the greatest SAC rate so I am leaning towards a 30 bottle.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>I have bought most of my gear through ScubaToys so if you can recommend stuff that theycarry that will be even better.</DIV>

[cummings66]

Get an AL40 for future usage as a stage bottle. Set it up for a DIN connection and get your reg for it.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Never ever use the tank as a crutch to get more bottom time, i.e. don't run your main tank low just because you know you have more air at your side, it's a practice that will bite you in the end. However, you could use it as a stage bottle with training.</DIV>

[mwhities]

Personally, I'm 6' 6" and 330lbs. I suck air out of an al80 in 25 minutes flat. I'd go with a slung 40cf if I'm going to 60 fsw to 80 fsw and a slug 80cf if I go deep than 80 fsw.

Remember, that's just me and I want to make sure I'm safe. (Or you cuold go doubles like I plan to. I'd still sling a 40/80cf. :P)

Michael

[Wolfie2012]

I own an AL30 that I've slung for solo dives or deeper dives as an added safety net. I'd go with an AL30 or a 40, especially with a higher SAC rate so you have the backup necessary for a safe ascent.
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<DIV>The biggest thing to remember is to NEVERuse the pony to extend your bottom time.</DIV>

[GLENFWB]

Originally Posted by Wolfie2012

<DIV>The biggest thing to remember is to NEVERuse the pony to extend your bottom time.</DIV>

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<DIV>I have a steel tank that is doing a good job of helping me extend my bottom time. I am simply looking for another level of safety. I use the buddy system but in my short time of diving I have discovered that the buddy is system is of course, only as good as your buddy. I will not do any less then a 30 and will consider a 40 if it isn't to much to lug around. I am a little concerned with the fact that I have a Steel LP108. The thought of adding more weight to myself on top of this is something Iwill have to think very carefully about. </DIV>

[Dive-aholic]

For recreational dives I have an AL30 that I use for deeper dives or solo single tank dives. My AL40s are used for deco. The purpose of the pony bottle is to get you from your depth to the surface safely, with whatever safety stops you want or need to incorporate into your profile. Calculate your SAC and figure out how many cubic feet of air you'll need from the deepest depth you plan to dive. Then buy based on that. If you need some equations to calc this out, let me know.

[paulwall]

Originally Posted by GLENFWB

<div></div>
<div>I have a steel tank that is doing a good job of helping me extend my bottom time. I am simply looking for another level of safety. I use the buddy system but in my short time of diving I have discovered that the buddy is system is of course, only as good as your buddy. I will not do any less then a 30 and will consider a 40 if it isn't to much to lug around. I am a little concerned with the fact that I have a Steel LP108. The thought of adding more weight to myself on top of this is something Iwill have to think very carefully about. </div>

I chose the 30 because:

a) it has more than enough air to get me to the surface from my diving depths

b)height-wise, it is similar to my LP95/HP119's that I normally dive
c) Weight is not an issue. It doesn't try to "roll" me when back mounted

I did opt to get a LH modular convertible valve, because I have it mounted on the left of my tank, and can reach the valve with my left hand.

I never intend to get into decompression diving (too old for that), but do like it as a redunant source of air.

[GLENFWB]

<DIV>Paul,do youhappen to have a picture of the way you have your pony rigged?</DIV>
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<DIV>

Originally Posted by paulwall

I chose the 30 because:

a) it has more than enough air to get me to the surface from my diving depths

b)height-wise, it is similar to my LP95/HP119's that I normally dive
c) Weight is not an issue. It doesn't try to "roll" me when back mounted

I did opt to get a LH modular convertible valve, because I have it mounted on the left of my tank, and can reach the valve with my left hand.

I never intend to get into decompression diving (too old for that), but do like it as a redunant source of air.

</DIV>

[CompuDude]

Definitely don't get smaller than an Al.30, and an Al.40 would be better if you can carry it well.

The Al.30 should work fine as emergency air for recreational, non-deco diving to recreational depths, while the Al.40 will carry you forward into deco diving, should you ever reach that point.

Slung is safer than back mounted for a variety of reasons.

[cummings66]

To expound on that, google the slung tanks and you'll find some DIR sites showing you how to do it. Follow the pics, it's nothing more complex than some rope, hose, a clamp, and a stainless clip.
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<DIV>You carry it slung which is basically clipped off to your D rings, the DIR sites show you how to rig the tank to match your D ring locations. Mounting on your back is not a great idea.</DIV>
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<DIV>I'm not DIR by the way, but the way they sling and rig it is good.</DIV>