Al80, HP80, or other?

[Cheetah223]

I'm diving a 30# bp/w with singles, and have yet to buy my own tank/s...From looking at buoyancy characteristics as well as dry weight, an HP steel 80 seems better than an al80 in every way, shape and form. Would anyone suggest against using an HP80, or suggest another volume tank for pretty typical openwater shore dives? I'm not doing anything technical yet, but it may come down the line.

[cmburch]

I like an HP100 for shore dives where hiking or a good walk is involved.

The HP100 is similar in size and weight to an Al80.

HP100 99cf, 24" high, 33lb empty, -2.5lb buoyancy empty.

Al80 77cf, 26" high, 32lb empty, +1.5lb buoyancy empty.

And can remove about 4lb from belt due to buoyancy empty compared to Al80.

[mitsuguy]

I agree... I mostly dive HP steel 80's because I can rent them from the LDS... however, if I was going to buy, I would be getting steel 100's...

if you don't want/need the extra air though, the only downside to steel tanks is price (compared to AL tanks)

[cummings66]

I'd say a steel cylinder of any size is a good thing, the HP80 really depends on whether or not you can get good fills all the time. If you can it's a good deal but I still prefer my HP100's.

[Cheetah223]

Anyone have a link handy that I can compare the buoyancy and dry weight characteristics of HP80's and HP100's? I haven't heard much about HP80's, that's why I asked specifically, and consensus seems to suggest 100's...

[cmburch]

Originally Posted by Cheetah223

Anyone have a link handy that I can compare the buoyancy and dry weight characteristics of HP80's and HP100's? I haven't heard much about HP80's, that's why I asked specifically, and consensus seems to suggest 100's...

Google XSSCUBA then check tank specifications. There are other better links by google SCUBA Tank Specification.

[ScaredSilly]

If you find diving an AL80 to be fine then I would also vote for HP100 over a HP 80. They are short cylinders.

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by Cheetah223

Anyone have a link handy that I can compare the buoyancy and dry weight characteristics of HP80's and HP100's? I haven't heard much about HP80's, that's why I asked specifically, and consensus seems to suggest 100's...

TECHDIVINGLIMITED.COM

Click on link for cylinders then click link for cylinder specifications

[Cheetah223]

Thanks for the replies, looks like I'm leaning more toward HP100's now, as well. Now the next issue: how do you make your partner's Al80 last long enough to make the upgrade worth it? haha

[FishFood]

Be warned. If you have a larger tank than your dive buddy, you instantly become the official dive flag holder (where applicable) !!!