Bottom time with a Steel 95 vs. AL80?

[Ron G.]

I'm going on a Nekton trip soon and see that they use steel 95's. I've always used AL80's.

From reading here, it looks like I'll be able to drop about 6# of weight with the steel.

Also, it looks like the steel 95 has about 87 cf vs. 77 cf for the 80AL. Does this mean that my bottom time should increase proportionately?

Thx.

Ron

[Rainer]

Um, maybe. Sort of depends on NDLs, gas choice, what your buddies have for gas (amount/mix)...

Edit: And where did you get 87 cf for a LP95???

[navyhmc]

Here's the specs on the various LP95's"

Faber LP95 95 cu ft @ 2640 8" dia 23.7" w/o valve 37.2 lbs, -1.2 lbs empty -8.3 lbs full
PST LP95 96.6 cu ft @ 2604 8" dia 24.75" w/o valve 43.8 lbs, -3.3 lbs empty -10.4 lbs full
Worthington 95 cu ft @ 2604 8" dia 23.7" w/o valve 38 lbs, -1 lb empty -8 lbs full


I can only guess that the 87 comes in if you don't have the + rating and only fill to 2400.

[cummings66]

The important thing to remember is less lead, but it may even out if you dive fresh water and go to salt so you might end up with the same weight you use in fresh water depending on your physique. Bottom time may go up as noted, or remain the same. Depends on how good your air consumption is.

Keep in mind that just because you can stay down longer does not mean you should. Remember, your buddy is your backup air supply and if you run them low and you should take them into your bottom time dive plan.

[Rainer]

Originally Posted by cummings66

depending on your physique.

What does this mean???

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by navyhmc

Here's the specs on the various LP95's"

Faber LP95 95 cu ft @ 2640 8" dia 23.7" w/o valve 37.2 lbs, -1.2 lbs empty -8.3 lbs full
PST LP95 96.6 cu ft @ 2604 8" dia 24.75" w/o valve 43.8 lbs, -3.3 lbs empty -10.4 lbs full
Worthington 95 cu ft @ 2604 8" dia 23.7" w/o valve 38 lbs, -1 lb empty -8 lbs full


I can only guess that the 87 comes in if you don't have the + rating and only fill to 2400.

And remember, in some parts of the world you can routinely get them pumped up to 3000 and more .

So the volume increases but the neg buoyancy does too.

[in_cavediver]

Originally Posted by Rainer

What does this mean???

I believe he is alluding to the fact that you need more lead for salt water vs fresh water. If the OP has weighting info for an AL80 in fresh water, going to salt water may require adding 6lbs - depending on the divers unique characteristics and exposure protection.

[in_cavediver]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

And remember, in some parts of the world you can routinely get them pumped up to 3000 and more .

So the volume increases but the neg buoyancy does too.

3000 - try 3900. Also, the negativity may increase but you can't count on that. Its the 'empty' weight you care about for weighting. Gas weight is planned to be used and gone at the end of the dive.

[Rainer]

Originally Posted by in_cavediver

I believe he is alluding to the fact that you need more lead for salt water vs fresh water. If the OP has weighting info for an AL80 in fresh water, going to salt water may require adding 6lbs - depending on the divers unique characteristics and exposure protection.

I'm assuming as much, just don't understand the word choice (i.e. "physique").

[Largo]

Ron,
Hi. The last time I was on the Nekton, I didn't use a wetsuit, and I carried 4 lbs. of weight.