Adjusting to steel tank

[mm2002]

I've read all the threads here regarding steel vs. aluminum tanks, but I have a question that I didn't find an answer to. Even my LDS couldn't give me a good answer (to my mind). If I'm wearing 14 lbs of weight right now with an AL80, what would (approx.) I change going to a steel 100? The best I can figure, I'd be able to take about 8 lbs off the belt, but my real question is, would that make me back heavy? My in-experienced mind is telling me that I may feel as if I'm wanting to roll over on my back with the majority of the weight in the tank. If I do make the change, is it going to make me feel less stable? I know it probably sounds like a silly question, but my LDS simply said that yes, it will feel a little wierd, but I'll get used to it. To me, that answer is a little vague.

[DivingsInMyBlood]

for me i find it about 4 pounds i lose when i change to steel 100, you do feel a bit of extra weight on your back but you get used to it and then it cease's to feel different/weird.

[CompuDude]

In general, compare empty buoyancy to figure the difference, if you're not changing anything else.

Most Al.80s are +4. Steel HP100s range from -1 to -2.5 depending on the manufacturer (and there is one model from Faber that 9s actually more than -7!). So you'll want to drop the difference: 5-6.5 lbs for most HP100s. I generally assume 6 lbs, unless we're talking about that one specific Faber tank.

The weight will be in a different place than you are used to, but centered over your back is a good place. You'll quickly grow used to it.

[Travelnsj]

I travel a lot and most places have 80's and I use 14lbs. When I go to few places like Palau, Rangiora and when I was just in Wakatobi and they have the 100 tanks...I take off 4 lbs....being I did 37 dives on my last trip.....the last 3 days I took another pound off

[Aussie]

I have dived with the short 100cf fabers and the standard 100cf. The short stumpy ones will give you more body roll unless you happen to short and stumpy like the cylinder.

I prefer the weight distribution of the steel cylinders as you roughly drop 3-5lbs off your weight belt and you spread the extra weight along your body.

The extra heavy faber which Compudude was talking maybe the 300bar versions.

Aussie

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by Aussie

The extra heavy faber which Compudude was talking maybe the 300bar versions.

Nope.

Faber HP 3180 psi Series

It's all in the chart... http://www.techdivinglimited.com/pub/tanks.html

[Zenagirl]

With steel tanks we just don't put any weight in the rear weight pockets. So if you adjust where you carry your extra weights, you shouldn't have to worry about it. And both my husband and I drop 6 pounds off our belts with a Steel 95 vs an AL80.

[mm2002]

Great info, thanks folks!

[Aussie]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

Nope.

Faber HP 3180 psi Series

It's all in the chart... http://www.techdivinglimited.com/pub/tanks.html

I presume the standard Fabers we have are on par with your FX fabers. The 300bars versions we have are 6-7lbs heavier.

Aussie

[dutchman]

OK, so I have two questions.
1. Zenagirl said no weights in trim pockets? I just bought tow LP-95 steel. Up to this point, used AL-80. Have a Aqualung Malibu back inflate BC.
I have 21lb in each pocket on the back and 4lbs in each pocket. (integrated weight pockets) So I can most likely ditch the trim and cut 4lbs off? Thanks