What size cylinder should I buy?

[Texasdivechick]

Okay, up to this point (141 dives) I have been renting tanks. It's time for me to stop throwing money down the drain with rental fees and get my own. Over the past couple of years I've worked hard on attaining a neutral and trim position in the water BUT with an AL 80 I have to secure it pretty high so that my head hits the valve in order to help with my tendency to be "bottom-heavy." In fresh water, wearing a 3ml, I use 4#s of nonditchable weight on my cam band. I am about 5'4" and weigh about 125#s. What is the best cylinder for me to purchase so that 1) it is shorter and and therefore has less negative weight on my bottom half; 2) I would really like to get rid of my need for any extra lead weight in warm water conditions; 3) My sac rate is pretty good as I am usually just hovering over one area- (I don't like to kick much unless I actually have somewhere to go). In other words, my air consumption is equal to or better than my buddies so I don't have a need for massive gas volume. At the present time I use a back inflate BC but hoping to get into a BP/W soon. I would appreciate any suggestions so I can see if it helps with my trim. Thanks!

 

[The Chad]

Hmmmm...only things that are popping into my head are a steel 72 or maybe an AL 63 but that won't help you ditch the extra lead

 

[lowviz]

Try renting a high pressure steel 100, very popular for several good reasons.

 

[The Chad]

Yeah, however if you consider HP you might run into a problem depending on where you dive getting it topped off fully

 

[PvtStash]

its superior in terms of longevity, resale and getting wt. off your belt...

 

[Texasdivechick]

You never say, "I'm gonna fight you, Steve." You just smile and act natural, and then you sucker-punch him.


Chad, thanks for the suggestions. BTW, great sig line. That's my favorite movie.

 

[TSandM]

If you want a short, heavy tank and don't need much volume, you could try an HP80.

I'm 5'4" and 120 lbs, and I dive HP100s or LP95s. I love carrying around stupid amounts of gas, though.

 

[Texasdivechick]

Thanks for the quick replies! I'll try renting (or better yet, borrowing) some of the suggested cylinder sizes to see which one is best for me.

 

[Texasdivechick]

Ok, please forgive the stupid question:
What's the difference between a LP and HP steel tank?

 

[The Chad]

You never say, "I'm gonna fight you, Steve." You just smile and act natural, and then you sucker-punch him.


Chad, thanks for the suggestions. BTW, great sig line. That's my favorite movie.

Haha nicely done. I like your style! Best of luck whichever way you go on the tank thing.