Dumb Pony question

[FishWatcher747]

I'm using a 19 cu ft pony slung on the left between a shoulder and hip D rings for the first time. Dumb question is I got all geared up on the diveboat except for the pony. While sitting it was quite difficult to clip the hip D ring. Felt a bit silly having the guide clip it for me. So, what is your procedure for clipping pony, that is sitting or standing?

Thanks in advance

 

[Edward3c]

I’ve been using a pony right top D-ring to rear hip for over 10 years. I normally get my buddy to do the bottom clip, I’ve no embarrassment in asking and never had a refusal.

 

[broncobowsher]

Typically do the top first then swing the bottom into place. Bottom first can make it a lot more difficult

 

[KenGordon]

I'm using a 19 cu ft pony slung on the left between a shoulder and hip D rings for the first time. Dumb question is I got all geared up on the diveboat except for the pony. While sitting it was quite difficult to clip the hip D ring. Felt a bit silly having the guide clip it for me. So, what is your procedure for clipping pony, that is sitting or standing?

Thanks in advance

Clip the bottom one on before sitting down and putting the harness on, then once you are all done up lift the cylinder by the top clip and clip it to the chest d-ring. I try to support the bottom of the cylinder on the bench so my left arm is only balancing the cylinder not trying to lift the full weight.

A key thing is to have plenty of room to get a finger ot two into the single ended clip to take the weight. See STAGE CYLINDER MOUNT KIT

With practice you can manage an 11l cylinder.

 

[uncfnp]

There is no shame asking for help. I do it most of the time. But since this is posted in the solo forum its good for you to at least be able to manage all your kit should the need arise. I have done as KenGordon and clipped the bottom ring before putting on the harness.

Can you remove and replace the pony while diving?

You may have said but are you using a butterfly bolt snap at the bottom?

Edit: With a butterfly snap, grip the snap with fingers and opening facing toward thumb. Reach back and feel for the d-ring (practice the location so going to that spot is automatic). Hook thumb on ring and use as leverage to bring clip forward and hook in.

 

[lexvil]

You’re pony isn’t dumb, it’s just a little skittish, try moving the hip ring a little further forward, it will help keep the pony calm if you’re not twisting on the trace line to much.

 

[-JD-]

There is better access to clip the lower when the upper is undone, especially sitting. Sitting, depending on your hip D-ing position, you may be able to let the bottle rest on you legs (steadied by your right hand), clip in the lower, then rotate the bottle up and clip in the top.

Grab your stuff and give it a try. I just did it for fun with my 40 - easy-peasy. The nice thing is the weight is on your legs while you are getting the lower clipped in.

 

[lowviz]

Your (anybody's) pony tends to be a hot mess on the surface (and if properly rigged) disappears underwater.

Many of us have good things to say about trucking a pony full of anything ( ) on our routine dives. Lifesaving? Maybe, maybe not. But that fine point usually becomes a topic for discussion topside after using that option...

 

[FishWatcher747]

2 dives with this slung pony and when in the water I don't notice it. I was diving the Spiegel Grove in Key Largo and the guide asked if I minded doing swim throughs with the Pony. I said I love swim throughs bring it on. We did 6 and multiple with a 90 degree turn in the passage. Also got to the very bow for the first time. Very nice because we had just 2 customers with the guide.

 

[OTF]

- Get the big-ring boltsnaps similar to these if you don't have them already, being able to hook a finger through there makes a huge difference.

- PRACTICE a lot out of water, and practice doing it with gloves. It becomes easier with time and soon you'll be able to clip it without looking.

- It's normal to have a buddy help. As a buddy, its much more efficient to clip someone else's tank than to sit around watching them fumble and curse at it. That's what buddies are for. HOWEVER you should be able to do it yourself on land or underwater in an emergency, even if that takes more effort.