bkotheimer
Contributor
I have a DSS Torus 26 wing on a stainless steel backplate.
As a pony tank, I use an AL13, backmounted to the right of my tank (usually an AL80). Full and with the reg, it's about 3# negative. At home here in CA, I counterweight it on the other side with 3# of lead on the cam band. With this configuration in my 7mm with hooded vest, gloves, etc. and with the SS BP, I wear an additional 8-10# on a weight belt.
Last time I dove in my 3/2 mm wetsuit with the backplate but without the pony or anything on the cam bands, I used an additional 4# on a weight belt and that felt just perfect (with an AL80 at 500psi at safety stop, etc.).
Anyway, on an upcoming warm-water trip, I'd like to bring the pony bottle. Considerations:
- I prefer to keep the pony bottle backmounted, not slung
- I cannot choose to use a steel tank on this trip - it will likely be an AL80
- I could wear my 4/3 for extra buoyancy, but that might be way too warm
- I can't spring for an aluminum or kydex plate at the moment, so it will have to be the SS
So I guess my choices are (no weight belt in any scenario):
1. Counterbalance the pony with 3# of lead and dive 2# overweighted
2. Counterbalance the pony with 3# of lead and wear the 4/3, which should work out about right (and enjoy the extra warmth)
3. Counterbalance the pony with 1 or 2# of lead and dive with the right total weight or slightly over, but also slightly out of trim
I'd love to hear suggestions as to which would be the best choice or whether there is some other way to approach this.
Thanks!
As a pony tank, I use an AL13, backmounted to the right of my tank (usually an AL80). Full and with the reg, it's about 3# negative. At home here in CA, I counterweight it on the other side with 3# of lead on the cam band. With this configuration in my 7mm with hooded vest, gloves, etc. and with the SS BP, I wear an additional 8-10# on a weight belt.
Last time I dove in my 3/2 mm wetsuit with the backplate but without the pony or anything on the cam bands, I used an additional 4# on a weight belt and that felt just perfect (with an AL80 at 500psi at safety stop, etc.).
Anyway, on an upcoming warm-water trip, I'd like to bring the pony bottle. Considerations:
- I prefer to keep the pony bottle backmounted, not slung
- I cannot choose to use a steel tank on this trip - it will likely be an AL80
- I could wear my 4/3 for extra buoyancy, but that might be way too warm
- I can't spring for an aluminum or kydex plate at the moment, so it will have to be the SS
So I guess my choices are (no weight belt in any scenario):
1. Counterbalance the pony with 3# of lead and dive 2# overweighted
2. Counterbalance the pony with 3# of lead and wear the 4/3, which should work out about right (and enjoy the extra warmth)
3. Counterbalance the pony with 1 or 2# of lead and dive with the right total weight or slightly over, but also slightly out of trim
I'd love to hear suggestions as to which would be the best choice or whether there is some other way to approach this.
Thanks!