8 inch cylinders - read if you've dove one

[dlwalke]

I was planning on getting the new PST E7-100 tanks (my first tank purchase). I really want to shave a couple of inches off the standard AL80 tank, and really want to take weight off my belt as well.

Then I saw an add for the new Worthington tanks. They have an 8" diameter model, also at 24 inches, with good capacity, and it looks like it would allow me take another couple of pounds off my belt.

I've never dove with an 8" diameter tank and was just wondering how different they seem or if there are any issues I should think about. Like, is the increased drag at all noticeable. I suppose a downside would be that I would have to redo my BC straps on dive trips where I could only rent 7.25" tanks...or maybe have on hand a second pair of straps for trips.

All opinions welcome and appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave

 

[cool_hardware52]

I was planning on getting the new PST E7-100 tanks (my first tank purchase). I really want to shave a couple of inches off the standard AL80 tank, and really want to take weight off my belt as well.

Then I saw an add for the new Worthington tanks. They have an 8" diameter model, also at 24 inches, with good capacity, and it looks like it would allow me take another couple of pounds off my belt.

I've never dove with an 8" diameter tank and was just wondering how different they seem or if there are any issues I should think about. Like, is the increased drag at all noticeable. I suppose a downside would be that I would have to redo my BC straps on dive trips where I could only rent 7.25" tanks...or maybe have on hand a second pair of straps for trips.

All opinions welcome and appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave

Dave,

Tank lenght and weight are noticeable, diameter has been a none issue for me.

Aren't your tank straps adjustable? Switching from a 72 to a 95 is 'bout a minute for me.

Regards,



Tobin

 

[Far_X]

I prefer the 8" tanks mainly because of their weight. I have a couple of LP 98s and an AL80. It all depends upon what straps you have as it only takes a few seconds to adjust mine. I have not noticed any difference in drag between the two tanks sizes.

 

[SDAnderson]

How do the "new" Worthington tanks compare to the "old" Heiser tanks - which I think Worthington recently bought? The Heiser's were colloquially referred to as Hernia's for a reason...

 

[dlwalke]

How do the "new" Worthington tanks compare to the "old" Heiser tanks - which I think Worthington recently bought? The Heiser's were colloquially referred to as Hernia's for a reason...

Well, that's a good point. They ain't light. 42 lbs empty compared to 33 lbs for the PST I was considering. Hmm.

 

[Snowbear]

I don't notice any difference in drag between different tank diameters.

On the other hand, when switching between a single tank vs doubles...

 

[jonnythan]

The stats on the new Worthington 8" cylinders are almost identical to PST's E8 series, which are actually for sale if you can find any. The E8-119 is about 24" long.

 

[Mitten Diver]

I purchased a pair of E8-130's this summer because I could not find any HP100's to match the two that I had in my possesion already. I used the HP-100's last year while my son James used an HP-80, when I moved up to the 130's I had to play with the positioning over a couple of dives. I eventually got it dialed in and now I have marked the location of the strap with a paint marker so I get it right each time I set up. I dive the 130's as a single set up no need for any technical diving till JP gets on a few years of training.


Mitten Diver

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

Call me crazy, but I definitely notice the difference when swimming the 7.3 (per PST, they are not 7.25 but 7.3) inch versus the 8 inch tanks through the water. They are definitely more streamlined.

I have the E-7 120s doubled up and I can definitely feel a difference.

 

[OE2X]

I don't notice any difference in drag between different tank diameters.

On the other hand, when switching between a single tank vs doubles...

Oh great white bear - do you notice any difference between doubled 120's vs 130's? I'm still trying to figure which to double up.