Anyone using HP80's?

[Compressor]

Its very interesting; for a while people really disliked the HP80s. if memory serves me right, when the tanks came out there was a good reception for them as folks did not like the AL80s and wanted a smaller tank with better buoyancy characteristics. I remember getting my HP80s in the late 80s with alot of excitement. Subsequently I think they fell out of favor due to other "better" tanks coming to the market. So I am a bit surprised that folks are giving them a positive nod at this time.

 

[Flycaster]

Its very interesting; for a while people really disliked the HP80s. if memory serves me right, when the tanks came out there was a good reception for them as folks did not like the AL80s and wanted a smaller tank with better buoyancy characteristics. I remember getting my HP80s in the late 80s with alot of excitement. Subsequently I think they fell out of favor due to other "better" tanks coming to the market. So I am a bit surprised that folks are giving them a positive nod at this time.

I have heard the same things and also remember that the greatest tank was a HP80 because the AL80 floated like a bobber when empty.

 

[rhwestfall]

AL80 floated like a bobber when empty.

Ah, the legendary "Z-bottle" a.k.a. "cork bottle". Actually floated when full....

 

[TrimixToo]

I have two Faber HP80s I'd love to get out of the garage. They are out of hydro but have been stored with air in them after. No reasonable offer refused, and passing hydro is guaranteed (or if you want I will have them tested first). They are currently doubled with a Genesis manifold, and if you buy them as doubles I'll throw in two (or perhaps three) rebuild kits for the valves (not sure how many I have).

 

[uncfnp]

I'm rattling the idea around in my head of hooking up my wife with a steel HP80 as it might be easier for her to handle.
It would be used with a DSS LCD20 wing which is short enough so pinch flats would be not a problem.
Your input is appreciated.

It’s an older thread from the Women’s forum but you might find some of it relevant.

Any Ladies using HP80's?

 

[geoff w]

I have 6 HP80s, which are wonderful tanks, especially for beach diving with surf. Weight wise, they are slightly lighter than an Al80 on dry land, and in the water are 6+ pounds more negatively buoyant, which means you need a lot less lead. My wife is petite and she is much happier diving HP80s than AL80s or longer low pressure steel tanks

I would be careful with your DSS wing. I talked to Tobin (DSS owner) about HP80s before and he didn't have favorable comments

HP80s are like a bowling ball on your back - the mass is centered around a small area. The biggest downside is that it's hard to get a good fill. They really heat up, and you usually need to let them cool off, then top them up - a couple of times

Depending on what your wife is wearing for exposure gear, and how much she weighs, she might be over-weighted with no lead if she has a steel backplate! I dive with a steel backplate, HP80, 7mm full suit, hooded vest, neoprene gloves and booties, 175ish lb, and only need 2 lbs of lead. My wife doesn't need any lead

 

[Marie13]

I’m picking up two more HP80s today with valves for SM, but they will be used for single tank BM, as well. I have several dive weekends planned with 3 charters (one Sat, 2 Sun) where I’m not sure I’ll be able to get fills. Don’t have to worry about that now.

 

[Compressor]

Has anyone doubled them up?

 

[geoff w]

I’m picking up two more HP80s today with valves for SM, but they will be used for single tank BM, as well. I have several dive weekends planned with 3 charters (one Sat, 2 Sun) where I’m not sure I’ll be able to get fills. Don’t have to worry about that now.

How would HP80s work for sidemount? They are so negative, even when empty, how are they going to trim out? More curious than anything. I'm not a sidemount diver, but I always thought you wanted tanks a bit more neutrally buoyant for sidemount

 

[Marie13]

How would HP80s work for sidemount? They are so negative, even when empty, how are they going to trim out? More curious than anything. I'm not a sidemount diver, but I always thought you wanted tanks a bit more neutrally buoyant for sidemount