Are HP tanks what I need?

[uncfnp]

On a recent trip to Bonaire I was able to use the smaller al60's and I love the shorter tank. But here I need 80's to keep up with my buddy diving 100's. I have heard of HP tanks but know nothing about them. I was wonder if this might be what I need. Any opinions?

 

[spectrum]

I love my HP 80s and 100s. The 80 is a very efficient package for the size and total weight involved. I break it all down here.

Pete

 

[flots am]

On a recent trip to Bonaire I was able to use the smaller al60's and I love the shorter tank. But here I need 80's to keep up with my buddy diving 100's. I have heard of HP tanks but know nothing about them. I was wonder if this might be what I need. Any opinions?

HP tanks give you more air in a slightly smaller package. The catch is that not all fill stations can actually provide a high enough pressure when you want it, so you might end up with short fills.

You would need to ask the shop(s) you plan on using for fills, what pressure they typically have available. Some places routinely have 4000+, while others are only generally good for 3000.

flots.

 

[Scott L]

In S. Florida, full fills are easy to come by.

 

[eelnoraa]

I think what you used is AL63. HP80 is another 2 inches or so shorter than AL63. Personally, I think it is too short. I think HP100 is a better choice.

 

[uncfnp]

Dives in WPB is primarily where I would use them. Any other potential down side?

---------- Post added April 6th, 2013 at 12:03 AM ----------

I think what you used is AL63. HP80 is another 2 inches or so shorter than AL63. Personally, I think it is too short. I think HP100 is a better choice.

HP 100? I hadn't even thought of that. What would I do with all that air! Seriously, would there be much weight difference? And I assume fills would be more?

 

[Scott L]

HP 100? I hadn't even thought of that. What would I do with all that air! Seriously, would there be much weight difference? And I assume fills would be more?

The HP100 is 5lbs heavier than the HP80.

Scuba Cylinder Specifications from Tech Diving Limited - 928-855-9400

 

[redacted]

There is also the option of an LP85.

 

[eelnoraa]

HP 100? I hadn't even thought of that. What would I do with all that air! Seriously, would there be much weight difference? And I assume fills would be more?

Cost of air fill should be the same between tanks, at least here where I live. As Scott mentioned, HP100 is 5lb heavier when empty. But it also hold 20CF more air (about 2lb). When full HP100 is about 7lb heaiver on land. They both will make your over all weight lower than if you dive AL80, proabaly about the same as AL63 because you will need less weight.

 

[uncfnp]

Cost of air fill should be the same between tanks, at least here where I live. As Scott mentioned, HP100 is 5lb heavier when empty. But it also hold 20CF more air (about 2lb). When full HP100 is about 7lb heaiver on land. They both will make your over all weight lower than if you dive AL80, proabaly about the same as AL63 because you will need less weight.

HP 100 is probably over kill for me. With the Al80 I still have slightly more air at end of dive then my buddy in 100s so the extra air really would not be useful and would just add weight. I'm getting to an age where that extra weight on land may become a significant factor.

There is also the option of an LP85.

Is there an advantage to these vs the HP?