Are HP tanks what I need?

[flots am]

. . .

 

[idive2]

If you don't mind the extra weight required in your BC there is nothing wrong with moving up to an
aluminum 80 from the aluminum 63. When you start getting into the hp100's and such there is an increase
in tank weight on land and also with steel you will notice a bit more difficulty turning to one side or the other
while diving. I put up with this with my steels just to have less weight needed in my BC but truth be told it is
much easier to turn side to side with the AL80's.

 

[redacted]

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.



Is there an advantage to these vs the HP?

Biggest advantages is they are less expensive and easier to get good fills when compared to HP100. Weight and buoyancy characteristics similar to HP100. I use the HP100 when I need the gas but this would work for you if you don't need that volume. Only bad thing I see is they are 7" diameter rather than 7.25" which will leave you adjusting cam bands if you switch back and forth.

 

[Scared Silly]

Say you need 6 lbs to compensate for your wetsuit/body without a tank on your back.

AL80 32lbs plus +4lbs to be neutral when empty 36 lbs on land plus 6lbs of lead - overall 42 lbs
HP80 29lbs plus -2lbs to be neutral when empty 29 lbs on land plus 4lbs of lead - overall 33 lbs
HP100 34lbs plus -1lbs to be neutral when empty 34 lbs on land plus 5lbs of lead - overall 39 lbs

LP85 30lbs plus -2lbs to be neutral when empty 30 lbs on land plus 4lbs of lead - overall 34 lbs

My choice would be a LP85 because it is easy to get full fills at 2640psi and then a bit more (i.e. 3000psi fill would be you 95 cuft). They weight just a bit more than a HP and are approximately the same size as HP100/AL80.

 

[uncfnp]

I just checked with my LDS to see what my options are there and they just got in 4 "like new" HP 80's with recent viz and hydro. I haven't seen them yet but they will sell me 2 at 200 dollars each and that sounds like a pretty good deal to me. New is 300 to 350. I really like the idea of that short tank. Thought I might take my BCD up with me and see how they sit on my back.

 

[lowviz]

You are starting to talk about real money. See if you can first find and then borrow someone's small twinset. Something like a pair of 60's may change your mind.

Keep the jacket. Bottom line, an HP 100 is a very good choice, but I'd bet you would love a tiny twinset.

-something "non-traditional" to think about: http://www.divemagazine.co.uk/articles/skills/general-skills/4900-twin-sets-for-all

 

[uncfnp]

I think I've created some confusion. I don't really need more air. I rarely use all I can from an AL80. But I want shorter tanks. I like the length on the 60's (but thats not quite enough air) I used in Bonaire so that got me thinking about HP 80's. Awap's post got me to looking at the LP85's too.

Lowviz. The little twin set looks intriguing but doesn't really meet my needs right now. I need 2 tanks but for 2 tank boat trips, not for doubles.

After looking through your suggestions, it seems the HP80 or LP85 are my best options but the HP is shorter so I think the best choice overall, especially if the offer from my LDS is a good deal.

 

[eelnoraa]

In terms of length: Fabor LP85 (26") > AL80 (25.8") > Worthington LP85 (24.7) > HP100 (24") > AL63(21.6") > HP80 (19.7"). Between 80cf to 100cf tanks, I will pick one that fit size requirement, then if the tank comes with a little extra capacity, it can never be a bad thing. But do check than out or possibly rent some and try it. When I tried HP80, it was so short that I amost couldnt mount it properly onto my BC.

Look at Scared Silly's number, steel tank may be heavier by itself, but overall weight is less. This is an advantage for cold water.

 

[halocline]

I think I've created some confusion. I don't really need more air. I rarely use all I can from an AL80. But I want shorter tanks. I like the length on the 60's (but thats not quite enough air) I used in Bonaire so that got me thinking about HP 80's. Awap's post got me to looking at the LP85's too.

If you want a short tank, the HP80 is for you. It has a nickname "bowling ball with valve" because it's so short. This is the opposite of the LP85 which is tall and skinny. Very different trim properties for those two tanks.

You might also look at a LP80, which I've rarely seen but I have seen at least one. It's about the size of an AL63. No problem getting good fills, which sometimes does happen with the HP tanks.

 

[j2s]

Google 'tank charts' or something similar....There are several.....They'll give you dimensions/weights of different tanks, LP/HP, capacities, manufactures, buoyancy, empty/full etc....You'll be able to compare and get a good idea of what will work best for you.......Don't get confused by LP/HP-vs-Capacity....IE, a LP 80 has the same capacity as a HP 80 and so on........