Best way to rig a pony (if you have to)

[*Floater*]

I did a dive in NJ last week and they required all divers to either carry a pony, doubles or singles with T-valves. Of those only the ponies were available for rent so that's what I used along with one of my deco regs (DR first and second, 40" hose, small brass SPG). The thing was attached to the side of the tank with one of my cam straps, left open for the dive and the second stage was to be bungeed around the neck, though I just clipped it to my right shoulder d-ring.

Anyway, I'm going back tomorrow and I need to pony up again, so I'm just wondering if I should rig it the way the locals do or is there a better way? (Again, the shop I'm using doesn't have doubles for rent and this was a last minute thing so I'm sticking with the pony). My concern is that 1. I prefer to bungee my backup around the neck (instead of the pony), 2. I'd prefer to keep the pony turned off unless needed (but I cannot access it behind my back so I have to leave it on), 3. if it were to run out on its own I might not notice since it's behind my back (can't see the SPG either) so if the situation got hairy I might end up hitting an empty pony, and 4. it doesn't look ideal for streamlining and might interfere with how my wing inflates.

Thoughts?

 

[divad]

Why wouldn't you just carry it like a stage?

 

[all4scuba05]

Slinging a pony for the first time on a deep dive is a little risky. Depending on your setup, you should probably first practice with it in shallower waters. Or what the hell, just go for it.

I used to backmount. Now I'm slinging on left side between inflator and main pressure gauge. That's what took getting used to. I heard some folks sling it on the right.

 

[JahJahwarrior]

But to sling it, he needs hardware. One Link Here

Let me find the one I'm thinking of....that one without the tank wraps step....

 

[divad]

Just go for it. The first time I did it, it was with an AL 40 inside the Captain Dan during AOW. I didn't really notice it that much. I had more trouble adjusting to the Tranpaq the instructor put me in to accommodate the pony. I might have had a false sense of security though, because I was with an instructor.

 

[STOGEY]

I dive solo a lot, so of course I had to get a pony. Anyways I have a 30 cu one. I bought a little bad that you attatch to the strap that you harness the tank to the bc. The bag has a couple of straps that you use to secure the bottle into the bad. It has worked very well.

 

[*Floater*]

Well, I suppose I either have to keep it strapped to the tank, or sling it using some makeshift rig (some bungee loops, zipties and a few boltsnaps should do it).

 

[divad]

Well, I suppose I either have to keep it strapped to the tank, or sling it using some makeshift rig (some bungee loops, zipties and a few boltsnaps should do it).

Why don't you just do it the regular way? You've only got to tighten and loosen one hose clamp. The top loop can slip over the valve. It just seems easier than bungies and zip ties. I guess you could use a cam-band.

 

[Nemrod]

I used to attach it to the main tank with a homemade pony mount but now I much prefer the stage sling type arrangement. It is just so much better, more streamlined, more accesable and can be handed off if need be and less prone to tangle.

N

 

[RJP]

"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that sling."