Deep spearfishing and Pony tank setup

[black1]

Hello all, im looking to get a 19 pony tank for my deep dive class and also for when i deep dive 100ft + spearfish and was wondering if anyone does this, how they have theres setup and what is a good brand/make, what they use a tank band strap or sling it. I would think to sling it can be problematic but im not sure, any tips, ideas and products would be great help, thanks.

 

[Shcubasteve]

I use a 19cf with a pony tamer as pictures below (not my setup). Debates will continue on mounting bail out bottles, but for me, I like to mount it inverted: I can reach the valve and IMHO it poses less entanglement risk. Slinging a bottle while messing with shock cords, thrashing fish and bull sharks might be problematic. Mount it.

 

[black1]

Thanks Shcuba, i like that clamp to the tank the best so far, i have researched a few and that one looks the most sturdy, how does your 19 pony do for depth, i know it most depends on your breathing surface rate but im just curious, i have heard all you really need is an 19 but some prefer a 3o, it all depends on situation i suppose (depth, struggle situation, time needed etc).

 

[Shcubasteve]

Thanks Shcuba, i like that clamp to the tank the best so far, i have researched a few and that one looks the most sturdy, how does your 19 pony do for depth, i know it most depends on your breathing surface rate but im just curious, i have heard all you really need is an 19 but some prefer a 3o, it all depends on situation i suppose (depth, struggle situation, time needed etc).

I donÃÕ do any deco diving, rec only, so for me (spearfishing, lobstering) a 19cf is perfect, a 30cf BOB would be overkill. I have done controlled assents from 75' w/ a safety stop with air to spare (not a spare air ).... In an emergency situation, things would be different no doubt, but still enough gas to get me up from recreational depths, YMMV.

 

[Scuba-Stu]

Thanks Shcuba, i like that clamp to the tank the best so far, i have researched a few and that one looks the most sturdy, how does your 19 pony do for depth, i know it most depends on your breathing surface rate but im just curious, i have heard all you really need is an 19 but some prefer a 3o, it all depends on situation i suppose (depth, struggle situation, time needed etc).

I see a lot of people with this set up called the quick draw bracket.

 

[jesse23]

I also use a 19 pony for anything deeper than 60'. I use the Zeagle straps: Mfg Part Number :
8029HD

scuba.com/scuba-gear-5/004252/Zeagle-Pony-Bottle-or-Battery-Pack-Attachment-Kit.html

I have a third reg for this and the valve is opened when I drop in. it's ready when I need it when I dive. I never plan with it. I have practiced with it, but fortunately never have had to use it. Changing tanks is a breeze, because the straps attach to your existing tank straps. Remove and replace main tank for each dive. The pony stays mounted.

 

[Chad Carney]

black1,

Pony size is a matter of choice, depends on your size/strength and intended use.
For me a 30 is not much more to carry than a 19, but they have more uses. Deeper rec. shooting has a way of progressing into lite-tech diving. (A 30 makes for a great deco stage bottle that usually lasts me 3 deep dives.)

I use the Zeagle 8029HD bands, rock solid, easy to use, no tools and nothing screwed or bolted to move from tank to tank.

Chad

 

[100days-a-year]

Never had'em,never will.I do use 30cuft deco bottles slung under my right arm when spearfishing 200'+ on mix.
I just really don't need that much air.I often get out of the water with a 500-1000psi after diving to 180' for 10min and doing all my deco.In a single 100 to 120cuft.

Kinda leery of of backmounts since I went to a funeral of a friend who mistakenly put his hiPO2 reg in his mouth as he descended.He too though it was a great idea and was to experienced to ever mix the regs up.

 

[black1]

Im sorry to here about your friend. I dont mean to be nosey but do you mean he placed his 100% O2 reg when he descended. I just feel more comfortable using a pony, after i have double checked all my gear and mix and other safety procedures.

 

[100days-a-year]

black1,basically yes.Of course you never know what exactly happens.He was very experienced and well trained.There's just a lot to keep track of when spearfishing out of a boat and one mistake may be all you get.

I can free ascend from pretty deep and I always dive with spare hiPO2 bottle onboard.In the instance that you do reach the surface low on air or blow off deco you can get back in on 02 and the boat now knows you are in trouble.Running out of air should be a never happens or very,very rare type thing.It suggests pi$$poor planning and risk assesment abilities.

I do understand that classes often require a certain configuration,but real world I dive as simple as possible and as few moving parts and gear as possible.I have a lot of friends who still dive single reg and backpacks in fact.