Does anyone use tank skins?

[costi]

I have had them on my tanks for years and have never had them slip. I dive with two pony tanks clamped to them along with the BC. They do keep the tanks protected and increase their visibility. As for making it hard to get the BC on. A trick is to get some thin cord at a boat or mountain shop and thread it through the top of the net. Pull tight and tie a knot. BC strap then slide down the net with no hassle.

Charles

Thanks for the tip! I do like the idea of being more visible....especially diving the NE My bright yellow fins and mask help, but it wouldn't hurt to have a little extra.
Bob

 

[jheil82]

The idea of visibility is a bonus and if you have a candy red AL tank I guess it could protect the paint. I have a galvonized ffinished steel tank so i don't really have to worry about scratches, after all its just metal.

 

[costi]

The idea of visibility is a bonus and if you have a candy red AL tank I guess it could protect the paint. I have a galvonized ffinished steel tank so i don't really have to worry about scratches, after all its just metal.

I have candy apple red along with red,yellow, and brushed aluminum. The brushed aluminum has the most forgiving finish but the red stands out more.
bob

 

[markfm]

I had mine slip after a couple dives, took them off.

 

[divestoclimb]

My two cents regarding tank wraps while diving:

• The ones I've seen are too long for an 80 if you are also using a tank boot (a subject of another thread). So some of the netting sticks up beyond the crown of the tank; looks bad and might get entangled. Of course, you can either get the right size or just trim them down.
• They probably increase drag because your tank is no longer a smooth hydrodynamic surface.
• If your tanks look like new then you look like a new diver (from first impression). Dinged, scratched, faded gear is a sign of experience, and it may help you look competent in the eyes of a divemaster, boat captain, etc. and gaining their trust can be a very good thing.
• If you take care of your tanks they may get a few dings on them but nothing that will cause them to fail a visual; SCUBA tanks are engineered to get beat up. Aluminum tanks will easily last 20 years without needing protective wraps.

Using them for transport sounds like it would work pretty well, but I wouldn't want to dive with them.

 

[gregmontalbano]

* The ones I've seen are too long for an 80 if you are also using a tank boot (a subject of another thread). So some of the netting sticks up beyond the crown of the tank; looks bad and might get entangled. Of course, you can either get the right size or just trim them down.
* They probably increase drag because your tank is no longer a smooth hydrodynamic surface.
* If your tanks look like new then you look like a new diver (from first impression). Dinged, scratched, faded gear is a sign of experience, and it may help you look competent in the eyes of a divemaster, boat captain, etc. and gaining their trust can be a very good thing.
* If you take care of your tanks they may get a few dings on them but nothing that will cause them to fail a visual; SCUBA tanks are engineered to get beat up. Aluminum tanks will easily last 20 years without needing protective wraps.

Agreed...and it makes it a real pain in the *** when people don't take them off before a visual, its another step to have to take when applying the sticker.

 

[spectrum]

Thanks for the input..I think I'm going to continue doing what I am now...just using them for scratch and little dings protection durng transport...removing them for dives.
Kind of like a new car, once the first scratch is there, the rest don't matter as much.
Thanks guys, bob

Isn't your tank cradle already padded?

Pete

 

[Jim Lapenta]

It's why I only dive steel tanks. We have alot of customers with al tanks and many use the nets. When doing visuals they suck since they have to come off and get put back on. If it was up to me I'd take em off and let the owner put em back on. As far as slippage if the strap is properly tightened there is no reason the tank should come out unless the strap breaks or your "buddy" loosens it as a joke. Saw it happen. It was not funny. If it would have been done to me the guy would still be chained to the bottom of the platform.

 

[costi]

Isn't your tank cradle already padded?

Pete

Pete,
Don't beat around the bush....you're suggesting there is a little a little overkill on my part aren't you? (yes the cradle is padded.....good point) Bob