Help Rigging a Pony Bottle

[GLENFWB]

Trying to find some good pictures on how to rig a pony bottle that you want to sling in front of you. I have seen some old pictures on some sites but the ones I have found aren't very complete. Have done some SB searches but haven't come up with anything. I have a 40cf I am trying to rig. Anyone have any good resources they can send me a link too?

 

[Rainer]

DIR-diver.com - Stagebottle rigging

 

[GLENFWB]

Thanks for the info. Anyone else have a different way to rig one?

DIR-diver.com - Stagebottle rigging

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Stage Strap...Attachment Point for Bottles and Regulators, Carrying Handle

 

[charlesml3]

Here's how I rig mine:

 

[String]

DIR-diver.com - Stagebottle rigging

Try the above. Plenty of advantages side slinging vs back and you can make it for about $5.

EDIT:- Whoops someone beat me too it and i missed it. Just do the above ALTHOUGH if you only have a BCD you may find the D-rings arent in the right position for it to work comfortably in which case back mount maybe the only option.

 

[ClayJar]

ALTHOUGH if you only have a BCD you may find the D-rings arent in the right position for it to work comfortably in which case back mount maybe the only option.

For my old jacket BC, the upper bolt snap was right at the shoulder of my AL19, and the lower bolt snap was right at the bottom. It worked well slinging it from shoulder D-ring to the front-of-my-left-hip D-ring on that jacket. When I moved to a backplate (which turned out to be *so* much better for me, *especially* when I'm diving dry), I had to move the lower bolt snap several inches up the side of the tank in order for it to be in the right position for the outside-of-my-left-hip D-ring on the waist belt of my harness.

Basically, it should be workable with just about any rig, with only some slight differences in orientation. Slinging from the jacket, it was more below and parallel to me; slinging from the plate harness, it's more tucked in alongside and under my arm. The differences aren't enough to pose a problem. (You can also wear a "hip D-ring belt", if you really want to. It's just a length of 2" webbing with a buckle, a D-ring, and a keeper, and it lets you put a D-ring right where you want one. Of course, it only works if your jacket's not too long, but I figured I may as well bring it up. :biggrin

 

[jeckyll]

Thanks for the info. Anyone else have a different way to rig one?

If you're looking to mount it to the tank, do yourself a favour and search a bit on SB first. It's been discussed over and over again.

If I carry an extra bottle, it's slung.

YMMV.

 

[DIR-Atlanta]

Thanks for the info. Anyone else have a different way to rig one?

The instructions on the DIR-diver.com site are about the best as far as rigging a stage or pony bottle as a side-slung. Most of the required hardware can be purchased at your local home improvement center for next to nothing. Just be careful about the materials - the rope should be diamond-braided nylon line (like clothesline), and the boltsnaps need to be high-quality stainless steel (not brass or nickel-plated).

The DiveRite straps in the other link will also work, but are a lot more expensive for the same basic thing.

I'm not aware of any "better" way - most of the methods for rigging a stage like this will just be "variations on the theme". The decision on what works best for you depends on your budget and whether you prefer a prepackaged solution or more DIY. FWIW, the DIY solution is not that difficult to do, and gives you more flexibility in choice of materials.

 

[Narcd_dvr]

Here's another site with a CAD for rigging a stage bottle, Stage Bottle for a Hogarthian Rig. This is what I used for my pony bottle. Have fun..