How many non-tech divers carry a pony bottle?

[ClayJar]

There is a 13cf and a 19cf. They are the same diameter, and the 19cf isn't very much longer. What difference in length there is actually came in handy for me (I carry mine on my front left side), as the 13cf wouldn't be long enough to clip conveniently.

You basically get about 50% more air for that additional length (or, to put in in other terms, you get an additional 6cf pony's worth, "free").

 

[JohnnyH]

Humm - and maybe it's already been said on this growing thread, so I apologise - but typically you don't carry a pony bottle on your kit while tech diving (and yes, there's a range of configs for your gear depending on the task at hand) - rather you carry stage (/ deco) bottles - which you size based on your dive plan (depth/time/SAC/gas switches/...) - and never would it come in the 6cu ft range. I suppose the exception would be the bottle you use to hold your dry suit gas (O2/N2 or Argon) if you are diving with helium (which has a mich higher thermal-conductivity than O2/N2).

However - it would seem the thread has gone in a different direction, and is no longer relating to tech diving.

Best,
John

 

[craborn]

I am looking for a good used pony bottle if anyone has one they want to sell... Clay

 

[KMD]

One of the best redundant supply/safety equipment is a squared away buddy. Nothing beats the peace of mind knowing that anytime during a dive you can turn to the buddy, and signal "help me, with X, I am having problems." and know they are going to take care of you.

I know it's happend to me and I have helped others.


One question for people, when traveling, which takes up more space/weight? a 13cuft bottle or a set of manifold+bands?

 

[Meng_Tze]

One of the best redundant supply/safety equipment is a squared away buddy. ...

This goes without saying.

But IF people decide to go with a pony, they should make sure it does help all the way...

 

[Web Monkey]

It is the false sense of security provided by the pony that is the primary fault with its' use. Most of the arguments for a pony contemplate an equipment failure and an immediate ascent to the surface. In fact, an equipment failure is extremely rare and should not be the primary consideration.

What's false about having the gas required to get you safely to the surface?

It could be an equipment failure (blown tank o-ring, stuck SPG, back of your reg blew off (ScubaPro recall)) or a human failure (diver screwed up and wasn't watching SPG). In any of these cases, having a redundant reserve that contains enough air to do a normal slow ascent and safety stop can not possibly be a "Bad Thing".

An equipment failure may be rare, but so is the chance (per passenger/mile) of having a serious auto accident, however we all still have air bags.

So far you haven't come up with any falid reason why it's bad to carry enough extra gas to save your butt.

While everybody is trained that their buddy should help them out if they're OOA, the real truth is that unless you have a known-good buddy, going to your buddy for air at the end of the dive at any significant depth could easily result in two injuries or deaths.

I get a different boat buddy every day when on vacation, and I can tell you that I trust the contents of my pony a h*** of a lot more than some guy I met 5 minutes ago.

Terry

 

[DocWong]

For my recreational dives, I like to carry a 40 cu ft bottle. It's pretty streamlined and fully redundant. I kind of feel naked without it while diving a single tank for backgas.

 

[markfm]

One question for people, when traveling, which takes up more space/weight? a 13cuft bottle or a set of manifold+bands?

I get no grief on vacation when I show up with a pony -- ops are good about filling it (I do check ahead, the only thing people ask is that it have a current VIS, though it's emptied and valve removed for the actual flights to/from vacation), doesn't get in anyone's way.

Show up at the dock with kit for doubles and it would be left on shore, on the boats I dive on, which are oriented towards groups diving single AL80. (Nothing against doubles, just that it's not the same diving scenario for "typical" vacation charters.)

My 19 travels nicely, goes in my main dive bag, checked luggage, on the aircraft. Enough air to get me up if it hits the fan, while small enough to actually take places and use regularly.

 

[Mike Veitch]

i don't but i should... i dive solo probably 50% of the time...

its on my to buy list..

 

[Diver Dennis]

I have one in Manila for sale Mike...