HP 100 or 120

[iztok]

I would also have you check HP119. They have slightly more gas thank HP120 and are shorter (but 8" diameter). I bought two and my AL80s are now in a storage :/

 

[Stu S.]

The 120's should be "try before you buy". They are just big enough to be clumsy for some people. I used them for a while, and the computer said "time to go" with 1800 psi left. It felt like diving with a phone pole back there. Switched to HP100 Fabers and the capacity and size is right for me. They are easy to dive with. My daughter is small sized, and the HP80 is right for her.

Our aluminum tanks brought good money on eBay.

 

[livetwodive]

If your BC fails, and you aren't wearing much of a suit, you will not have enough dumpable weight to float.

Typically I'm diving with about 12-14 lbs in saltwater with a 3mm shorty (top half of a farmer john). I stick with about the same amount of weight when I move to springs and switch to fresh water but add the other half of the suit. I'm thinking that depending on the size of the tank I might be able to cut the weight by nearly half switching to steel.

 

[livetwodive]

I would also have you check HP119. They have slightly more gas thank HP120 and are shorter (but 8" diameter). I bought two and my AL80s are now in a storage :/

I should probably borrow or rent a pair before I drop $800 on them. I was leaning toward the x7-120 for two reasons. First it is 7.25 diameter which means less hassle adjusting my tank straps, IIRC it is a few pounds lighter than the x8-119 and I read one other comment that the 8" diameter tanks can be a pain on some boats. Okay, that was three reasons. The only downside is that they are taller.

 

[The Kraken]

The HP 100's are excellent tanks. They're 7.25" in diameter and a couple of inches shorter than an aluminum 72 making them much better tanks for trimming out for shorter divers and those who are short waisted.

They also make excellent doubles, if you're headed in that direction.

The weigh less full than do the aluminum 72's thus making them easier to transport for younger divers or the more petite female diver.

I highly recommend them.

the K

 

[iztok]

I should probably borrow or rent a pair before I drop $800 on them. I was leaning toward the x7-120 for two reasons. First it is 7.25 diameter which means less hassle adjusting my tank straps, IIRC it is a few pounds lighter than the x8-119 and I read one other comment that the 8" diameter tanks can be a pain on some boats. Okay, that was three reasons. The only downside is that they are taller.

Yes you should try them out.

HP119 are easier to trim. HP120s make me feet heavy as they are longer. Never had issues with 8" tanks on boats for now. Most decent boats have a place for them. Adjusting straps is not a biggie for me and my BP/w uses two tank straps. True HP119 are 4lbs heavier than HP120 and 4" shorter, and 2.4 cft more air.

HP100 are 5lbs lighter than HP120 and also 4" shorter. Might be good option for your wife. (Women usually have better SAC.)

 

[BobbyT22]

Another option is just buying LP85's and filling them to 3000 psi or more. You need a shop that will pump them up, but that shouldn't be a problem in Florida.

 

[Stu S.]

Hey, Bobby. That LP85 is my favorite, and 3,100 psi makes it about 100 cu. ft. I still have 1 LP left. Places that used the overfill it won't anymore. For a couple of years, that tank went along on trips to Gainesville was filled there.

Presently, there is one "overfiller" in the Orlando area, as Peter is back in the dive biz. Hopefully he remains so. But, to ensure 100 cubic feet, I had to sell out and get HP's.

 

[iztok]

Another option is just buying LP85's and filling them to 3000 psi or more. You need a shop that will pump them up, but that shouldn't be a problem in Florida.

Why?

LP85 is heavier and longer than HP100 (XSScuba tanks) and only holds 8% more air at the same pressure as HP100. More shops will fill HP to its designed pressure than overfill LP.

 

[Stu S.]

Hey, Itzok. This handy chart has been around.

Scuba Cylinder Specifications from Tech Diving Limited - 928-855-9400

The Faber LP85 fits me really well. It is a little smaller in diameter and weighs 2 or 3 pounds less, empty than the HP 100's. Yes it is a bit taller, too. It balances out real well and is easy to dive with.