HP 100 or 120

[iztok]

Hey, Itzok. This handy chart has been around.

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

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.

Stu, I was comparing XS Scuba tanks (LP85 and HP100) in my claims. It was my understanding that OP is looking for XS tanks.

 

[Wayward Son]

I have a Faber FX-100, which is just a little shorter but still lighter than an AL80. Also have a PST E7-100, which is shorter yet.

I weight the same for them in the water, can't tell the difference. Both are 3442 HP 7.25" tanks. Mostly my wife dives these.

My tanks are Faber FX-117's, which are 3442 HP 8" tanks. They're short & fat. Some dive boats do not have holders for 8" tanks, but usually can figure something out.

 

[scubafanatic]

...buy ONE HP 120 7.25" diameter tank for you, then you and wifie can go do 2 test dives, where one of you uses the HP 120 and the other the AL 80, then swap tanks for a 2nd dive, and compare notes. I'm predicting wifie goes for the HP100, and you'll keep the HP120. I've got (4) of the HP 120's and (2) of the HP 100s (mine are PST brand, but same thing dive-wise)....and it's been my experience women WAY prefer the HP 100's !

 

[The Kraken]

My wife, Yellow Angel Fish, dives the HP100's and absolutely adores them.

the K

 

[BobbyT22]

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.

Principally cost. An LP85 new is about 80 bucks cheaper than an HP 100 and 120 bucks cheaper than a 120. Still 7.25 inch diameter. But you have to have somewhere that will overfill them, specifically to 3192 psi to get 100 ft3 (Boyles Law). The HP100 has to be at 3442 psi to be 100 ft3, which sometimes is a hard number to reach unless the shop takes its time with the fill. I've had HP tanks before, and often when the tank cools after fill, I'm only looking at about 3200-3300 psi anyway. The LP85 at the same 3200-3300 psi gives you your 100 cubic feet. All this is a moot point if your local shop won't overfill.

Nothing against an HP100, I hear they are great, but an LP85 might also do the trick nicely. They also are easier to find used if you want to go that route.

 

[livetwodive]

Stu, I was comparing XS Scuba tanks (LP85 and HP100) in my claims. It was my understanding that OP is looking for XS tanks.

My preference is the Worthington (XS) tanks because in general I liked the idea of sourcing from North American company, that and the hot dip galvanized *seemed* like the best way to go. Not that I have anything against the pretty white Fabers.

 

[livetwodive]

I just lugged my AL80's and gear across a parking lot in 95 degree heat. :furious: I'm leaning towards the HP100's after that! But then, bottom time is never about easy...

 

[iztok]

I just lugged my AL80's and gear across a parking lot in 95 degree heat. :furious: I'm leaning towards the HP100's after that! But then, bottom time is never about easy...

Load/rent HP100, HP119 and HP120 and see how they trim and feel. I am more of an air hog so HP100 was not the best option for me. HP120s were too long (not good trim) and HP119 were right. But to each its own. I am just saying the reasons. 8" vs. 7.25" is not a biggie for me as I never found a boat that had issues with it.

Try it and see what it works that is what I am saying You might end up with two different tanks one for you and one for your wife.

I just did dives off coast of NC and used HP119s. I liked that on 100-110ft dive with Nitrox 32 I had good bottom time and still plenty of gas to share in case of an emergency at the end of the dive.

 

[Scott L]

LP85's are probably the best overall tank if you can get decent fills. I feel like a free-diver diving with them...

 

[Splitlip]

If switching between the aluminum 80 and the HP 100 then the weight difference will be about 4-5 lbs. If going between the AL 80 and the HP120 then the weight difference will be much more. The other thing to consider is that the HP120 is longer than the other tanks. Ive used both of the tanks and find that they both work well and choosing between the two depends on the situation.

Most of us know what you mean. To clarify for OP.

You can strip about 5 or 6 pounds of ballast from your rig using steel tanks.

On the surface, the steel 100's weigh about the same as an aluminum 80. So over all, with a steel 100 you are hauling ~ 4 to 5 pounds less than with an al 80.