Is finding a used HP100 basically impossible?

[TSandM]

In contrast, I DO consider the capacity for total weight considerations in tanks -- but that's because hauling tanks is a big part of the negative side of diving for me. HP100s are lovely tanks, with similar capacity to the LP95s but just a bit lighter to carry, while have the same buoyancy characteristics. That's why people who have them, hang onto them.

But if you can't find HP100s, the LP95s are very reasonable tanks, easier to find, and significantly cheaper. That's what I dive at home, when I'm not diving 130s.

 

[vshearer]

Shhhhh! Don't tell people that those old HP 100 with the itty-bitty 7/8 necks are any good.

I picked up two sets of doubles with bands and manifolds for $650. Just junk, you know.

 

[LiveBait]

You just have to look and wait... I looked here and and TheDecoStop for about two months before I found mine. Here is an add for some 300bucks free shipping... its been on a few weeks might be willing to negotiate.

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/classifieds-tanks-valves-bands/359839-2-worthington-hp100.html

Hope that helps!

L Bait

 

[vshearer]

You buy your own tanks, eventually you end up with 12-15 tanks, then a compressor starts to look good. It never ends. Being cost effective really doesn't matter, it is all the neat stuff you get to put in the garage. Or in my case, hide in the garage. (From the wife)

 

[CT Sean]

I dive for 20 days (let's say 10 weekends) so I would have to pay for 10 fills if I bought tanks versus rented them for 10 weekends. $50.

Are you saying 1 fill of an HP100 = 2 AL80 rentals? If so then that makes sense

 

[rjack321]

But if you can't find HP100s, the LP95s are very reasonable tanks, easier to find, and significantly cheaper. That's what I dive at home, when I'm not diving 130s.

So the "best" and the "worst" tank in the CF/Lb department are actually both quite pleasant to dive. Amazing

 

[pedo]

A couple of thoughts:

Rental: ~$7 a day. Fills are $6, $5 if you buy a fill card worth 10 fills. Hydro costs $45. Visual costs $15.

Say I dive 20 days out of the year. Rental costs would be $140.

I buy a used tank for $200, visual it for $15 after a year, put $10 that year towards hydro-ing in a few years, and I've got $225.

In two years I can recoup the cost of the cylinder. Afterwards I would only need to dive enough to recoup the costs of the inspections.

Buying used means more convenience, and you don't run the risk of filling up a rental, not being able to dive on it for whatever reason, and having to return it with a full wasted fill. Plus you can sell your tank again in the future for almost the same price you bought it for originally.

Well, you need to add in the cost for fills. I bought a couple of HP100s and love 'em but sometimes I think I should just rent. The biggest worry is that it will fail hydro and now you've got a $200 piece of junk.

 

[Colliam7]

... but never any HP100s. Should I just give up and pay retail for them? $400 each after tax.

I would not pay that. I have purchased several pairs of used HP100s (3442, not 3500, PSI) over the past several years. $400 for two is a fair price. $400 for a set of double HP100s, with manifold and bands, is a very good price.

Keep looking. You will probably find a good set of used 100s somewhere. I have purchased two sets in the past several years. In fact, I had a set of double PST HP 100s, with a SS OMS BP and DR Super Wing, stolen by some as$h$$e in Deerfield Beach FL in May. Who knows, they may show up for sale. At $400, they would be a steal (literally). And, if you do find such a set, let me know who you bought them from.

 

[spectrum]

I've looked everywhere. People sell used Alu tanks all the time, some steel LP100s and HP80s here and there, but never any HP100s. Should I just give up and pay retail for them? $400 each after tax.

It takes patience or luck.

Watch dive shops and Craigs list.

I got one pair from a shop with fresh VIP & Hydro for less than 1/2 the going price.

I did even better taking a chance on a dormant pair and getting them recommissioned.

If you dive DIN and can live with the older 3500 PSI 7/8 fine thread neck a lot of options open up.

Pete

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

It takes patience or luck.

Watch dive shops and Craigs list.

I got one pair from a shop with fresh VIP & Hydro for less than 1/2 the going price.

I did even better taking a chance on a dormant pair and getting them recommissioned.

If you dive DIN and can live with the older 3500 PSI 7/8 fine thread neck a lot of options open up.

Pete

Can you tell me more about these 7/8 fine threads? I have no idea what they are. I can dive DIN, but what are their specs?