like a pony, but not quite

[simonk999]

Not affiliated with these guys, but they have an interesting variation of a pony bottle, almost like a super-sized spare air.
http://www.h2odyssey.com

What'd y'all think?

-Simon

 

[RICHinNC]

I am by no means an expert...lots on here....but I would never use it....

considering allllllll the possible reasons why....you have somelthing like that because even if you dive with other divers... they are always seperated by a lot of space....or because you solo....or because ;you like total self sufficiency and redundancy....

using that thing would take way too long and i like the idea of a pony reg near me....not having to hassle with freeing that thing

just me;..

 

[Northeastwrecks]

I do not believe that this is a particularly good idea.

As a preliminary matter, I don't like pony bottles. The need for a redundant air supply is why doubles were invented and why I dive them.

As for this device, the only items that this product seems to eliminate from a traditional pony/stage configuration is the hose and the tank valve. I see no reason to do either. It seems that it will only make using the device harder.

For example, I'd rather have only the second stage in front of me. With this device, you'll have the tank as well.

Moreover, how do you hold it? Must you remove it, bring it in front of your face, then hold on to it while you ascend? That will be fun with a 30 cu. ft. bottle.

Finally, I see no way to turn this device off. Normally, I pressurize my stage regulator, then turn off the valve to that I won't lose deco gas while I'm on my back gas. It doesn't appear that this device allows this. The result could be an empty tank if, for example, the second stage leaks during the dive.

Overall, a bad idea.

 

[Diver0001]

simonk999 once bubbled...
Not affiliated with these guys, but they have an interesting variation of a pony bottle, almost like a super-sized spare air.
http://www.h2odyssey.com

What'd y'all think?

-Simon

It's just another totally useless product that plays on people's fears, offering them a complication that looks like a solution.

Run away. You're much better off to practice buddy skills and dive within your comfort zone.

R..

 

[R_Deluca]

Diver0001 once bubbled...

Run away. You're much better off to practice buddy skills and dive within your comfort zone.
R..

Well said. There is no substitute for good buddy skills and a well thought out dive!

 

[d33ps1x]

Makes an excellent pony. ut:

 

[pipedope]

and have a great ride!
err DIVE!
Yea, thats it dive.

 

[-hh]

simonk999 once bubbled...
Not affiliated with these guys, but they have an interesting variation of a pony bottle, almost like a super-sized spare air.
http://www.h2odyssey.com

What'd y'all think?

Most of these small bottle systems are designed to meet the US Navy's interests (and Soliciations announced in the CBD) for a better HEED ("Helicopter Emergency Egress Device").

The last CBD Soliciation for the HEED that I can find is dated August 15, 1999.

Spare Air did have the contract several years ago, but lost out to a US Divers system in the late 1990's (you can probably get the exact contract number by filing a FOIA request). My recollections are that one of the factors was that they were looking for a system larger than 3ft^3. If you need more than 3ft^3 to get out of a chopper in 10-15ft of water, a recreational scuba diver looking for a redundent bailout system from as deep as 130fsw is going to need something larger than a 3ft^3 or even a 6ft^3 system.

IMO, an expert diver under ideal conditions can be expected to need at least a 13ft^3 system. For deeper than 100fsw and less ideal and/or cold conditions, the next logical step is a 30ft^3.



-hh

 

[Genesis]

the device the poster was talking about is just a "unit body" valve/regulator assembly that goes on a bottle of diver-chosen size, so you could use it on a 6, 13, 19, 30 or even 40cf cylinder.

I don't see the value. You'd have to stick the entire thing in your mouth, as it has no hose (it would be hanging by your mouth.) Given that, why not just use a regular pony setup and sling the tank?

 

[fiddler]

if your gonna pony mount it and run a hose. that little tou scares the hell out of me. what if you drop it half way up. oops no air