LP or HP? thoughts and comments.

[diverclay]

I've been diving steel tanks for some time. Mostly Faber 95s in the FL caves. And recently have gotten where I prefer them in saltwater also. I'm looking into purchasing some steels for that purpose. I have been able to borrow some LP Faber 85s from a buddy and love how they perform over AL 80s. Especially when you can get some shops to fill up to 3000 PSI. With that being said I'd like to hear opinions about LP and HP and also any particular size preferences. For open water saltwater dives I will be using as a single tank. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts. Tanks!!!

 

[deepstops]

I've been diving steel tanks for some time. Mostly Faber 95s in the FL caves. And recently have gotten where I prefer them in saltwater also. I'm looking into purchasing some steels for that purpose. I have been able to borrow some LP Faber 85s from a buddy and love how they perform over AL 80s. Especially when you can get some shops to fill up to 3000 PSI. With that being said I'd like to hear opinions about LP and HP and also any particular size preferences. For open water saltwater dives I will be using as a single tank. I would appreciate hearing your thoughts. Tanks!!!

I love LP85s for doubles and I'd imagine they'd make a great singles tank as well. I'd also say the HP100 is a pretty nice singles tank too though.

 

[fire_diver]

IT depends on where you dive, and your thoughts on overfills. If you like overfills, and live in an area that will do it, then go with LPs. Otherwise go with HP. One last consideration.... Can your LDS do HP fills? If they can only go to 3000, then you wont get the benefit of HP tanks.

MY recommendation? HP 100. Smaller than an AL80, Same weight as an AL80, more gas, and less bouyant so you can pull lead off your belt. It's an all-around win.

 

[Nitrodiverrr]

I would add my vote to fire diver and deepstops recommendation of the HP100 due to the reasons listed by fire diver. HP120 is handy when making shorter multiple dives without having to change out tanks. 120 wight be a good choice for a large diver with higher than average air consumption. The 100 is a good choice for a male diver when diving with a female buddy using an 80. My personal observation is that females usually use less air than men.

 

[ajduplessis]

LP's. Very few shops can fill HP's. If you need more air, rather buy a bigger tank. I love steel.

 

[evensplit]

LP - easier to get better fills.

 

[Ltstanfo]

I personally prefer HP tanks, the HP100 being my favorite for either single or double tank diving. Using steel cylinders IMO is much better than using aluminum. Less weight on the belt.

My personal preference for HP aside, you do have to consider where you will be using these fine cylinders and as others have already pointed out, can the local dive site fill HP tanks (3440 - 3500 PSI). If the local site can only fill to 3000, you are not getting your money's worth.

My personal experience (l live in North Alabama) is I can dive all over my home state (including gulf coast) and get HP fills just fine. I can also dive PC, Destin/Ft. Walton and Tampa Bay without problems. I am told that some cave country shops cannot fill to 3500 but as I have never been there I cannot confirm that.

Regards,
Ltstanfo

 

[Superlyte27]

I vote for LP's. Mainly because they have been around for decades. They are easy to overfill and get overfilled (at least in my area). I have a set that is nearly 30 years old and still passes hydro. I noticed when I was in the keys that most of their air banks couldn't fill past 3000psi. An HP tank is getting screwed. That blows!

With that said. I absolutely love the LP85. I use them for singles, doubles, and when I start Side Mounting, that will be my sidemount setup.

 

[iztok]

I suggest HP. If underfill is your concern use the same size as LP. This way if they are filled to the same pressure they will hold the same amount of gas. You will have less problems getting 3000psi filled to HP tank than into LP (where LDS you don't know and doesn't know you will not overfill LP tanks and can't fill over 3000psi either).

 

[rjack321]

My personal experience (l live in North Alabama) is I can dive all over my home state (including gulf coast) and get HP fills just fine. I can also dive PC, Destin/Ft. Walton and Tampa Bay without problems. I am told that some cave country shops cannot fill to 3500 but as I have never been there I cannot confirm that.

Yeah I doubt they'd stop the compressor this early