eelnoraa
Contributor
I have a chance to pick up 2 LP72. The only reason I want them is for double. Are they worth it? Or should I look for bigger doubles?
LP72 double worth buidling
- Thread starter eelnoraa
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elmer fudd
Contributor
I guess it depends on what kind of dives you're planning on doing and how much you're going to pay for them.
LP72's are typically very cheap used. Out of hydro I don't like to pay more than $25 each, but then I'm a cheapskate. I'd also stay away from painted tanks. If it ain't galvanized, you don't want it.
They have some very nice characteristics to them. They're lightweight. Their buoyancy ranges from about -4.5 lbs. to about 0, (full to empty), and they're long enough that you can position them so that they trim out well for you.
The downside is that they're fairly big, (albeit skinny), and they don't hold a lot of air. With a 2250 fill, (which is what they're rated for and all some places will give them), they hold 65 cf. At 2475, (10% overfill), they hold 71.2 cf. Now if you have a place that will do it and you don't mind overfilling them, at 2800 they'll hold 80 cf, which is more than an AL80 will hold.
So it all depends on if that's enough air for you. I've got a pair and I use them for dives between 100 and 130 feet. Beyond that, I'd want more gas, but I'm a big, chubby guy and I may need more air than you.
LP72's are typically very cheap used. Out of hydro I don't like to pay more than $25 each, but then I'm a cheapskate. I'd also stay away from painted tanks. If it ain't galvanized, you don't want it.
They have some very nice characteristics to them. They're lightweight. Their buoyancy ranges from about -4.5 lbs. to about 0, (full to empty), and they're long enough that you can position them so that they trim out well for you.
The downside is that they're fairly big, (albeit skinny), and they don't hold a lot of air. With a 2250 fill, (which is what they're rated for and all some places will give them), they hold 65 cf. At 2475, (10% overfill), they hold 71.2 cf. Now if you have a place that will do it and you don't mind overfilling them, at 2800 they'll hold 80 cf, which is more than an AL80 will hold.
So it all depends on if that's enough air for you. I've got a pair and I use them for dives between 100 and 130 feet. Beyond that, I'd want more gas, but I'm a big, chubby guy and I may need more air than you.
AfterDark
Contributor
I use LP72's as independent doubles. I go thru air pretty quick but I'll get close to the NDL's for 50-60fsw dives. As independents they are easy to handle and transport. As elmer fudd stated they have "..very nice characteristics..". I picked up a galvinized lp72 last summer that was wet and rusty on the inside, so much rust that the valve was so clogged with rust it was worthless . Paid $10.00, after a good cleaning a vip and a hydro it's one of the 72's I use for ID's.
halocline
Contributor
I have a pair doubled and I like them a lot. One thing about them that's especially nice is how easy they are to manage on land. They only weigh about 26lbs empty.
cool_hardware52
Contributor
I have two sets of LP72's. Love 'em for local so cal shore dives.
Tobin
Tobin
Gilldiver
Contributor
I have a set of old 72's dating from the late 60's. With custom stainless bands bands and a Sherwood Selpac manifold and in fresh water they are -15 pounds at 2400 psi and -7 at 300 psi. This is using a cheap fish scale from Wally World so there is most likely a +-1 pound variance. Add in the regs and both numbers will go negative another 2 pounds or so.
For a nice dive in the 80-120' range, these tanks are my go to tanks. Many times I will use them and a single 120 with an H-valve for a 2 wreck dive day.
For a nice dive in the 80-120' range, these tanks are my go to tanks. Many times I will use them and a single 120 with an H-valve for a 2 wreck dive day.
cool_hardware52
Contributor
Had one of my sets of LP72's on my back this morning at Vets Parks.
Tobin
Tobin
elan
Contributor
Those are amazing tanks. With a double set and al80 stage i do 2 90-100ft boat dives on 32 they are very easy managable on land and very easy to trim as they are long. I paid 70cad for two with one being out of hydro and another having two years left at that moment
Seraphimx
Contributor
I have two LP72's and I was wondering if I should just put them together.
Makes me want to.
Makes me want to.
elan
Contributor
You definitely should
The issues with them though is you need either 7' or 6.9 bands. Can be difficult to find locally. If you can get them OMS 7' bands work great. Or you can always order from pirahna.Another thing is they are a bit light on the butt so tail weight will work the best with them. I think have 10 lbs on the tail for my cold water undergarment.
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