Much difference between an AL 40 deco bottle & a AL80 stage?

[tstormdiver]

At the suggestion of my instructor, I have assembled an AL80 stage bottle to start carrying around in the pool & open water to get used to it & handling it. I have been slinging an AL 40 bottle of oxygen for nearly 2 yrs & barely notice it (though it did take a little adjustment at the start). Is there much difference in the balancing/ weight/ buoyancy? I am assuming that there will be some increased drag, as I move through the water, hence also why my instructor wants me to go ahead & start carrying it around (increased exercise).

 

[LiteHedded]

the 80 full of nitrox will be a lot heavier when it's full and more of a pain to move around. that's about it. a tad harder to swim around

 

[tstormdiver]

Thanks. That's about what I was thinking.

 

[Colliam7]

Is there much difference in the balancing/ weight/ buoyancy?

the 80 full of nitrox will be a lot heavier when it's full and more of a pain to move around. that's about it. a tad harder to swim around

Agree. I don't really notice the difference (between the 40 and 80) in the water. But, it is more cumbersome on the surface, in gearing up and moving around. I was also concerned at first about the 80 creating a tendency to roll to my left, but I never really noticed it.

Having said that, I still prefer to dive 40s. If I can do a dive with smaller bottles, I will, even if it means taking a second 40 on the boat for two dives.

 

[tstormdiver]

Thank you. I don't plan on carrying that one around much, if at all on land. My double 108's + the AL40 is pretty much at the limits of my weight bearing capabilities.

 

[TSandM]

I find a 40 disappears, but I remain aware of an 80, and I can definitely tell that I swim slower and with more effort. I was surprised, though, that balancing one (or even one AND a 40) was trivial and required no thought at all.

 

[Blackwood]

The 80 gets really light when it's empty, but it's really not a big deal.

 

[PfcAJ]

I would take the time to find a luxfer al80 instead of a catalina. A catalina full of nitrox feels like a boat anchor to me., while the luxfer is more reasonable.

Also, pay attention to the regs and spgs you use. Once again, heavy stuff adds up, and going light on the regs and gauge can make your day a little easier, esp if you start carrying more than one stage.

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

PfcAJ - I would take the time to find a luxfer al80 instead of a catalina.

I'll second that! It so noticeable underwater that with my eyes closed, I would be able to tell tell you the difference between Luxfer/Catalina.

IMHO, once you understand the concept/skills of slinging a bottle, it doesn't make a difference 40/80. The more obvious change is when you jump to 2 stages! If you are only using 1, you'll do fine with the 80.

 

[Rainer]

Like Lynne, I find a single 40 just disappears. An 80 is noticeable, but not too bad. About the same as two 40s.