Question Need advice on attaching pony bottle

[swimmingpooldivein]

Hello!

I just completed the SDI Solo Diver certification, and I'm having trouble deciding how to attach a pony bottle. I dive with a drysuit and Tusa X-Wing BCD. I'm thinking about buying a 3L steel pony bottle. My thinking on options:

1. Mount pony bottle onto primary tank: my setup is already very heavy, so keeping the pony bottle separate is very appealing.
2. Mount pony bottle in front: I do lots of muck diving (getting up close to the silty bottom), so I think this will get in the way.
3. Sidemount pony bottle from shoulder D-ring to D-ring that's under the weight pocket: the D-ring that's under the weight pocket (see picture below) may not work because it's obstructed by the buldging integrated weight pocket. Also, I'm concerned that the pony bottle may accidentally unhook the weight pocket mid-dive and my weight pocket falls out.
4. Sidemount pony bottle from shoulder D-ring to plastic ring that's at the bottom-back of the BCD: this may keep the pony bottle from accidentally unhooking the weight pocket, but I have no idea what the plastic ring at the bottom-back of the BCD (see picture below) can be used for, and how much load it can bear. There's no mention of this plastic ring in the owner's manual.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!

 

[Valerii Vakshul]

I'll have to stop diving in jacket and switch to the wing, there are no other options.

 

[MidOH]

Sling it.

I think my tank would clip there ok. Not as cleanly as a BPW maybe.

There's some slack at the end of the harness:

 

[Searcaigh]

I just completed the SDI Solo Diver certification, and I'm having trouble deciding how to attach a pony bottle.

What did your instructor advise when doing the course?

Having two stainless steel D-Rings would probably be very advisable and sling it as per @MidOH suggests above.

You should probably invest in a BPW

 

[Boarderguy]

Backmount using a quick draw system. It does add some weight, but it stays up and out of the muck. If you're shooting video or stills you won't have it potentially in the way. Tucked under an arm sidemount style is an option but you don't have the best setup to do so with a jacket vs BPW.

This mount stays on your pony and the cam band of your BC. I've used it on jacket, back inflate, and BP/W style.

 

[grantmac]

Reconsider an aluminum AL40 instead. They sling better and you might want it for future tech diving. Plus it's neutral so you can pass it off.

 

[KenE]

Back mount it with a quick change system. There are several available. The shark one is one I use. Out of the way and really does not add that much weight. I would also suggest a 30cf or 40cf because you will need the gas as you go deeper.

 

[rx7diver]

... Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! ...

Recreational diving, correct? However you mount it, I think it should not interfere with, or obscure, how you (or your rescuer) would drop your weights during an emergency.

rx7diver

 

[34109411]

Back mounted to the primary tank, keeps it out of the way and solves all the problems you mentioned without creating any new ones.

So we will have 3 regulator in front on him. Chance he might confuse witch one is connected to what in an emergency. Just my tough buy i respect your method.

 

[happy-diver]

3L STEEL ON JACKET BC

2L STEEL WITH DOUBLE HOSE AND HORSECOLLAR

3L STEEL ON JACKET BC

3L STEEL ON STAINLESS PLATE

3L STEEL ON STAINLESS PLATE

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