Pony advice

[Squid]

Check out the Faber HP steel ponies. I just got a 23 CF one. It's only about 4" in diameter and it tucks in nicely. I mount mine to my main tank with a pony tamer bracket, and I pin it from the front so I can reach back and remove it myself underwater if necessary. I put more weight on the left side of my BC, and I'm perfectly balanced with it. I can't even tell it's there while diving. I keep the pony second stage where my octo was, and I have an Atomic SS1 (Air 2).

 

[divad]

A pony at no time or place should be used to extend your dive time, it is used to return to the surface at a safe pace in case of an OOA on the main tank.

Why would you have an "OOA on the main tank," if you hadn't intended to "extend your dive time?"

 

[Nemrod]

Generally, at least if you sling the pony/stage, aluminum bottles are correct--not steel. Aluminum 19, 30 and I think 40 are very nearly neutral and of course for heavy dives the aluminum 80 (we are talking stages--not a pony in this case).

You might be OOA because your main rig has failed, blown an O-ring, broke a hose, free flowing or otherwise incapcitated and therefore you are functionally OOA even if some might remain.

An alternative rarely used these days to a pony for a single tank diver is using a Y valve. If either reg fails you still have a complete rig and can shut of air to the failed side. However a Y (or H) valve does not provide the total redundancy that a pony rig does as it is fully independent.

N

 

[tooch2024]

Hey all,

Thanks for all of the advice. I ended up getting a 19cf which I slung under my left arm. I dove it the other day and the setup worked great. Thanks again and be safe.

 

[Davidstealey3]

Why would you have an "OOA on the main tank," if you hadn't intended to "extend your dive time?"

your o ring gave out, in cold water and had a free flow, you didnt take care of your hose on your reg and one gave out. thats just a few examples. redundency is your best friend in the water.

 

[DNK]

So what is the true difference between a pony and a stage?
We always kidded that if you intend to use it, its a stage, if not its a pony

 

[Web Monkey]

Why would you have an "OOA on the main tank," if you hadn't intended to "extend your dive time?"

Blown tank o-ring, blown tank neck o-ring, freeflow, first stage broke into two pieces, broken LP hose fitting. all sorts of reasons.

Terry

 

[Squid]

So what is the true difference between a pony and a stage?

Proximity