Bob3
Contributor
OK, what size & make is it & how much?
Pony Bottle Support
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matt_unique
Guest
This is a simple argument - is it better to have backup? Yes, always, in every case, in every diving environment, no matter what your skill level is. HOW you configure your backup depends on the other usual argument factors....
I started diving with a 13CF pony with a single alum 80. I tried a few methods and found the best to be a single metal band that squeezes your pony and primary tank. One bolt with fixed nut to turn to hold the two together. You can lift your entire rig by the pony with this method. I have never had one let go or cause any other problems. You will need to trim your weight but it's no big deal. Remove a few pounds from the pony side and add it to the non-pony side. You will then be trimmed.
The more air the better in a pony but other factors such as diving environment, depths, your rate of air consumption, etc. should affect your choice. I still use my 13CF pony when I am doing a winter shore dive. When I dive from a boat I use a 30CF pony/deco bottle as applicable.
Forget the arguments that will debate non-relevant details. Ask yourself if you would prefer to have a totally redundant air system while diving or not? If your answer is yes get a pony and always dive with it. Should your primary regulators ever fail or if there is ever a reason for you to need more air due to whatever factor you will be glad you have a pony bottle.
--Matt
I started diving with a 13CF pony with a single alum 80. I tried a few methods and found the best to be a single metal band that squeezes your pony and primary tank. One bolt with fixed nut to turn to hold the two together. You can lift your entire rig by the pony with this method. I have never had one let go or cause any other problems. You will need to trim your weight but it's no big deal. Remove a few pounds from the pony side and add it to the non-pony side. You will then be trimmed.
The more air the better in a pony but other factors such as diving environment, depths, your rate of air consumption, etc. should affect your choice. I still use my 13CF pony when I am doing a winter shore dive. When I dive from a boat I use a 30CF pony/deco bottle as applicable.
Forget the arguments that will debate non-relevant details. Ask yourself if you would prefer to have a totally redundant air system while diving or not? If your answer is yes get a pony and always dive with it. Should your primary regulators ever fail or if there is ever a reason for you to need more air due to whatever factor you will be glad you have a pony bottle.
--Matt
Try looking in Scuba Board under DIR.
When I use one it's usually on an ice dive for salvage. It's rigged like a tec divers stage bottle.
I can see the guage,work the valve and know where the second stage is all the time.
Ron
When I use one it's usually on an ice dive for salvage. It's rigged like a tec divers stage bottle.
I can see the guage,work the valve and know where the second stage is all the time.
Ron
sharkmasterbc
Contributor
I carry a 30cf bottle mounted to the side of my 80 with a product called an x brackett. It has one 1st stage and 1 second. I have one of those small (about 2 in dia) oms guages (not the really tiny pointless one which needs a set of binoculars to see.) I also mount my canister light right in front of the 30 so everything is nice n' tight. Try a few set ups in the pool first then decide. I thought it would make me list to one side....but only when I'm at the surface, once I get horizontal all is good. Just make sure you can reach all nessecary shut off's etc...If I had to choose from a CESA @ 60 ft plus or switching to a backup system welll.....it also depends if you dive solo r not...your buddy is a very good A.A.S. as long as you are familliar with each others setups and style.
bubbles...bubbles....my bubbles...
bubbles...bubbles....my bubbles...
matt_unique:
Has this ever happened? I went through a phase when I carried one everywhere but quit because it seemed - well, redundant. A failure results in a freeflow, and you should be able to get back to the surface anyway, or use your buddy. If you're using a reg with an upstream valve that's capable of locking up, quit it.
Anyway, to answer the question, when I was doing it, I liked the "X-bracket".
BTW don't know why you would need to be able to see the gauge all the time. Once you're on the pony, the dive is over, and if you're depending on it, well, once it's empty it won't matter any more.
matt_unique
Guest
doole:
>>This has never happened to me. I'm just an advocate of redundancy.
Boogie711
Guest
I carry my pony on my buddies back. I know it's working that way.
What Boogie711 said.
Also, although I hate to pull out the semantics card, I think you have to be careful about the definition of 'redundancy', as opposed to 'backup'. In the traditional dictionary sense, redundancy refers to something that has been made unnecessary due to repetition, whereas backup traditionally refers to something that is for the moment redundant but may become necessary.
By that definition, if it's 'redundant', it doesn't belong on a dive.
Also, although I hate to pull out the semantics card, I think you have to be careful about the definition of 'redundancy', as opposed to 'backup'. In the traditional dictionary sense, redundancy refers to something that has been made unnecessary due to repetition, whereas backup traditionally refers to something that is for the moment redundant but may become necessary.
By that definition, if it's 'redundant', it doesn't belong on a dive.
the one and only
http://www.quickdrawbracket.com/productCat45173.ctlg
http://www.quickdrawbracket.com/productCat45173.ctlg
queentrigger
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You are an inexperienced diver. And by fully weighted I presume you mean you use lots of weights. Are you heavy or are you still not comfortable with water.
You reason for pony bottle is not for redundency purposes, but seems more like you expect that you may run out of air at 75-80 feet.
Please get real!!! Do it for the right reason. I am happy that you have done your AOW; but I hope you would rather than focusing on deeper dives improve your skill and comfort level. You would find that use end up using less weights and are more economical on air.
Keeping redundency issues aside, a fairly experienced male diver using a 80 cu.ft tank would not have problem diving 75-80' within the dive tables limits, do a safety stop and surface with at least 500psi.
Cheers
You reason for pony bottle is not for redundency purposes, but seems more like you expect that you may run out of air at 75-80 feet.
Please get real!!! Do it for the right reason. I am happy that you have done your AOW; but I hope you would rather than focusing on deeper dives improve your skill and comfort level. You would find that use end up using less weights and are more economical on air.
Keeping redundency issues aside, a fairly experienced male diver using a 80 cu.ft tank would not have problem diving 75-80' within the dive tables limits, do a safety stop and surface with at least 500psi.
Cheers
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