Pony Bottle: Valve On or Off while diving

[Marie13]

I have a Scubapro Hydros pro back inflate bcd, D Rings in all the proper places. I sling my 30cu diagonally, primarily so there is equal weight distribution between both sides of my body; eliminating the need to counter-balance. If I ever had to hand it off to a distressed diver, my trim would not be out because of counter-balancing.

There’s no need to counter balance. I had an AL30 slung on my left side for a couple of years before I went to an AL40. The 40 hung better but the 30 wasn’t an issue. But then you’ve got an expensive poodle jacket. You may *think* you’ve got D rings in the proper place, but compared to a BP/W, who knows?

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Just wanted to jump back on here and say that since my last post on this thread back in January.....I've decided to lose my HP Button gauge and have added a small 2in SPG so that I can confirm my pony pressure anytime during a dive rather than just prior to entering the water.. I dive mostly solo, with my 19CF tank mounted poney valve open and fully charged. My pony is not in any way a part of my primary dive plan or gas management. It's just there in case of an emergency.

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Sorry......Double Post.... Did not know how to delete it.

 

[scubadada]

Just wanted to jump back on here and say that since my last post on this thread back in January.....I've decided to lose my HP Button gauge and have added a small 2in SPG so that I can confirm my pony pressure anytime during a dive rather than just prior to entering the water.. I dive mostly solo, with my 19CF tank mounted poney valve open and fully charged. My pony is not in any way a part of my primary dive plan or gas management. It's just there in case of an emergency.

Why not have the SPG on a short hose, near the valve. You could eliminate the longer hose and wrapping

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Why not have the SPG on a short hose, near the valve. You could eliminate the longer hose and wrapping

My pony is back / tank mounted.

 

[johndiver999]

Where do you wear the pony bottle second stage? The spg on a hose seems potentially superfluous, but it sure would be welcome, if/when you are coming up on it and actually using it in a true emergency.

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

I wear it on my starboard upper chest area..... My primary / main tank "octo" is an integrated Air 2 on my BC inflator hose......which I am certain that a bunch of folks here hate....... But...... I am primarily solo so everything for me is right where I want it....

Cheers!

 

[Marie13]

Where do you wear the pony bottle second stage? The spg on a hose seems potentially superfluous, but it sure would be welcome, if/when you are coming up on it and actually using it in a true emergency.

The second stage stays on the bottle. Only deployed if needed. A small loop of bungee is useful for holding first stage tight against the bottle.

 

[MrBigfins]

If you’ve a back-mounted pony (i.e. attached to your single tank), how can you turn it on in the water? Ask a buddy?

A bailout/redundant backup needs to be immediately available when you need it. Moreover you should be very practiced with using it so it’s automatic. It should also have a clearly available pressure gauge, not a button gauge.

A side-slung cylinder fits this well. Take a stage mounting kit with you, rent another ali80 — or smaller tank if available — then all’s fine.

I backmount my 19cf pony on pretty much all dives and can easily manipulate the valve with it hung upside down, reg is clipped cross body with a bungie lead so I can get it to my mouth without u clipping if needed and valve on during dive. I'm not pushing limits like some of you, but i have practiced slow ascents from 100'+ and regularly practice switching to it. I'll practice usage at end of last dive of the trip, and switch and ascend with it. I agree it's "not necessary " but it adds an extra layer of protection from oh SH*T moments, especially when diving with my son so I carry it because it doesn't hurt in anyway

 

[MrBigfins]

The second stage stays on the bottle. Only deployed if needed. A small loop of bungee is useful for holding first stage tight against the bottle.

Intertube pieces work better as they can hold a larger section to ensure less movement