When I ride the pony, I prefer to mount it. Super pony tamer, and I don't even know its there.
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IMHO. 6cf is worse than pointless, it's anti-safe, actually making the dive more dangerous, creating a false sense of security."6cf is pointless"
That comment is exactly what I'm talking about, but I do appreciate your opinion.
I've researched it, I'VE TESTED IT, and for the type of diving I was doing and the ease of transport for travel in my carry-on the 6 cu ft. fit the bill exactly. It may not be for you, or for everyone, but to say a 6 cu ft. is pointless is a poor blanket statement.
As a new diver, and reading comments like yours, I was concerned about a 6 cu ft. not being big enough for what I wanted to use it for, so I tested it. Turns out - it works great for what I wanted it to do. So the moral of the story is - Test it for yourself and don't believe everything you read.
IMHO. 6cf is worse than pointless, in't anti-safe, .
Not if you are diving in 30 feet of water
Again, a 6cf bottle is not pointless. It makes a great argon cylinder.
My question would be - Why care about what others think about your personal choice to carry a pony for bail-out purposes?
I'm a fairly new diver and liked the idea of carring a small pony for a bail-out bottle. I researched this a lot on this forum and others, and found like you, that many were pretty opinionated on the topic. If they choose not to carry one, I have no problem with that at all, but no one should have an issue if I choose to carry one, it is a personal choice. I just returned from Bonaire and packed a 6 cu ft. I didn't use it on all my dives but I did use it on most. I attach it with quick snaps to my BC accross my chest and really don't know it is even there. (For me, because of where it is placed, it actually helps with trim in the water)
You will find numerous strong opinions on carry/not carry, bottle size, carry methods, etc.
Bottom line is - As long as it doesn't go against basic safety rules, do what you feel comfortable with.
EDIT: N/CRick - 100' max dive in Bonaire (82 degree water)
No deco dive.
No panic SAC rate- I'm not the panic type because I carry a pony and have redundancy.
No 3 min safety stop (because of equip failure)- Short safety stop to make sure I'm
not going to get clipped by a boat or kite boarder.
Does it work - Worked for me. "Pointless" I don't think so.
Couple this with a 50lb/bag luggage restriction and the 6 cu ft starts to look pretty good.
Thanks,