Question PST 104 characteristics with lean trimix

[mr_v]

Folks, I'd like you to hear your first hand experience with cave filled PST 104 holding 12/65 or leaner mixes. How does it trim when full + modular valves and what's the buoyancy in fresh water at ~3600psi? This is probably a long shot, but if you are in Cave Country and have a set I could try on for trim, I'll buy you a dinner.

 

[PfcAJ]

Full tanks with trimix behave like the same tanks that aren’t as full. They’re just less-heavy due to the helium.

 

[mr_v]

Yeah, so here is the problem: I have no experience with PST 104 in any configuration. I know the specs but would like to hear real-life experience before I spend a small fortune on gas fills. Backmount crowd raves about these tanks though...

 

[fullytek]

Read AJs post again

 

[Comm]

Didn’t notice any difference with caves fills on 30/30. Other than my wallet being much lighter

 

[PfcAJ]

Yeah, so here is the problem: I have no experience with PST 104 in any configuration. I know the specs but would like to hear real-life experience before I spend a small fortune on gas fills. Backmount crowd raves about these tanks though...

Go rent some 104s. EE has like a hundred of them.

 

[kensuf]

I think he's looking for sidemount cylinders. Not sure if EE has 104s in sidemount, but it would be worth asking.

The other part of the equation is "which 104s are you looking at"? Ones with born on dates in the 80s and 70s are a fair bit lighter on land and in the water than ones with born on dates after 94.

 

[ofg-1]

I have old school PST 104's. I do not find much difference in trim with nitrox or trimix. I do not find them as comfortable sidemount as Faber lp120's. I find them to be neck heavy and don't like the way they hang on the butt clip. I still use them occasionally.

IMHO, you are better off sidemount with lp 85's and a stage.

 

[mr_v]

I have old school PST 104's. I do not find much difference in trim with nitrox or trimix. I do not find them as comfortable sidemount as Faber lp120's. I find them to be neck heavy and don't like the way they hang on the butt clip. I still use them occasionally.

IMHO, you are better off sidemount with lp 85's and a stage.

@kensuf, yes, I am looking for tanks that I can sidemount with Meg. Post '94 tanks.

@ofg-1, thank you, I was looking for that type of feedback.

I love the way 85s trim and ride, but they'll definitely require a safety or two for some dive plans.

 

[AeroSpartacus]

I've used LP95s sidemount before and I didn't really notice a difference over the LP85s which I use almost every dive. That could be worth considering if 104s are a bit too much, but might be worth renting a set either way to sanity check before buying if you're hesitant.