Should I buy a tank, or wait? If buy, What would be my best option?

[rhwestfall]

IMO, you should wait and see how things shake out for you.

 

[runsongas]

renting vs buying tanks will depend on dive frequency, maybe rent a few times to dive long island/NJ to decide if it will be something you do somewhat frequently. of course, if some good and cheap steel tanks are posted on fb marketplace/craigslist, that may simplify the decision too.

 

[Marie13]

Cold water = steel. And not just one, two!

 

[rhwestfall]

Cold water = steel. And not just one, two!

4

 

[TMHeimer]

You will get varied responses, but as a former native of NY (Yonkers), one who before Covid shore dives regularly in the NYC area (CT mainly but also LI & NJ) and who has snowbirded for years on the FL panhandle.... this is what I do--

I have 4 tanks, all AL80s. I did own a steel 72 (not enough air) and steel 120 (at my age don't walk too far...). Nothing at all wrong with AL80s! Yes, I liked the steels better for buoyancy, but don't worry at all about this.
I used to own 3 tanks but added a 4th. Fewer trips to the LDS for fills. Yes, another one to pay for visual & hydro. But you have to figure out how many to own for your situation. How much in auto gas to get your tank(s) filled.....etc.

When we snowbirded 3 months in FL I got to know the LDS staff (took courses there). They charged me an extra fee to "keep" one of their tanks at our condo as if it was mine -- so, I didn't have to return it the next day as if I was simply a renter.
Good luck & PM me if you want info. on shore diving in the NY area.

 

[Nitrox_DiverNY]

renting vs buying tanks will depend on dive frequency, maybe rent a few times to dive long island/NJ to decide if it will be something you do somewhat frequently. of course, if some good and cheap steel tanks are posted on fb marketplace/craigslist, that may simplify the decision too.

fair point and I will look around on Facebook and craigslist, thanks for the help

 

[Nitrox_DiverNY]

You will get varied responses, but as a former native of NY (Yonkers), one who before Covid shore dives regularly in the NYC area (CT mainly but also LI & NJ) and who has snowbirded for years on the FL panhandle.... this is what I do--

I have 4 tanks, all AL80s. I did own a steel 72 (not enough air) and steel 120 (at my age don't walk too far...). Nothing at all wrong with AL80s! Yes, I liked the steels better for buoyancy, but don't worry at all about this.
I used to own 3 tanks but added a 4th. Fewer trips to the LDS for fills. Yes, another one to pay for visual & hydro. But you have to figure out how many to own for your situation. How much in auto gas to get your tank(s) filled.....etc.

When we snowbirded 3 months in FL I got to know the LDS staff (took courses there). They charged me an extra fee to "keep" one of their tanks at our condo as if it was mine -- so, I didn't have to return it the next day as if I was simply a renter.
Good luck & PM me if you want info. on shore diving in the NY area.

hey thank you for your input! I'm going to send you a pm about the shore diving.

 

[Marie13]

fair point and I will look around on Facebook and craigslist, thanks for the help

Since you are new and won’t know what to look for in used tanks, highly suggest you contact local dive shops to see what they might be selling used.

 

[rx7diver]

hello all... Im trying to decide if I should buy a cylinder or not, ...

I agree with several people above who suggested/implied that you should wait, chat with and learn from the people who routinely dive the location(s) you will be diving, and learn your best gear (including tank) options from those people.

rx7diver

 

[Nitrox_DiverNY]

Since you are new and won’t know what to look for in used tanks, highly suggest you contact local dive shops to see what they might be selling used.

I think I will ask around about used, thanks for the help!