Should I get a Spare Air?

[Lawman]

My dive partner has a Spare Air he was
given in the early 90s when he was instructing.
I can use it if I want. HOWEVER, nobody on
the board seems to think much of them.
I'd like some technical opinions on whether
I should use it.

Also, what do you think about pony
bottles? Cost? Weight? Clumsy?

I'm just looking for some enlightened
opinions.

 

[raxafarian]

we think you can and should use the spare air.












Ok, I'm just kidding. They don't hold enough air to get to the surface unless you are shallow anyways. I've seen 30 and 40 ft3 bottles used for "bailout" purposes. Some people use smaller tanks... but I think 30 should be min. Hung on your left side as a stage bottle.

Now, if UP comes in here, he's gonna ask why you feel you need such a thing.

 

[Lawman]

he'll probably call me a weenie and
a stroke too. But I'm tough and can
take it!

30 cf would give you enough from what
depth? I do these 100' wrecks and would'
like a little extra just in case.

 

[raxafarian]

read this thread

 

[Scubaroo]

Lawman,

Do you know your working SAC? Use that, combined with a safe ascent rate, to calculate the minimum gas required to reach the surface.

Here's a previous thread with some sample calculations on minimum gas, or "rock bottom".

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15434

 

[redacted]

He may be looking for one of those little buddies. Since he hasn't responded, he may be over on ebay bidding on one right now.

And if he doesn't want the spare air, I'm sure he'll want the fill adapter to make a crossover whip to top off his pony.

 

[Dryglove]

Lawman once bubbled...
he'll probably call me a weenie and
a stroke too. But I'm tough and can
take it!

30 cf would give you enough from what
depth? I do these 100' wrecks and would'
like a little extra just in case.

Its always good to have a little extra especially when something unexpected happens and raises your pucker factor meaning your gonna use more air than normal.

 

[Lawman]

spare airs cost so much money, I'm suprised
that nobody has a good word for them. Some
body must be buying them.

 

[Dryglove]

Lawman once bubbled...
spare airs cost so much money, I'm suprised
that nobody has a good word for them. Some
body must be buying them.

I may be wrong on this but at one time i think they were issued to a lot of helicopter pilots in the military and coastguard.

 

[joens]

not to mention people on Baywatch.
joens