raxafarian
Contributor
you have heard from the expert
Should I get a Spare Air?
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you have heard from the expert
I think there is a tendency by some to over react the misuse of pony bottles to extend dive time by jumping on the anti-pony bandwagon. The real solution to the problem is education. A pony bottle, or spare air for that matter, is simply a tool. The key is using the right tool for the right job.
There is also a tendency by some that have progressed in their experience to the point that they are diving doubles to forget that everyone else is not there in terms of desire, experience, training, or finances.
I have yet to hear a logical explanation why a bailout bottle used under the following conditions does not improve safety:
1. Recreational Diving as in non-penetration and no mandatory decompression stops.
2. The bottle should be stage slung to reduce the entanglement hazard and reduce task loading be virtue of everything being visible.
3. The capacity of the bailout bottle should be well thought out and tested.
4. Proper training is required to address weighting and trim as well as to become comfortable with operation. This does not have to be formal training(i.e. PADI Pony Diver), just swimming in the pool or quarry and trying things out.
On another subject:
Its great that ScubaBoard is a forum where everyone can express their opinion, for the most part without censorship, including those of us that may or may not be self-righteous and/or closely related to donkeys. I wouldnt have it any other way. Who is to decide whom is being self-righteous?
Even the most self-righteous poster on the board probably makes a good point or two now and then. Since our lives depend on the decisions we make, isnt it best to look at things from every possible point of view?
If you need tips on getting banned, WreckWriter is the one to talk to; he loves to push the envelope!
Mike
There is also a tendency by some that have progressed in their experience to the point that they are diving doubles to forget that everyone else is not there in terms of desire, experience, training, or finances.
I have yet to hear a logical explanation why a bailout bottle used under the following conditions does not improve safety:
1. Recreational Diving as in non-penetration and no mandatory decompression stops.
2. The bottle should be stage slung to reduce the entanglement hazard and reduce task loading be virtue of everything being visible.
3. The capacity of the bailout bottle should be well thought out and tested.
4. Proper training is required to address weighting and trim as well as to become comfortable with operation. This does not have to be formal training(i.e. PADI Pony Diver), just swimming in the pool or quarry and trying things out.
On another subject:
Its great that ScubaBoard is a forum where everyone can express their opinion, for the most part without censorship, including those of us that may or may not be self-righteous and/or closely related to donkeys. I wouldnt have it any other way. Who is to decide whom is being self-righteous?
Even the most self-righteous poster on the board probably makes a good point or two now and then. Since our lives depend on the decisions we make, isnt it best to look at things from every possible point of view?
If you need tips on getting banned, WreckWriter is the one to talk to; he loves to push the envelope!
Mike
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MikeS once bubbled...
If you need tips on getting banned, WreckWriter is the one to talk to; he loves to push the envelope!
Mike
So true Mike, so true. i have pushed it a time or two in the past
As to the issue at hand, I agree that ponies, when properly thought out and used as you mention, have their uses (meaning they must be big enough, and properly worn). Spare Air, on the other hand, is simply too small, not enough gas to get you up from any depth that you couldn't easily swim up from.
WW
Scuba
Contributor
WreckWriter,
If I'm not mistaken your the guy that was on his last warning not too long ago. If this is you. How did you go from there to regulator so fast?
If I'm not mistaken your the guy that was on his last warning not too long ago. If this is you. How did you go from there to regulator so fast?
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Scuba once bubbled...
WreckWriter,
If I'm not mistaken your the guy that was on his last warning not too long ago. If this is you. How did you go from there to regulator so fast?
Just lucky I guess
is NOT a brownie points thing. Tom fills a particular niche very nicely... very few of us are published authors. In that extent he is considered an expert. As for being banned... most people just get it after a few moderations. It ain't rocket science Chester! I truly feel we have incredibly few people banned from this board, when you consider it's size.
JeffAustin
Guest
and available in different colors(the Spare air) I think everyone should get one, put it under the seat in their car, and if you ever drive off a bridge into the water, you'll be good to go!!
ianr33
Contributor
I have been reading this thread and many others related to ponies with great interest. I think a pony would be a useful thing to have on some dives I hope to do this summer. They are Carribbean wall dives that require a longish surface swim from the shore. Having spent 20 minutes swimming out to the wall it would be nice to stay down at depth until the first persons tank is down to ~1000 psi, but if you blew an O ring or a hose just before starting up from 110 feet that could get err....... interesting.
A small pony would seem worthless. A 40 would seem a good size,but carrying as checked baggage does not greatly appeal. So my question is (finally) Would I be better to buy a 40 and travel with it or just rent an extra 80 and use that. Larger than needed but less hassle travelling. Does an 80 feel bigger underwater or is the difference not worth worrying about?
I would add that whatever size I choose it will be stage rigged and practiced with at local sites first (and most definateley not included in gas management plans )
I can almost feel the heat of the flames already!!
A small pony would seem worthless. A 40 would seem a good size,but carrying as checked baggage does not greatly appeal. So my question is (finally) Would I be better to buy a 40 and travel with it or just rent an extra 80 and use that. Larger than needed but less hassle travelling. Does an 80 feel bigger underwater or is the difference not worth worrying about?
I would add that whatever size I choose it will be stage rigged and practiced with at local sites first (and most definateley not included in gas management plans )
I can almost feel the heat of the flames already!!
JeffG
Contributor
But when you get to 500 psi and the aliens attack, it gets even more interesting
Do you dive doubles? Then you have can have the "true" redundant air supply (w/2 80's).
My guess is that taking the tank with you would create more hassles with the airlines than anything.
ianr33
Contributor
I should have mentioned that in an ideal world both my buddy and myself would be wearing doubles (which by the way I dont dive at the moment )
Anybody have any experience of checking doubles on American Airlines? I suspect it would be an expensive hassle
Anybody have any experience of checking doubles on American Airlines? I suspect it would be an expensive hassle
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