smaller pony bottle for travel

[BUDMANOK]

I'm thinking about getting a 6 cf pony for travel. I have a 19 cf here at home but it is a little big for traveling with. I sling the 19 can you sling a 6 or do you some kind of pouch? I plan on using the 6cf tank here for drysuit inflation so I'm trying to get double use out of it.

also if anyone has any experience travelling (airlines international) with a pony what's been your experience through security. I want to pack this tank in my checked bag with the valve removed is that going to be a problem? TSA regulations seem to allow this but what about international security?

dives are all recreational 60-100 ft so no mandatory stops.

 

[spectrum]

The size of the pony is based on the failure scenario you want to mitigate, not luggage restrictions. 19 IMO is barely adequate for full coverage to 100 feet based on this work-up.

 

[BUDMANOK]

The size of the pony is based on the failure scenario you want to mitigate, not luggage restrictions. 19 IMO is barely adequate for full coverage to 100 feet based on this work-up.

thanks for the reply I was just wondering about experiences with luggage security ,traveling and slinging a smaller bottle. I know a 6 is minimal at best but it's warm, clear water no panicked buddy it's just for me as a little security. I may end up taking my 19cf if anyone has experience travelling with one

 

[spectrum]

Valve off you should be fine.

 

[Kharon]

19 IMO is barely adequate for full coverage to 100 feet based on this work-up.

On the contrary, given my actual use as well as theoretical calculations, I can reach the surface from 132 feet with a 3 minute safety stop with enough residual to cover a very short delay & heavy breathing. I take this very seriously as I dive almost exclusively solo.

Remember, this is air you are only going to use as a last resort in an OOA emergency. You are going to abort immediately and not dawdle. The safety stop is nice, but very optional at that point. If you are tangled in rope, lose all air, lose your mask and your BC malfunctions all at the same time you really had no business on that dive - or perhaps, diving ever. Accept that Darwin finally caught up with you and go gracefully.

As far as TSA - I take my 13cf pony in checked, valve (actually H2Odyessy valve/1st stage combo) removed, and attach a copy of the TSA reg to the pony and include one loose, on top, in the bag. No problem. The TSA page I print is here: Compressed Gas Cylinders | Transportation Security Administration - I also bring several copies for the return trip.

 

[redacted]

I doubt if a 6cf pony will allow you to conduct a "normal" ascent in the event of a main gas failure; but it should provide sufficient gas to get you to the surface with a reasonably safe ascent rate. You might want to reevaluate your luggage restrictions. I assume the restricting parameter is weight and not volume. A 13cf pony which would provide a fairly normal ascent is only 3 lb heavier. A 19 is another 2 lb but may start to trigger some volume limitations also.

 

[Wookie]

Just call ahead and reserve a pony. It's a poor operator indeed that doesn't have a pony for rent. It may not be the size you are used to, but it will suffice, I'm sure. Then you are just bringing your valve or reg set.

 

[Scared Silly]

Just call ahead and reserve a pony. It's a poor operator indeed that doesn't have a pony for rent. It may not be the size you are used to, but it will suffice, I'm sure. Then you are just bringing your valve or reg set.

Given the location of some operators make sure you specify a "pony bottle" for diving and not just a "pony" or you may indeed end up with a pony.

But as said, take the valve off, attach a note, and most off all pack in such a way that the TSA can easy inspect your bag as they will be regardless.

Compressed Gas Cylinders | Transportation Security Administration

 

[BUDMANOK]

Just call ahead and reserve a pony

.

tried that last trip and they look at you like you're crazy.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

thanks for the reply I was just wondering about experiences with luggage security ,traveling and slinging a smaller bottle. I know a 6 is minimal at best but it's warm, clear water no panicked buddy it's just for me as a little security. I may end up taking my 19cf if anyone has experience travelling with one

I personally would be comfortable with that size. I allow my 14 yr old son to dive to 90 feet with a 6 ft pony, but he knows that once he gets on that bottle, he needs to be moving up right away.