smaller pony bottle for travel

[spectrum]

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.
.

I think I made my assumption set very clear. In addition to still coming up short on the numbers back then I did not write-off any prior depletion from drills or capacity stranded behind the 1st stage.

The intent of truly planning the usage illustrates what may happen in a reasonably worst case scenario. Sure the safety stop is expendable but it's near surface air that buys you much less bottom time if the ascent is delayed.

I think many of us can agree that if we need to head up under your "happy path" scenario 19 CF is plenty. There is a good chance however that your usual consumption won't mean squat. There are a good many respected members here that feel 40CF is a more prudent choice.

Pete

 

[Kharon]

I think I made my assumption set very clear.

You did - I simply don't agree - both theoretical and actual use has shown me 13cf is fine for me.

I think many of us can agree that if we need to head up under your "happy path" scenario 19 CF is plenty. There is a good chance however that your usual consumption won't mean squat.

Not a "happy path" just not a totally unlikely number of concurrent disasters. If you are taking care of your equipment, properly and thoroughly planned your dive, keeping aware of conditions and environment, the dive plan, and dive information (gauges & computer) during the dive then any failure is unlikely but almost certain to be a single problem leading to an abort and immediate ascent. If it's more than that you caused your own problems and shouldn't be diving in the first place. Same for the guy that packs his own chutes and goes splat.

Moreover, I'm fine with 13cf at a doubled SMRV (not 19cf). This only applies to direct ascent dives. I don't do penetration, deco, wreck, heavily fished areas. I take care of my equipment, plan, and pay attention. Much more important than the difference between a 13 and a 40.