SP Slim 70 Steel Tank - Doubles

[mathauck0814]

The LDS (highly reputable, fwiw) not far from us in NH pitched me on a set of 70cf SS tanks in a doubles config for my wife on the merits of their diameter (~6") and relative weight (26lb empty). In looking around the internet I'm not finding any doc on these tanks - by the LDS' own admission these haven't been made in a while but they're hydro'd in 2011 and ready to go. It all seems kosher, but I'm concerned that there might have been a reason that they stopped producing these or that the advice I'm getting may be motivated by a need to off-load some antiquitied equipment.

Does anyone have experience with these tanks or know of a reason I shouldn't buy them if the price and in-water properties seem right?

 

[Scared Silly]

What is the working pressure? Faber made some slim 72s for ScubaPro. IRRC they had a fill pressure of 3000+10% to get the full 72 cuft (i.e. 3300psi). My wife had set and they were reasonable until we found a set of LP66 which have about the same characteristics except not quite a buoyant at though LP 2640 psi for 66 cuft we put in about 3000 psi and get 75 cuft

 

[mathauck0814]

3000 psi is the working pressure (unsure on the +, didn't look that closely at them). Sounds similar or the same. LP66 would be heavier/bigger and less desirable as doubles if you're concerned about weight, no?

 

[Scared Silly]

Actually they very similar is size but the LP66 weigh less dry and more buoyant which I think makes them better for doubles.

LP66 2400+10% 7.00" 21.0" 25.0lbs -1.67empty -5.15full
MP72 3000+10% 6.75" 20.5" 28.7lbs -3.70empty -8.45full

 

[mselenaous]

I dive a set of LP72's of that vintage and recently passed hydro. They are the right size for me (I'm a shorty). They are slightly heavy in just a 3mm wetsuit, but perfect for me with heavier exposure protection.

 

[cwkline]

I have 4 of these cylinders. I also have several of the ones referenced by SS.
The slimline 72's make a reasonable set of doubles, and I did my tech training in them. The real downside as doubles is they are very negatively buoyant.
My GF currently uses them as singles, and loves the fact that she can trim some extra weight from her BC. I don't have the actual specs for them regarding weight and buoyancy.
That said, I've had these tanks for some time, and they always pass hydro and VIP. If they are reasonably priced you could consider them. I wouldn't pay much more than $150.00 or so each for them.
Just my .02.
Safe Dives
Charlie

 

[mahjong]

Faber-Scubapro 71.4 Slim-Tank: -7.6 pounds full (+10%, w/o valve in seawater), -2.3 pounds empty.

They are slim but a bit long--25.39+/-.2 inches w/o valve. They are nominally light on land at 26 pounds, but as you said rather negative in the water. But not as negative as the Faber 71.4 shorty (-11.1 full), which I have doubled up because I am short and the slim tanks are bit long for me. In a TLS 350 drysuit with thick polartec underwear and an aluminum BP I take no trim weight and am still a tad overweighted, technically speaking.