spare air

[GrumpyOldGuy]

H2Odessy also makes a 6cu ft bail out bottle. Can be rigged with a hose or without, filled from your tank and no problems traveling with it.

I try to not use the word pony bottle to describe anything in the 3-6cu ft range as they require a different mindset and plan (a direct ascent and a prayer) vs a properly sized pony that allows a normal ascent plan. They have a use, just don't delude yourself that they are simply a compact version of a pony.

 

[formula1mb@aol.com]

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As to point 2, I suppose that is a nice feature but you don't need to be filling it after every dive. Travel to your destination-get it filled when you pick up your rental tanks, spend the week diving and hopefully never use it. I just can't see where filling from your own tank is a great feature.

Personally I like having the option to fill or more importantly, top-off from the main tank. Even with my 13 cu ft, after a couple of dives, the pressure can easily drop a couple of hundred psi from turning it on/off, testing it, etc. so before you know it you might be down to 2000 psi. With a 6 cu ft tank, that will drop even faster.

By having the transfiller or a transfer whip like I use, you can quickly and easily top off the tank anywhere and not have that 6 cu ft tank turn into a 4 cu ft tank.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I'm not sure getting a SA past TSA is any easier or harder then any other tank. I am also not sure that getting a tank past TSA is an especially difficult task provided that you comply with the requirements so point 1 is a little useless IMO.

As to point 2, I suppose that is a nice feature but you don't need to be filling it after every dive. Travel to your destination-get it filled when you pick up your rental tanks, spend the week diving and hopefully never use it. I just can't see where filling from your own tank is a great feature.

You are correct in that TSA is not an issue, for them a tank is a tank is a tank.

The size, weight and ability to get a fill can be important to the traveling diver. If all your trips are to a resort for a week, maybe not. For those of us sneaking in a few dives here and their on business trips, this can be more of an issue than you think.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I think the idea of filling off a primary tank is a neat idea however it is not sufficient reason for me to waste my money on a piece of gear that serves little purpose to my diving. I want something that gets me to the surface safely (to be read as including the fufillment of all deco and/or safety stops). Just my opinion though.....