"standard" pony size

[scubajohn921]

is there a standard pony bottle size? im thinking most folks go with a 30 cu ft cylinder for dives unders 130ft? im looking to pick one up and would rather go with a 30 than a 19

 

[scarefaceDM]

I use a 30. A good size for recreational use. BTW I have a set of poney tamers to sell if your interested.

 

[Jimmer]

If you're just looking to use it for emergency situations, then 30's are very nice. I use 40's for deco gas, and also I'm a pretty big guy (about 6 foot 3) and I find the longer 40's sit nicer than the shorter 30's when I have them slung to the side. I tried a 30 and kept hitting it with my leg when swimming. If you have buddies or an LDS that will set you up to try one, play with a few sizes and see what works for you.

 

[jeckyll]

In water I found very little difference between the 30's and 40's. I went for a 40 simply because it makes sense down the road.

I have no idea if that is "standard" for a pony, but I can tell you that it seems rather standard for 'ocean deco'

 

[MSilvia]

I don't think there's a standard, but I also use AL40s for my slung bottles, whether for deco or redundancy. I started out with a 19, and I still have it... I hook my regs up to it when I rinse them in the tub, and I haven't had to get it filled in years.

I recommend going with either a 30 or 40... in fact, I recommend a 40. It'll be great for what you want now, it'll be something you can keep finding useful if you ever progress into deco/technical diving, and it's something you can get a good return on if you ever decide it isn't right for you and want to sell it used.

 

[ams511]

I am looking to get a pony too and I was thinking more of a 19CF because of size and weight. Do not the bigger thanks get in the way?

 

[Jimmer]

I am looking to get a pony too and I was thinking more of a 19CF because of size and weight. Do not the bigger thanks get in the way?

I never find them in the way, but it depends how they are mounted I guess. I sling mine, and I actually prefer the bigger one slung, it rides better. I suppose if it was mounted on the tank then in theory the smaller one would be less noticeable, but I can't really comment on that since I've only ever done one dive with a pony on the tank.

 

[markfm]

Just to add one alternate view...

Yes, I use a 19, not a 30, have been quite happy with it.

I absolutely have nothing against larger tanks, if people use them, but in the area I dive I haven't seen anyone actually use a 30 as a pony. I have, indeed, seen tech divers using 30s and 40s, but for standard open water diving I've only seen 19s and 13s.

A 19 will get me up from the depths I dive, cleanly (with safety stop). A 19 transports easily, so I can take it on vacation (a 19 just fits in my luggage setup, so a 30 would be a true bear). If I ever decide to go tech, the price of a 30 or 40 sure isn't going to be what breaks the bank, and since a 19 works with the diving I'm doing now that is by definition good gear for me.

My Instructor bought a 30, early, never uses it -- finds it a PITA.

Whatever you buy, practice with it, actually make it a regular part of your gear -- a pony is useless if it ends up sitting back at home, or on shore.