Steel HP 100 vs Al 80

[David_57]

Steel HP 100 gets my vote hands down

 

[nereas]

Everyone has spoken about the steel advantages already and I echo them. I will offer my comment. I know a lot (mega lot) of folks who have switched from AL to steel. I do not know of anyone who has switched from steel to AL.

Aluminum tanks are mostly for warm waters. An AL 80 or AL 100 is perfect for tropical waters.

 

[nereas]

Steel HP 100 gets my vote hands down

Spoken like a true Canadian cold water drysuit diver.

 

[tflaris]

Sorry for such a newbie question, but I have never dove with steel tanks before, and I have the opportunity to buy a Hp steel 100 for $200. I have several Al80's, is it worth it to purchase this tank?

I understand the weight advantages, but what would my air advantages be? Will I see a big difference in available air? Will I be able to stay down much longer with a steel Hp100? If so, what percentage more do you think?

Again sorry for the simple questions, just want to see if it's worth getting the tank.

Diving Open Circuit your air consumption would be based upon Boyles law of pressure and volume as well as your SAC rate or Surface air consumption rate. Basic difference between the 2 tanks which is 20 cubic feet which is 1/4 more than an al 80 therefore in theory for the same dive using an al 80 you could get 1/4 more bottom time if you had the same SAC rate for both dives. Reminder this is not taking into consideration Nitrogen loading.

Hope this helps