Super 80's for SM?

[jcwalsh]

Any cons about using 2 Super 80's for sidemount? I just got a great deal on them and completed my confined SM training last week.

Super 80 -
AL80 3,000 psi
80.0 c.f.
(full)-5.3 lbs
(@half full)-1.6 lbs
(@500psi)+0.4 lbs
(empty weight)35.0 lbs
(diam)8.0 in
(height )22.9 in
Born 1992 with 2023 hydro

I was diving with 6lbs of weight with standard 80's in the pool (low content salt) without all my accessories (Lights, spool, etc.)

 

[grantmac]

If they are 8" diameter 80s then they must be very short. Generally short and fat tanks are the least desirable for SM both in terms of streamlining and trim.
But I'm pretty new to SM and mostly use regular 7.25" AL80s.

 

[jcwalsh]

If they are 8" diameter 80s then they must be very short. Generally short and fat tanks are the least desirable for SM both in terms of streamlining and trim.
But I'm pretty new to SM and mostly use regular 7.25" AL80s.

I'm 6'3", 250# so an extra 3/4" diameter should not be too much of an issue. I was more impressed with the +0.4# of buoyancy at 500psi. I am going to give them a try tomorrow to see how they feel.

 

[Imla]

What is a "super 80"?

Regards... the ignorant european...

 

[rjack321]

Short & fat. They dive like steels - except without the actual capacity.

 

[jcwalsh]

Short & fat. They dive like steels - except without the actual capacity.

You are completely correct. But, these were $100 for both compared to $800 for 2 new LP85s.

 

[jcwalsh]

What is a "super 80"?

Regards... the ignorant european...

These were made in the 90's. Close to neutral buoyancy at 35 Bar. Shorter, wider & heavier than a standard 80CF tank, but they are true 80CF.

Attached is a picture of a 2 Super 80's next to a standard 80CF tank.

 

[rjack321]

You are completely correct. But, these were $100 for both compared to $800 for 2 new LP85s.

They're very close to the size and characteristics of lp95/hp119s. You might have issues getting them filled some places due to their age - despite Luxfer changing from 6351 about 5 years before these were born

 

[grantmac]

I'm 6'3", 250# so an extra 3/4" diameter should not be too much of an issue. I was more impressed with the +0.4# of buoyancy at 500psi. I am going to give them a try tomorrow to see how they feel.

It's the lack of length which you won't like, especially since you are tall.