Tank Protection?

[V. G. McGillicuddy]

First off, I would like to ask forgiveness for starting a thread on a subject that some may consider trivial. I did about five searches and couldn't find an answer.
On to the point,
Does anyone use those plastic mesh protective sleeves that fit over your tank? Is it worth the $15.00 or so? Are there any drawbacks?
I have two PST "E-Series" steel 80s. I'm not sure if they're galvanized or just painted silver, but how careful should I be about preserving the finish? Is it vital to the longevity of the tank, or mainly for looks?

Thanks in advance,
McGill

 

[spectrum]

First let me compliment you on your taste in cylinders. Betwen my wife and I we have 4 of those and are very fond of them.

That cylinder finish will marry very well with your camstraps and BC so I would not introduce the mesh cover. The mesh being compressible can be unpredictable. Save your money.

The cylinder is hot dipped galvanized and it is vital to protecting the tank. It is by far the most durable finish and will look decent for the life of the cylinder. It will stand up fine to common handling and use.

It''s often suggested that you remove the stickers ASAP. Sooner or latter they will scuff up and look like crap. If you do it early they peel off a lot easier. The galvanized finish will season to a dull mottled gray and by getting the stickers off this too will be uniform. I waited a summer because I thought the logo was cool and geting them off was a PITA with a blow dryer. Use no metalic tools!

Give them a good rinsing after every dive day, pay particular attention to flushing the boot. Avoid beating them on ledge and they should be fine for a good long time.

Pete

 

[The Kraken]

The few people whom I've ever observed that used the tank protectors gave up on them after about 5 or 6 dives. Slipping while attaching the B/C etc.

the Kraken

 

[Damselfish]

some of our tanks used to have them, they're just a pain

 

[V. G. McGillicuddy]

Ok, I'll skip 'em then and save some money.
Thanks everybody!

-McGill

 

[wreckchick]

Hate them, save the cash.

R

 

[Kevfin]

When I bought a steel tank from my LDS, I asked about buying one. Can you believe the LDS said, "don't do it."

You know when a LDS says not to buy something, its probably got some merit.

 

[xSandman3]

All of my tanks have them on during storage and travel, but they come off before I dive.

 

[wylerbear]

All of my tanks have them and I love them. Don't know if it's psychological (and I don't care) but I think that it's good protection for the tank. I've seen some pretty beat up tanks and my AL80's looked like new when I traded them in for my steel HP80's which also look like new after 100 dives or so. No problems with slipping or anything else in over 300 dives.

 

[terrasmak]

I had one for a few months , they seem to make it a pain to put the cam straps on , just not worth the effort.