Tank size??

[tarheel brand]

Hi fellow divers, still new to diving, I own all my gear but have only logged 8 dives thus far. Been wanting to buy a couple tanks to make it a little more convenient when someone calls, and is ready to go. I have nitrox cert, and have narrowed my search down to the Worthington HP Steels. The guys I will be diving/spearfishing with mostly have suggested I buy the 100's. Others I have spoke to suggest 130's. I look at the specs, and I don't think I would want the 120 due to length, but it is 7.25' diameter like the 100. The 119, and 130 are the same diameter 8' I believe, with the 130 being just a little longer. Both the 119, and 130 are 10-12lbs heavier.(empty weight) Its really been a little tough making up my mind here. The shops I've spoke to will have to order whatever I buy, so I can't go put my hands on these guys. I have seen the steel 100. Its actually relatively small, which I do like. I'm a couple inches under 6ft, weigh 210lbs. I'm 33, no doubt I can carry which ever I go with, but I've gotten such great advice from this board thus far, thought I'd ask you guys opinions here. Thanks so much.

 

[Ulfhedinn]

My wife prefers the Steel 100. I prefer the Steel 130.

Lots of air... less lead on your BC...

You cant go wrong either way. Can your buddies allow to try a dive out with the 100 and see how it feels?

 

[tarheel brand]

My wife prefers the Steel 100. I prefer the Steel 130.

Lots of air... less lead on your BC...

You cant go wrong either way. Can your buddies allow to try a dive out with the 100 and see how it feels?

Thanks

---------- Post Merged at 11:26 AM ---------- Previous Post was at 11:21 AM ----------

I may be having a moment, I can't find where I read the info, but I recall a gentleman that owns two 130's, claims after 2 dives he uses a device that connects the two tanks together and equalizes the pressure, for a third shallower dive. I doesn't make since to me, if one of the tanks has more air wouldn't that one be more beneficial to take on the third dive? Unless somehow that such device will transfer air from the lighter tank to the other. IDK, maybe I dreamed it.

---------- Post Merged at 11:27 AM ---------- Previous Post was at 11:21 AM ----------

 

[LowDrag]

I have dove the Worthington HP100's and liked it. I had lots of air to dive with and the tank was overly heavy. 6'2" & 235ish. I have not dove any of the other tanks you mention so I can't compare to them.

 

[windapp]

I bought al 80s. After diving a steel 100, I wish I had bought steel.

 

[tarheel brand]

Thanks windapp, I believe the steel 100's while heavier, are actually smaller than the al 80's. I found a good price on some new ones, valve installed, nitrox wrapped, vis insp, new hydro, and filled for 325 plus tax. Best I've found thus far. Just don't want to wish I had gone with the 119's or 130's.

 

[smorneau]

If you ever decide to dive doubles, the 100's would be a better choose. Also the resale market for the 100's seems to be strong if you ever decide to part ways with it.

Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2

 

[decompression]

Assumption that your diving is mostly In NC......I agree that steel is the way to go. If you can find an average depth and time for your usual dive, do a quick rock bottom calc and see what tank size would serve you best. Generally HP 100's are a very good tank for a lot of applications.

 

[tarheel brand]

Assumption that your diving is mostly In NC......I agree that steel is the way to go. If you can find an average depth and time for your usual dive, do a quick rock bottom calc and see what tank size would serve you best. Generally HP 100's are a very good tank for a lot of applications.

Thanks, thats what I'm mostly being told. I did a dive 2 weeks ago, 70ft max. Did not stay there the entire time. Had a 100, and stayed down 40min. I started my ascent with 1000lbs. Did a 3min safety stop at 15ft. I'm new, so I'd like to believe my breathing will improve. Haven't started spearfishing yet, I realize I will burn through air quicker when I start working.

 

[Crush]

The HP100s are smaller but not much heavier than AL80s. This means that they displace less water which means that they are less buoyant while providing more air. The big advantage of HP100s is that they provide more air in a smaller volume. The smaller tank volume means that your total weight (tank plus weights) will be less with the HP100 than with an AL80.

I may be having a moment, I can't find where I read the info, but I recall a gentleman that owns two 130's, claims after 2 dives he uses a device that connects the two tanks together and equalizes the pressure, for a third shallower dive. I doesn't make since to me, if one of the tanks has more air wouldn't that one be more beneficial to take on the third dive? Unless somehow that such device will transfer air from the lighter tank to the other. IDK, maybe I dreamed it.

That only makes sense if the diver wanted to switch to a smaller tank for the shallow dive or if he was topping someone off. For example, if you have double 100s charged to 3500 psi and your buddy has an empty Al80 you can top him off (the final pressure in both your tanks will be 2500 psi) and both enjoy the dive.

If you ever decide to dive doubles, the 100's would be a better choose. Also the resale market for the 100's seems to be strong if you ever decide to part ways with it.

That is very good advice.