BettyRubble
Contributor
So I had the 'pleasure' (rolling eyes) of diving with an AL80 tank this weekend instead of my favorite steel 72. Shop was out of steel 72 and 80's (only had a 120 - nearly as tall as me!).
Well it wreaked havoc on my weighting, which I was already experimenting with. Very annoying to say the least.
So, in my usual anal retentive method, I've been deep diving (no pun intended) info on tanks. Looking to buy my own by year end (maybe a Christmas present for myself!!!!) I've got a chart on the types of manufactueres and sizes and how much weight and buoyancy each alledgedly is rated for.
I'm leaning towards a steel 72 (assuming I can get my hands on one) but a recent dive buddy who is a tech diver suggested I am a bad buddy for diving it. His concern is it won't allow enough air for an OOA situation with a buddy.
So that makes me think I have to at least go with a steel 80 and probably larger.
Some background: I can dive steel 72 and come up with 1200+psi after 40-60 minute dives (usually 1500 or more). Apparently my sac rate is decent. I'm 5'2 so the longer tanks hit me in the head and arse at the same time (VERY ANNOYING) so the 72 and 80's 'fit' me much better. Finally, I have a bad back. I have to consider the weight of everything I put on me -- not just total weight, but placement -- higher is better, lower really takes its toll on me. So a steel tank helps me keep weight off my belt / bc area, and a 72 is small enough and manageable for me when lifting and carrying it.
So all this whining on my part to ask, how much consideration do I need to give this buddy OOA situation. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to jeopardize a buddy, just want to know what should go into that calculation.
And yes, I am considering going with a steel backplate/wing setup at some point. But for now, I love my Zena so a new BC setup is at least a year away.
As always, appreciate your input. Will be out of town for a week so forgive me for not responding to posts during that time.
Well it wreaked havoc on my weighting, which I was already experimenting with. Very annoying to say the least.
So, in my usual anal retentive method, I've been deep diving (no pun intended) info on tanks. Looking to buy my own by year end (maybe a Christmas present for myself!!!!) I've got a chart on the types of manufactueres and sizes and how much weight and buoyancy each alledgedly is rated for.
I'm leaning towards a steel 72 (assuming I can get my hands on one) but a recent dive buddy who is a tech diver suggested I am a bad buddy for diving it. His concern is it won't allow enough air for an OOA situation with a buddy.
So that makes me think I have to at least go with a steel 80 and probably larger.
Some background: I can dive steel 72 and come up with 1200+psi after 40-60 minute dives (usually 1500 or more). Apparently my sac rate is decent. I'm 5'2 so the longer tanks hit me in the head and arse at the same time (VERY ANNOYING) so the 72 and 80's 'fit' me much better. Finally, I have a bad back. I have to consider the weight of everything I put on me -- not just total weight, but placement -- higher is better, lower really takes its toll on me. So a steel tank helps me keep weight off my belt / bc area, and a 72 is small enough and manageable for me when lifting and carrying it.
So all this whining on my part to ask, how much consideration do I need to give this buddy OOA situation. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to jeopardize a buddy, just want to know what should go into that calculation.
And yes, I am considering going with a steel backplate/wing setup at some point. But for now, I love my Zena so a new BC setup is at least a year away.
As always, appreciate your input. Will be out of town for a week so forgive me for not responding to posts during that time.