The great Spare Air / SpareAir topic

[Genesis]

I solo, spearfish, and shoot pictures - none of which are conducive to a "buddy"

 

[iflyprops]

A few buddies and I are talking about taking a deco course combined with advanced nitrox in the near future and one of the requirements is either doubles or a tank "larger than an 80cf"..."with either an H or Y Valve". I was looking at the PST line. I was thinking around 100-120cf single with an H valve. I also would like to get a tank that would make a nice set of doubles when I get to that point. Any suggestions? And does anyone have any used ones for sale or a good source for the PST line?

Thanks!!

 

[simbrooks]

IMO there is one current "problem" with any steel tanks, their prices went up about $30-40 per tank, not a huge shift, but when you are buying a few of them (4 for myself and GF), it makes them look a bit less promising (actually due to the deal we were hoping to get with an LDS prior to the price hike, our total cost rose by ~$340, which was very undesireable, we were going to get a great discount before the steel shortage). Beyond that problem, and the current backlog (think August for a good few tanks in their line up) they are good tanks on paper and the feel of a couple i have rented.

Size wise, E7-100's are about the same size as AL80's, a little lighter. E7-120's are long (28", fine for me with a tall back, but not for everyone) they are also the most expensive in the PST line up, the E8-119's are kind of short and heavier and the E8-130's are popular, but a decent size and weight like an 8" dia version of an AL80 (in length). I am also looking for some of the same tanks, they are like gold dust at the moment!! Either new or used. For an H valve, add about $80 for the H and another 80 for the valve itself (the one like a post on doubles), or just get a manifold for $180 or less and bands for $100 or less or a total package for around $1k. Also get another first stage. I do a lot of my comparison shopping at Dive-Rite Express, they have a good amount of info on that site too.

For a single PST HP-120, in_cavediver (somewhere midwest i thnk) has one going, or jroy17 (Montreal) has a pair of Genesis HP-120's, there might be others, look in the gear sale section.

Adv Nitrox and deco can be covered in the same "course" by a TDI instructor, not sure about other agencies though. You may also need smaller stage/deco bottles and more regs to go with them. This is all one day a plan for me too, just have to save up some cash, get some more dives, but i am getting myself geared up towards this by buying stuff that will evolve into what i need rather than buying something now and buying again later. Does this help?

 

[iflyprops]

Thanks SimBrooks! That did help, it is kind of nice to hear from others in the same boat that I am. The instructor that I was looking at doing the course through is IANTD, Wally Barnes, out of Miami. I have a source to borrow a set of double faber 95's that are out of hydro also, which is a cheaper option. But I will still need to get a bp/w with a single and doubles wing as well as some more regs as well as a deco bottle...and yet more regs....I better start buying some lottery tickets!!

 

[simbrooks]

I better start buying some lottery tickets!!

Dont throw your money away on marginal return, just use it for diving!

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

I think that I posted previously some issues about the balance of the E-7 120 tanks. You might want to run a search on the issue for the expanded version of the post.

I have a set doubled. I like them but they will likely require some trim weights inasmuch as they will orient me too much in a heads down position. For me, this is not an issue since I just hang my required weight to remain neutral from the bottom bolt of my backplate rather than locating it between the two bolts.

I also feel that the tank diameter being 7.3 rather than 8 makes it easier to swim them around.

 

[simbrooks]

I also heard the same about the shorter tanks like the E8-119's (or any 95's by others) that they would trim a taller diver head down - i had heard that 120's might throw you off and be too long for shorter divers, but that doesnt apply to me, i am a little foot heavy in the set of doubles i tried (although they werent trimmed for me as they were borrowed - so i am sure that could get fixed).

 

[pescador775]

About balance; double tanks use a manifold made of heavy brass and will cause some downward pressure on the shoulders. A steel plate placed square against the back will do the same. When swimming downstream, currents can have a lifting effect on the bottom of the tank. A lead belt strung around the waist is a pivot point countering some of the above. Some people using aluminum tanks and no suit have 'light legs'. I don't know why but some use ankle weights to compensate. Some freedivers using wetsuits have trouble with 'light legs' which causes them to splash and scare fish. They use ankle weights or special weights attached flush under the footpocket of their long fins. This keeps their fins underwater.

I also heard the same about the shorter tanks like the E8-119's (or any 95's by others) that they would trim a taller diver head down - i had heard that 120's might throw you off and be too long for shorter divers, but that doesnt apply to me, i am a little foot heavy in the set of doubles i tried (although they werent trimmed for me as they were borrowed - so i am sure that could get fixed).

 

[riverdiver]

A few buddies and I are talking about taking a deco course combined with advanced nitrox in the near future and one of the requirements is either doubles or a tank "larger than an 80cf"..."with either an H or Y Valve". I was looking at the PST line. I was thinking around 100-120cf single with an H valve. I also would like to get a tank that would make a nice set of doubles when I get to that point. Any suggestions? And does anyone have any used ones for sale or a good source for the PST line?

Thanks!!

Hi I just bought a set of the PST 80,s to double up ,I think that the tanks are great I have 2 100,s and a 120,and now 2-80,s. My neighbor sells them . He has a charter boat, and ties the two together some how. He sells a ,lot of them,more than the local dive shops. And a lot cheaper!

 

[zboss]

Hi I just bought a set of the PST 80,s to double up ,I think that the tanks are great I have 2 100,s and a 120,and now 2-80,s. My neighbor sells them . He has a charter boat, and ties the two together some how. He sells a ,lot of them,more than the local dive shops. And a lot cheaper!

OK - that sounds promising... can you get contact information for him?