To pony or not to pony

[Ryukyu-diver]

Big-T-2538: Please try to convince me that there has never been a time, in your entire diving experence that you have been without a buddy or got paired up with someone you don't even know. You answer sounds more of the well demanded responce from most when asked about solo diving.

I just don't see the need for a pony if you are diving with a dependable buddy

when the reg on your back freezes...won't the reg on your pony freeze too?

Not usually. Some ice divers that I have talked to said that they perfer to have the low pressure inflation hose coming from the left 1st stage and their pri. reg. coming from the right side 1st stage due to the fact that too much demand placed one one 1st stage will cause a freeze up faster. Also, I believe that it's not only the temp. of the water but a combination of water temp. and the compressed air being pulled across the first stage that causes most freeze ups. I was only giving an example of a what if. there are other ways in which regs. can and do fail.

Anyway...you all see my opinion...I don't like ponys...

You could have saved us alot of time if you just have stated that the first time. I was never trying to convince you of anything, just assisting the diver that posted questions about to use a pony or not.

 

[Nemo-the-Fish]

awap once bubbled...

If the additional capability makes some folks do stupid things, then maybe they should look for additional training or another activity. The pony does not change my gas management plan. It does reduce my dependence on my "pick-up" buddy.

Exactly. I'm not going to start debating the pros/cons of having a pony, but a number of the people I dive with have them for those unlikely, but possible situations. But that does not constitute lax gas management. If anyone is on the pony, dive's over. I'm a big believer in good buddy skills, but also self-suficiency, I would rather be prepared for that 1 in a million accident than be floating belly up. Diving doubles... hopefully I'll get there soon, but until then, I like my little pony.
Eric

 

[VTernovski]

if you must get a pony then by all means do not attach it to the back, where you regular tank is. Instead, rig it as a stage bottle, and get at the very least 30 cu ft. bottle. If I had to do it al lover again, I would have gotten the 40 cu ft bottle instead, which I can later use for deco. But, currently, I am in a process of moving to doubles, and I am retty excited about eliminating the "pony" from my left shoulder for good (well, until I get into deco dives).

http://gallery.wreckvalley.com/albums/Dutch-Springs-11-01-2003/PB010039.jpg

 

[d33ps1x]

Getting a lp steel 51 rigged as a stage 'cause chicks dig it.ut:

 

[VTernovski]

d33ps1x once bubbled...
Getting a lp steel 51 rigged as a stage 'cause chicks dig it.ut:

Why not go for AL80 then. Although I would imagine one will look stoopid with Al80 on the back as well..

 

[ColdH20diving]

I use my pony bottle on deep dives only, it has nothing to do with my gas management, but because sh@! happens. Not every one can handle doubles and a bailout bottle is, IMO, better than nothing.

 

[Seadiver5]

The tough thing about diving with a Pony is that it becomes a gas managment issue not to distant from one that Tech divers deal with.

A person diving a pony is usually doing it so they can rely on the supply of air it is suppose to have. All to often sport divers strap one on and forget about it. If it ever is necessary to use it, it may not be available.

I personally like them but they are a piece of equipment that needs to be trained with and checked often to insure proper function.

Kevin Parkhurst
IDEA Instructor 3402

 

[budgy]

I generally dive in low viz and I find most rec divers are buddy oblivious in such conditions. I believe self dependance is the only way.
Many of us started with a single and a bcd, then got a octopus for the buddy, then got a pony that made the octopus unnecessary, then end up thinking they should of started with a back-plate wing and set of twins that make the pony unnecessary. Those with twins and side mounts are probably thinking CCR re-breather.