Use more weight with AL100s?

[Upwelling]

I normally use an AL80 but on this trip I'll be using an AL100. Do I need to add any extra weight because of the tank size change?

 

[Firefyter]

I normally use an AL80 but on this trip I'll be using an AL100. Do I need to add any extra weight because of the tank size change?

Actually, you should be able to REMOVE a few lbs. I use a Luxfer AL100, and it's heavier than an AL80, both full and empty.

 

[serambin]

Actually, you should be able to REMOVE a few lbs. I use a Luxfer AL100, and it's heavier than an AL80, both full and empty.

I'm thinking about an AL 100. How do you like and does it give you the extra 20% dive time?

 

[Firefyter]

I actually like it, even though there are a few drawbacks. It's heavier on your back when you're out of the water, because the empty weight of the cylinder is right at 10 lbs. more than an AL80, plus the weight of the extra air. Once you're in the water, though, this weight seems to go away. It also tends to want to roll a little compared to an AL80, but you learn to compensate for this fairly quickly.

I bought mine to help compensate for the fact that I was diving with my wife and a few other women, and I wanted to be able to keep up with them as far as bottom times go. You do get 20% more air, but in my case I've gotten better as far as my sac rate is concerned, so I no longer need the extra.

The major positive for me was that it allowed me enough air to comfortably spend a long time in shallow depths learning to relax and hone my skills. At depths of ± 20 ft., I can get two hours on an AL100. This allowed me loads of time to work on bouyancy, mask skills, holding stops at whatever depth I wish, etc.

I'd say that if you can get one at a reasonable price, then go for it. I'm usually the last one up, and I usually have way more air in reserve than my buddies do, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Of course, YMMV.


P.S. If you'll come up to CSSP some weekend when we're there, I'll let you dive with mine and see how you like it.

 

[Otter]

Why AL-100 vs. HP-100....price?

 

[Leadking]

Based upon buoyancy characteristics you can remove 3 lbs. See http://www.luxfercylinders.com/products/scuba/specifications/us_imperial.shtml

 

[teknitroxdiver]

Why AL-100 vs. HP-100....price?

I agree...other than price, a PST E7-100 will be superior to an AL100 in every way.

 

[Firefyter]

Why AL-100 vs. HP-100....price?

In my case, it was a combination of price and availability. Several AL100's to be had, for very little more than an AL80, not very many HP100's around this neck of the woods, and the ones that are here are price prohibitive. Obviously, if the availability is there, and you can get a good price, HP100's are the best way to go.

 

[tlessard]

Actually guys, you can only drop approx. 1.5 lbs with a Luxfer AL 100 compared to the Luxfer AL 80...the number you need to look at is the bouyancy empty number. The AL 80 is +4.40 and the AL 100 is +3.06. Now, if you want to drop 4.5 lbs, go with the Catalina AL 100...it's basically neutral when you get to 500 psi.

http://www.catalinacylinders.com/scuba.html

I have one, and it's great. ScubaToys should be able to hook you up with a killer deal on them!

-Trey

 

[serambin]

Why AL-100 vs. HP-100....price?

To tell you the truth, no reason. I dove steel for 20 years and never even fail a hydro or visual. Thats what the LDS carries and while I was diving steel, I always wanted ALum. The grass is . . .

Stan