What Pony Bottle Should I Get if I Plan On Going Into Tech Diving Eventually?

[Jim Lapenta]

My BCD is a Sherwood Avid CQR3, which has a bunch of D-rings: 2 on each shoulder, then one at the hip, so should be enough to attach, right? For regulator I was thinking of just getting a Sherwood Magnum since they're on sale for $200. My current reg is a Mares Abyss 22, but the price has doubled since I bought it so can't really buy a new one.

Number of d rings is meaningless. Optimum placement of them is more critical. And I'm guessing that's a weight integrated bc as I can't look it up just now. If so you may restrict access to the weight pocket. Not a good thing. It is not designed to be used with a stage bottle. Get a larger main tank, work on air consumption, or restrict your dives to shallower depths. Until you can unload that rig and get one designed for what you want to do.

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[Vegan Shark]

Yeah, it uses integrated weights. I dive with a HP 130 right now, so air consumption isn't my concern, I just want redundancy in case of first or second stage failure. I know it's very rare, but still not a risk I want to take at 100ft. Maybe it would be best if I just don't do deeper dives until I have a reliable buddy, or switch to a wing and doubles.

Would a smaller pony, say 19cf like Dr. Bill uses, or even 13cf, still be a problem with weight pockets?

 

[PfcAJ]

Buy it nice or buy it twice.

If you insist on a 'pony' (which I recommend against), get an al40 and a quality reg. If/when you get into deco diving, you're probably going to spend more time on the deco reg than on your backgas. An al40 makes a sweet 50% bottle for dives in the 150' range for BTs of 20-30min and a great o2 bottle, as well. You've gotta WORK to get your o2 times longer than what an al40 can provide on shallow (100ft and shallower) dives, even if your o2 isn't boosted to 3 grand.

Fwiw, some sherwoods have some sort of a dry-bleed system (reg guys can elaborate) where a stream of bubbles constantly come out. I'd advise against that.

 

[Michael Guerrero]

Here's a picture of a DIY staging kit for a AL30.



Basically, you need a strap around the neck that extends down the tank to a bolt snap. The strap is held in place by a large SS hose clamp. You need a snap at the top of the tank too. You can use bungee or inner tube around the tank to hold down the hose. I sling on the left so I put a fixed 90-degree adaptor between the hose and the 2nd stage.

You can get a great deal ($200) on a HOG 1st/2nd stage cold water combo at Pirahna Dive Mfg.

SPECIALS

Oh...and the second stage on that is a HOG switchback, which Dive Right In Scuba was selling for $100 as of a few weeks ago. I dive this on single tank at recreational depths for redundancy and it works great. Practice with it regularly at depth and no issues.

Hahah, one last thing for recreational use. SportChalet fills 30 cu ft and under ponies for FREE

 

[crosshairs]

Yeah, it uses integrated weights. I dive with a HP 130 right now, so air consumption isn't my concern, I just want redundancy in case of first or second stage failure. I know it's very rare, but still not a risk I want to take at 100ft. Maybe it would be best if I just don't do deeper dives until I have a reliable buddy, or switch to a wing and doubles.
Would a smaller pony, say 19cf like Dr. Bill uses, or even 13cf, still be a problem with weight pockets?

I dive an Aqualung Axiom with a 30cf bottle slung and have no problem getting my weights out...I bet that you wouldn't either but you wont now until you try....dont run out and buy a BPW rig until you really need it....which for some people is never.

 

[Michael Guerrero]

Wow, I need to get off this thread.

One last, to address the issue of accessing your integrated weight pockets you can just use a weight belt or harness. You'll more than likely use those w/ a BP/W anyway, unless you dive in extremely warm water.

 

[Vegan Shark]

What kit do you recommend for attaching the pony to the BC? I'm challenged when it comes to putting things together, so buying all the parts separately and figuring it out would likely end as a disaster So many options online not sure what to go with.

Also, for the pony's regulator is a necklace advised? I keep my current octo attached to a holder on the upper left D ring on my chest, which is pretty close to my neck anyway.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

40 Cu/ft Stage Kit - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL That'll work. You could spend more for a Halcyon rigging and get the same thing (or worse, maybe, as I had a H rigging come untied at the bottom knot a few weeks ago).

You can also get a webbing based one from Dive Rite, but it won't stay on the tank neck as easily (creeps up to the valve very quickly). That's not so great for the valve, so stick with the cord based rigging.

No necklace; the pony's 2nd stage/hose is stored under some elastic wraps around the bottle. There are a number of different approaches to that: shock cord, shock cord with DSS attachment tab, flat rubber bands, surgical tubing, elastic fabric thingys. I suppose you could put an angle attachment and/or a bolt snap on the 2nd stage as pictured above...but I wouldn't.

 

[Michael Guerrero]

another place to shop.

Cylinder Stage/Deco/Sidemount Straps and Hose Retainers - Dive Gear Express

lots of online dive shops sell these.

As far as the snap and 90-degree it's really up to you. I have a braided hose on it so the reg is heavy and hangs out down when of the water. The snap keeps the weight off the hose fitting, and keeps it where I want it. I can get it in my mouth while clipped off, so no safety concern for me.

And if you don't want a left-hand reg you can just get a regular reg and loop it around the neck like the long hose when you're breathing off it.

 

[doctormike]

Don't get a pony. Learn proper gas management. Carry a stage bottle if you need more gas. Stay close to your good buddy for redundancy or use doubles or sidemount if you are solo.

I think that the OP was only considering a pony for redundancy, not as a stage bottle to extend his dives, so it's really not a gas management issue. I agree that buddies are great redundancy, but it's easier to get separated from a buddy (even with good skills and the best intentions) than from your pony bottle.

I think that it's fine for a single tank diver (especially in poor visibility) to sling a pony, not really sure that it has such a big downside. If anything, slinging a 40 will get you used to handling it under the water and on the boat, and make it easier when it's time for tech training.

I personally don't like tank mounted ponies...

What kit do you recommend for attaching the pony to the BC?

These are pretty good, or you can make something like this yourself...