what size of pony bottle

[otobmark]

I wish I could remember who said it on another thread but he said he puts his pony valve down so it can be left off till needed and then turned on. That might solve part of the issue you raised Brau. It's a simple idea that never even crossed my mind. In fact I look retarded since I just started a thread about valves down diving!
Scuba Vixen you really thought this through. I love you for your mind.

 

[DIR Tec Diver]

Honestly a pony bottle is not the answer. It usually (not always) lures a diver into a false sense of confidence, and in worst case they actually use it when low on air. Even though a lot of people said they use it for emergencies only, that does not hide the fundamental issue (proper gas management). using proper gas planning, and following guidelines will address 99% of any issue. There is always the argument that you can hand off a bottle to someone in an emergency, but then again, statistics show that an out of air diver hones in on the 1 thing he knows can give him air - the reg in your mouth. Having the backup reg on a necklace ensures you know where it is every single time. The long hose facilitates distance, margin of safety and comfort in an already stressful situation. I have had to use this in a real emergency with a diver I happened upon. It probably saved both our lives, as he did exactly what statistics show - snatched the reg right out of my mouth. I went to the backup and then I was able to escort the diver to safe depth and make a normal ascent. The traditional alternate air source would not have been sufficient, nor would have a pony bottle. Technique and training makes the difference.

 

[wreckchick]

why would the traditional configuration not have worked in this case? Was the diver acting erratic? Are you worried you wouldn't have been able to locate the octo?

R

 

[MikeS]

medic13 once bubbled...
what size of pony bottle does everyone use?

For what purpose? I assume your are referring to a pony bottle carried as a “bailout” bottle. If so, it’s important to calculate the amount of gas you’ll need based on your diving and properly size a pony. To dive with a certain size just because everyone else does is dangerous. Figure out what you are going to use it for, calculate the size, and then practice with it.

DIR Tec Diver once bubbled...
Honestly a pony bottle is not the answer.

A pony bottle is not the answer to what question?

DIR Tec Diver once bubbled...
It usually (not always) lures a diver into a false sense of confidence, and in worst case they actually use it when low on air.

What do you base this statement on? All of the divers that I know that dive with a pony as a bailout and have never actually used it other than for training.

Mike

 

[Braunbehrens]

DIR Tec Diver once bubbled...
Honestly a pony bottle is not the answer. It usually (not always) lures a diver into a false sense of confidence, and in worst case they actually use it when low on air. Even though a lot of people said they use it for emergencies only, that does not hide the fundamental issue (proper gas management). using proper gas planning, and following guidelines will address 99% of any issue. There is always the argument that you can hand off a bottle to someone in an emergency, but then again, statistics show that an out of air diver hones in on the 1 thing he knows can give him air - the reg in your mouth. Having the backup reg on a necklace ensures you know where it is every single time. The long hose facilitates distance, margin of safety and comfort in an already stressful situation. I have had to use this in a real emergency with a diver I happened upon. It probably saved both our lives, as he did exactly what statistics show - snatched the reg right out of my mouth. I went to the backup and then I was able to escort the diver to safe depth and make a normal ascent. The traditional alternate air source would not have been sufficient, nor would have a pony bottle. Technique and training makes the difference.

I think a good setup would be a long hose, backup on the necklace, and a pony carried as a stage. In this configuration the pony really doesn't interfere with anything, and it is a proven concept since many technical divers carry their gas like this.

Basically it's the same as a technical dive where additional gas is carried in a stage bottle, except in this case the bottle is not used and is there simply for additional safety. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[plsdiver4377]

Braunbehrens once bubbled...


I think a good setup would be a long hose, backup on the necklace, and a pony carried as a stage. In this configuration the pony really doesn't interfere with anything, and it is a proven concept since many technical divers carry their gas like this.

Basically it's the same as a technical dive where additional gas is carried in a stage bottle, except in this case the bottle is not used and is there simply for additional safety. Nothing wrong with that.

I dive with this setup and love it. It took some convincing by one of the local divers to change to a slung configuration but I'm much more comfortable this way than having attached to my back bottle. I also change back bottle sizes depending on planned depth and air consumption rates for that depth.

Eventually I would like to go to doubles and a dry suit to extend my diving season. The local pond is fairly cold in the winter and spring. But alas, this requres more money ;-0 so it'll have to wait a little while.

 

[JeffMandell]

Would someone mind explaining what it means to use the pony in a sling arrangement? And a necklace?
Thanks.

 

[Genesis]

Here's my configuration...

This is very similar to how cave divers rig a stage bottle; the top snap clips to your shoulder D-ring on the left side, the bottom to your hip D-ring. The bottle itself swings up under your arm when in the water and is completely out of the way, yet instantly accessible if you need it.

I charge the reg and then turn it off before splashing; this way if the second freeflows it won't burn the gas. Once immersed I check the gauge and re-pressurize if needed, then turn it off AGAIN (this prevents water from backing up into the first stage, but also prevents a freeflow from expending the gas in the bottle.)

The SPG hose is a 6" length and is doubled back, then tied to the first stage with a piece of cave line. Its "in your face" when you want to look at it. The second stage hose is octo-length and under the pieces of bungee cord - if you need it you grab the second stage and pull; the hose will slip free.

You will get a breath or two before the gas in the "pre-charge" runs out; that gives you more than enough time to reach for the valve and open it (its right in front of you, again, so its darn hard to miss!) and satisfies the "I need a breath right now" problem.

I spearfish with this configuration and find that it works wonderfully without getting in the way.

 

[Braunbehrens]

Genesis, that looks very close to what we do. The main difference is that the clips are on the back, whereas we put them on the front. This gives you a little more slack on the hose, and you can see the 1st stage better (just in case).

Other than that the rig you have looks very clean, compact and nice.

 

[Genesis]

because I want the valve on my "inboard" side, and the reg outboard; as its a DIN connection I don't want it bashing up against me on entry.

Also, the second stage is "in your face", which is where I want it...