What would you buy out of these options

[climbr1]

Ive been a diver for about 14 years, mostly high altitude lakes in the 40-80 foot range and several yearly trips to the channel islands amounting to about 50-75 dives a year. Im currently using a classic plus BC, MK17/G250V, Vyper 2 and TLS 350 drysuit. I am a rescue diver and on occasion dive for a county search and rescue team but I don't use my own gear for that.
Most of my friends with some exceptions rent all their gear from a mutual friend at a very very good rate. I rented for 5 years then bought what I have. When we dive we load 15-20 tanks and a compressor, gear and go. Id like to get a pony setup but I would also like my own tank so I don't need to rely on renting or my buddy to bring all his. I dive with many different partners, some experienced and some for their first time. Id like a pony for safety but then I still rely on renting tanks which is an pain for obvious reasons. And I would also like a steel 119 for added weight and air.
Either option is well within price range but not both unless someone knows somewhere I can look. I prefer new or nearly new.
Would you buy a 19 pony and sling it or dive a 119 steel with people who dive Al80's and always have that extra capacity in lieu? i will eventually get both IF I need to but right now things are working out I just want a reserve supply of air. I usually get about 35 minutes out of a AL80 with 500 psi left. Thanks people.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Your gas needs are dictated by your dive profile (deeper requires more) and your breathing rate. If you are buddy diving, you should be carrying enough of a gas reserve in your own tank(s) to get you and your buddy to the surface safely at any given point in the dive.

If you purchase both tanks used, you should be able to get both for the price of a new steel 119 tank.
By the way, why do you prefer a new or nearly new tank?
If you are willing to buy used, I recommend scouring local Craigslist ads. I picked up a HP100 for $75 and a HP120 for $50 (both out of hydro and vis). In both cases, I requested that the transaction be contingent upon the tank passing hydro. The sellers were happy to oblige.

If you think that having the redundancy of a pony is an important safety need for you, then I would prioritize that purchase above getting a larger tank.

FWIW, the fact that you run through 2500 psi of a AL80 in 35 min. doesn't mean much without knowing your dive profile and whether the dive conditions were typical for your diving (swimming against any currents?, exceptionally cold?, etc.).

 

[aquaregia]

A pony gives you redundancy that the HP119 does not. I imagine that, once you factor in some regs to service the pony and the costs to continue renting, the pony will be significantly more expensive than the HP119.

 

[TSandM]

Well, I'm not sure I understand why the tank renting is such a pain. It does not sound as though you are in a position where you suddenly get the whim to dive, and can't, because you don't have a tank . . . it sounds like your "local" dive trips are more in the nature of pre-planned expeditions. I don't know what you pay for tank rental, but around here, the rental of a full tank and the cost to get a fill are almost the same, so the only real motivation for owning your own tank is convenience.

If you are significantly concerned about redundancy, because you are diving with novices or unknowns, you have two options: Provide your own, or keep the dives to ones where you don't feel the need for it. I have done both. I don't use a pony, I use doubles, but it's the same principle.

From what you have written and my interpretation of it, it sounds as though you would be better off buying a pony bottle and pony regulator, before investing in your own tank.

 

[climbr1]

Thanks, I do have trips that come up frequently on short notice so having a tank would be nice. I think I am going the the tank route. The pony can wait. I mainly dive with some pretty experienced people and air management is second nature to me as I am also a firefighter. Thanks for your opinions.

 

[halocline]

I would definitely not use a bailout bottle to increase your bottom time. Just get a bigger tank. I'm not sure about the 119 option, but there are lots of tanks larger than AL80s that might be helpful to you. I guess it depends on your size (i.e. willingness to lug around a bigger and heavier tank) weighting needs, budget, etc..

The HP100 (special permit, 3442 PSI) tanks are pretty popular, reasonably priced, and a nice size/weight/buoyancy/capacity compromise. I'm not sure what altitude you're talking about, but aren't you looking at shorter NDLs anyways?

When you get your main tank situation straightened out to your satisfaction, you can address the whole issue of pony use as a safety device. Have fun!

 

[climbr1]

Ya I don't consider a pony to be a way to increase air time. It would be strictly emergency or the last dive of the day practicing drills and rotating air. I have dove with 119 and 100 before and the 119 just seemed smoother. My trim felt better, more balanced. Just to specify I dont pay for air fills. I fill them my self so having a tank I can dive any time would be ideal. My LDS is 30 minutes away while I can fill them 5 minutes from home. Thanks every one. Any suggestions on tank deals? I have only been looking as XS from leisurepro.

 

[TSandM]

Well, around here, watching Craig's List or the local dive forum is a great way to pick up deals on tanks. There are so many people who drop out of this sport . . .

 

[mk706]

I have a pair of Worthington X7-100s. Great tanks, good size/weight, bouyancy, & trim. Tough to get full fills up to 3442 psi. Most times they get filled to 3200-3300; still more gas than Al80. If I had it to do over again I'd have picked up a pair of steel LP85s.

Agree with TSM about the value of doubles being equal parts redundancy and additional gas. Doubling up a set of LP85s or HP100s would go great with that drysuit.

As for pony, don't think a 19 cubic foot is a good investment. Believe you'd be better of with an Al40. Much better growth potential as well as better resale value. Al40 make great stage bottle, virtually disappears in the water when slung under left arm.

 

[Selchie in LB]

I have a pair of Worthington X7-100s. Great tanks, good size/weight, bouyancy, & trim. Tough to get full fills up to 3442 psi. Most times they get filled to 3200-3300; still more gas than Al80. If I had it to do over again I'd have picked up a pair of steel LP85s.

Why would you have gone with LP85s? I am curious because I have a similar sort of situation in that I rent my tank(s) all the time and they are only 72s. Aluminum is out just because, HP80s are out because I am not hindered by tank length. It was suggested that I consider HP100s for the very reason that shops can more than likely give a complete HP fill where as boats may not, but it still leaves me with plenty of air for gas management planning.

Also 2 tanks, one for Nitrox, one for air? I can't imagine lugging around double 100's, but never say never.