Where to buy a pony? What price?

[guruboy]

So I'm planning to get a AL13 pony.

Why such a big price discrepancy between the online sellers?

Scuba.com has it for $157 shipped - Catalina with Thermo yoke valve
XS Scuba 13 Cubic Foot Aluminum Tank AL13 with reviews at scuba.com

LP has it for $100 shipped - Catalina with Harrison/Sherwood pro valve, needs VIP
Catalina Pony Bottle Tanks, Yellow with Pro Valve | LeisurePro

ScubaToys has it for $148 after tax - Luxfer/Catalina with XS Scuba pro valve
13 Cubic Foot Pony Bottle discounts on sale XS Scuba

I know the valves are different, but even after factoring that in, the bottle prices are not close.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

LP has a rep of being cheaper, and apparently haven't VIPed the tank, maybe? I know many other shops ships tanks O2 clean, with an appropriate VIP sticker for you to apply yourself.

Off topic, why would you go through all that trouble for 13cf of air? Get a 40, stage rig it, and be done already...should cost about the same.

 

[oldschoolto]

Local 4H group would be a good place to start....

Jim...

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Or just go here: Used - Catalina 19 Alumiunum - New Hydro/Vip - Northeast Scuba Supply Store

 

[redacted]

NESS 19 is not available (and would need a valve.

Why are you hesitant on the LP sale?

 

[guruboy]

LP has a rep of being cheaper, and apparently haven't VIPed the tank, maybe? I know many other shops ships tanks O2 clean, with an appropriate VIP sticker for you to apply yourself.

Off topic, why would you go through all that trouble for 13cf of air? Get a 40, stage rig it, and be done already...should cost about the same.

Because I'm using it to dive 60ft or less and just want a small backup air source without having to deal with anything larger than a 13.

 

[uncfnp]

It sounds like a 13 cf should be fine for you. As a pony I would not worry too much about the different tanks and valves. Just get your best deal. You will only need it O2 clean if you plan to use nitrox and your shop does partial pressure fills. Have you checked with your LDS. Mine will often match or beat on line prices. I paid 115 for mine with VIP and nitrox stickers.

 

[spectrum]

The LP item with the Thermo Pro valve looks like a corker. Figure on a local VIP and first fill out of your pocket though.

I agree that for your limits 13 sounds OK

Pete

 

[bumcikaz]

Anywhere u buy online u will need vip the tank, valves will be off the cylinder for shipping, thats the rules , lp is the cheapest and i would buy cheapest since u wont use it that much

 

[beaverdivers]

I have a used 13 cuft tank, New VIP & ready to dive. I'll get back to you on the specific details & I will make you a deal!