Which PST: E8 119, 130, E7 120?

[LUBOLD8431]

Well, just because you are small doesnt mean you cant handle the big cylinders. For example, I know of a few women who are your size (or smaller) that use LP-104s doubles. Its all what you are comfortable with. So, I suggest trying some out. At first, you will hate any set of doubles. It depends on what type of diving you are doing, how much gas you need for the dives you are doing, and what you can handle. All that being said, the E7-100's make a nice lightweight (relative to 104's) set of doubles.

 

[gerardnealon]

.....then size really does NOT matter. But it sure matters on a beach.

Who says size doesn't matter??? ;-) hehe

 

[hex92]

I'm glad I looked in on this thread. I had pretty much decided on the E8-119s but considering the fact that I'm 6'4" I think that I should take a look at the E7-120s.

I hadn't really considered that I have to scrunch down to get into an AL 80. That scrunch factor would be increased if I went with the 119s.

 

[Warren_L]

I have a couple of E7-120s which I am quite happy with - I am 5'9" and they work great for me. No problems with trim.

 

[MacLeod]

Very timely post for me as I too as I have been struggling for some time trying to determine whether to get 120s or 130s.

I am 6'3" and plan on using them for singles for now...maybe doubling them later.

Some of the "Tech" types I talk to swear that the 130s are better..."better trim and buoyancy characteristics". While most of the "non-tech pros" tell me the former types (tech divers) are just tied into that old non-existent LP-104 mentality. That is what they USED and so that is what they will continue to use. "The more gas the better" type thing. This latter group says 120s have enough gas for the dives they do and they are lighter..."get 120s a no brainer". Besides "everyone in the NE uses 120s".

I am left confused...determined one minute that the 130s have "better buoyancy characteristics" and will be better for tech diving down the line...and the next, that the 120s will be at least as big...maybe bigger than many I dive with, and they are lighter to lug around...so they are the ones I should get.

I dove a pair of older PST HP-120s once...they were okay (although I did bang the back of my head on them a couple of times...and I was definitely aware of the difference from AL 80s (my first Steel tank dive)). Unfortunately I don't know anyone with 130s.

Some have told me the 130s are more prone to making you turtle (is this true?). And while I mostly dive dry, this latter group has said that you really can't dive 130s wet as they are just too heavy...you could not swim them up if your BC/Wing failed (would need redundancy of drysuit). Is this true...could I not use single 130s comforably in a 3-5ml wetsuit?

Which make a more enjoyable set of singles (I plan to buy two).

Thank you very much...I too would VERY much appreciate your help!!

 

[Warren_L]

MacLeod, I went through the same questions you have asked when I was choosing my tanks last year. I don't think there's a huge difference in the buoyancy of a full E7-120 and a full E8-130. The 130 will be a bit more negative in water, but do weigh about 6 pounds (or so?) heavier on land. I'm not a tech diver and with the 120, I still get about 2 dives in while most of my dive buddies use two 80s (remember, on two tanks, you leave about 500psi in each whereas you can draw down the 120 to about 500 psi).

I do find that the 120s will turtle more than AL80s, but it's nothing a little trim adjusting won't fix, so I don't find it a big issue. I can also dive wet with them in my 7mm wetsuit. I haven't yet tried in a 3mm, but I suspect I won't need any weights with my setup - SS BP and STA.

Plus I can double them up eventually if I want. They will weigh about 12 pounds or so less than the 130s doubled up on land. Might make lugging them around a little easier.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Well, I use OMS 112s, which are about the same in buoyancy characteristics and weight as the new E130's. I dont have a problem with them. I do have to say that the HP120's are a very popular tank for NE diving. Lots of them up here. The 130's are favored by the cave guys, and the DIR movement. That being said, I do like the 130's. They are heavy, they have alot of gas, but they have great buoyancy characteristics, and are a good height for most people. The 120's will be a good bit lighter than the E8-130's. Some people have trouble getting back onto a boat with the heavier tanks...

Choose wisely...

 

[grouchyturtle]

Ok I think I finally have a plan. I'm getting the E7 120s. I'll to be diving them as singles for a while, which should work out perfect for me.

Then when I'm ready to go to doubles I'll try the 120s. If they're just way too big for me, I'll keep them as my singles, and pick up the 100s for doubles.

 

[hex92]

I finally decided today to buy the E7-120s too. I called the shop and put my order in. So last week of May or first week of June I will own my own tanks. :bogey:

The really nice part is that the LDS owner is going to let me borrow his older HP 120 PSTs so I can dive with them until I get mine. :jump013: