Which tank to buy?

[Jack Hammer]

Congratulations, I think you'll like your new tank. The hp 100 is a few pounds heavier full than an AL80, & about 2 inches shorter. The HP120 is about 2 inches taller than al AL80 and IIRC about 10#'s heavier. I didn't want the extra weight and size so I chose the same as you. Enjoy the class.

Jack

 

[hlsooner]

Man do I love my HP 100s. My only problem with them is that I don't own a dozen.

 

[emttim]

emttim, since a standard AL80 is only about 1-1/2 lbs. lighter, empty, you won't really notice a weight difference above water, hauling just the tank. Below, you'll have about 6 or 7 lbs. negative buoyancy advantage with the steel (at @ 500psi), so figure on losing about 6lbs. off your belt (or integrated pockets), which actually gives a net loss of 4.5 lbs on your total rig above water!

And the upside just keeps on keepin' on...

Hmm, I can get used to that, less weight = happier Tim. I've been using 18 pounds with a steel 85 so I figure I can probably drop down to 16 pounds with a steel 100. I use a whopping 24 pounds with an aluminum 80 so it definitely sounds like it's going to translate into less weight. The only difference I'll probably do now is try to have all of my weight in my ditchable pockets instead of having some trim weight (unless my trim is off) so in the event of an emergency, I can dump enough weight that it's not an issue. Although, with how buoyant a 7mm wetsuit is, it's probably not an issue anyway even with a heavy steel if I dump most of my weight and the BCD's inflated. Hell, I got H2O insurance, worst case scenario I'd just completely ditch my scuba kit since my 7mm by itself will keep me afloat quite nicely.

 

[Scuba-Stu]

I love my LP95s

 

[J.A.S.]

my .0002
if you do beach diving, go with the HP 130 from start. if you do lots of boat dives.. go with LP104 tank or higher, unless HP fills aren't an issue with your boats.

if you ever move into doubles, best to buy the tanks at the same time so there won't be any discrepancies in size and length. in that case dbl 100s is a great overall buy.

if this was repeated ignore it.. i didn't read the whole thread.

hope this helps

EDIT: read post 12.. if using for class .. why buy a tank. let alone the cost of steel for pool use. old steel 72 would work for this if you really hate aluminum and can get them cheap.