Yet Another Pony Sling Question

[ShallowDiverDave]

First let me say that I just rigged my first slung 30, but I have not had a chance to get wet with it.

Now, I have tried (on land) the bottle slung the standard way (hip d-ring to chest d-ring) and I have tried a rather unconventional way (backplate to hip d-ring). The unconventional method rests so that the bottle is essentially perpendicular to my body, on land at least (see pic). Now, I do realize that the reason the standard method is used gives better positioning of the bottle with respect to trim in the water. However, I sure do like how with the unconventional rigging, the bottle hangs lower than the bc itself so as not to get in the way of other items one may have around the chest d-ring (inflator, knife, etc.). Please remember, I fully know that in the water, the unconventional approach is probably flawed, but I ask anyway, does anyone rig their pony/stage this way?

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Never seen it done ... but when you get a chance to dive it that way, I'd be interested to know how much drag it creates when you're swimming ... and whether or not the bottle tends to get in the way underwater, where the effect of buoyancy may impact the actual positioning of the tank.

Dive it and let us know how it worked out ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Nemrod]

I don't know if I can take another pony thread and after the Monkey Diving thread my head may explode.

I sling mine from the left chest D ring to the left hip D ring. I made my homemade sling in accordance with stage bottle instructions from Doc Intrepid and others from the DIR forum. I kept my clip "leashes" relatively short so the bottle stays in close. My pressure guage is also on the left D ring behind the bottle and my huge and very sharp knife is on my left side of the waist harness.

I am not saying this is correct or best or anything beyond other than this is how I have begun doing it since decideing that a back mounted unit was cumbersome.

edit for typo.

N

 

[EvaL]

Nemrod, I've also just purchased a pony (19 cu ft) and trying to find the best position to sling it. (sorry to hijack your thread, fndmylove) I can't help noticing that aside from the pony, you've got more stuff on your left side of the BCD - knife + SPG. May I ask if you're left or right handed? I'm right handed - do you think I should sling my pony on my right or left side?
Advice/Comments from other readers on this question welcome too.
Thanks.

 

[FishDiver]

I don't know if I can take another pony thread and after the Monkey Diving thread my head may explode.

I sling mine from the left chest D ring to the left hip D ring. I made my homemade sling in accordance with stage bottle instructions from Doc Intrepid and others from the DIR forum. I kept my clip " leashes relatively short so the bottle stays in close. My pressure guage is also on the left D ring behind the bottle and my huge and very sharp knife is on my left side of the waist harness.
N

What happened to the "Air Buddy"?

 

[Nemrod]

I am right handed and it is easier to reach across with the right hand to the left side. The right side is for the octapus which routes under my arms and bungees at my neck with that new Manta quick release necklace (bungee is just as good). I do operate the spg and clip with my left hand, pony valve and regulator mostly with my right, knife with my right.

I cannot claim this arrangement as my invention, it is an evolution of many years and borrowing ideas from many places/people including right here. This is pretty much what I have come to have learned is called a Hogarthian (Hog) rig except--except, I use my faithful double hose regulators as primary and donate my bungeed secondary. I have been diving wings since around 1980 and this is my latest and perhaps most eclectic rig yet.


To be direct, I think you should sling the bottle left for many reasons including this is where stage bottles go and should you go off the deep end and go whacko and join the men in black tech bunch you will already be set up and accustomed to a bottle there (they put stages there).

FishDiver, no worries mate, the Air Buddy is still solidly in my kit. I mostly use it when going vintage as it can be hidden away easily and detracts very little from the vintage look and yet does provide some alternate air source. I would in this case, donate my double hose by twisting the hose outward as taught during buddy breathing, I would take the Air Buddy for myself--unless---the other diver is Air Buddy compliant--lol.

N

 

[scubawally]

with you rpony rigged like that i would expect the valve to be in the dirt all of the time if you are even relatively close to the botom. You have to remember that on your tank the valve is the heaviest and will sink. A reg (either stage) draging in the sand is dangerous because you can get it pretty gunked up with sediment.

 

[ShallowDiverDave]

I had not seen anyone try to sling it this way, hence me starting this thread. I will definitely give it a try in the water and let you guys know. For the reasons I mentioned I'm trying to find an alternate way to sling a pony, but yes, I know most people sling from chest to hip.

 

[scarefaceDM]

I have not seen that type of SLING before. Your poney/redundant gas bottle...OK I do not want to start a slahshing of terms...

SO REdundant gas bottle...works...

The way you seem to have it slung looks awkward. Your octo looks short. looking at it the bottle wiil be a DRAG...as mentioned, it looks like the valve will be in the DIRT if your close to bottom and may snag on floating lines etc...

The optimal solution is close to the body and to protect the valve and octo.

The way you have it...looks like your ready for a fight of sorts...ready set draw!



edit spelling..

 

[Tonio Anastasi]

I see alot of pony bottles here being used by British recreational divers.
Practically ALL have the pony bottle clamped to their main bottle.