Zeagle Pony Bottle Attachment Kit

[Hatul]

I bought this for use with a 13 cu ft pony to work with my Zeagle Escape-- an older version with the ripcord system, M size.

First I had to remove the right trim pocket to make room for the pony band, which is OK as I don't use it. But then I found there was not enough distance between the two tank bands of the Escape to hold the 13 pony. It's advertised to work with the 13 but it did not work for me. I plan to return it, and it's disappointing because Zeagle stuff usually works well.

So I'm again looking for an attachment system for my pony bottle.

Adam

 

[ScottZeagle]

Adam -

A 13 cu ft pony bottle doesn't need two bands to hold it securely. A lot of divers I know personally use this system with only one band, and it is rock solid.

Scott

 

[Hatul]

Adam -

A 13 cu ft pony bottle doesn't need two bands to hold it securely. A lot of divers I know personally use this system with only one band, and it is rock solid.

Scott

Are you sure about that? I've already returned mine but one of the local shops has one in stock so I can test this out. I'm skeptical because the connection from the pony band to the main tank band is cloth and not solid. I was also considering buying another tank band for the main tank, but it makes the system more awkward and slower to use.

In the process of looking for something different I looked at many attachments and none looked perfect. Some keep a large gap between the two tanks which may cause trim problems, and some you have to remove the tank band to thread. And most are expensive so I don't want to buy, be unhappy and have to have to resell.

So in the end I ordered the DiveRite stage-bottle sling and will try this method. Not sure how this will work when I want to take photos, but it does seem safer as I can read the gauge screwed into the HP port and everything is in front where it can be seen. In kelp diving it's also less of an entanglement hazard.

Adam

 

[Capt.Gene]

I bought this for use with a 13 cu ft pony to work with my Zeagle Escape-- an older version with the ripcord system, M size.

First I had to remove the right trim pocket to make room for the pony band, which is OK as I don't use it. But then I found there was not enough distance between the two tank bands of the Escape to hold the 13 pony. It's advertised to work with the 13 but it did not work for me. I plan to return it, and it's disappointing because Zeagle stuff usually works well.

So I'm again looking for an attachment system for my pony bottle.

Adam

Are you trying to use the 8029 HD pony bands? Just put one on the top tank band and one under it on the bottom tank band. I use/sell these and don't under stand why you should have a problem. I think you might be missing something in your install!
Unless..
Are you trying to use the zeagle pony tank pouch? Just use the 8029HD aand forget the pouch!

 

[Hatul]

Are you trying to use the 8029 HD pony bands? Just put one on the top tank band and one under it on the bottom tank band. I use/sell these and don't under stand why you should have a problem. I think you might be missing something in your install!
Unless..
Are you trying to use the zeagle pony tank pouch? Just use the 8029HD aand forget the pouch!

Thanks for trying to help. The problem is the length of the 13 cu ft bottle. To be able to use these straps the distance between the two tank bands has to be less than the length of the flat part of the pony bottle. The 13 bottle is just too short.

One idea is to use a third tank band in the middle on the main tank just to attach the lower pony band. But in my frustration I returned the pony bands and attached the DiveRite sling. It's all set up but I have not dived it yet.

Also interestingly I found the Zeagle Pony bands at the local Pacific Wilderness, but they must have an older version. Theirs does not use cam bands on the pony but a simple buckle. I can't imagine the buckle being tight enough to keep the bottle from slipping, which is probably why they changed their design.

It's amazing how many different designs there are for attaching a pony bottle to the main tank, which makes me think that each one has its problems.

Adam

 

[drdaddy]

I have tried a number of systems. I don't use a sling because I hunt, including crabbing which means I'm almost dragging on the floor as it is as I "wrestle" with those dungeness. I will use a sling if I'm just "touristing" around somewhere, however.

I've got a couple of systems that work for attaching my 13 and 19 to my main tank. The one friend above is correct, one band is enough for a 13, but I prefer 2. So this is what I have done:

1. I have 2 straps around my main tank attaching it to my BCD. My BCD only comes with one strap, but it has an option for two, so I did it. Some BCD systems are harder to add the second strap.
2. I take a length (enough to at least go around twice) of double sided 1 1/2 inch velcro strap and wrap it around the two staps. This forms an "anchor" in which to attach the pony to in a second place.
3. I use the attachment that comes with the attachment kit and then I simply get about 3 (or so) feet of double sided velcro band and wrap once around the pony and then another time around the "anchor" strap and then around the pony again.

You can buy the main attach system I'm going to describe to you, but I found that I could make it just the way I wanted. I got two tank straps and attached them together with a generous length of that 2 sided velcro strap stuff. One of the bands goes around my pony and the other goes around the main tank. Switching out the main tank is very quick as I simply pull the buckle open, as I do the others around the main tank - then the main tank slips out. Slip the new tank in and complete your buckle closing (and reattach the reg) and you're done. Nothing to it!

By the way, I always leave the air on to the pony attached to the main tank, and I have a pressure gauge on a hose that I can read at all times. Also, I decided that 13 is fine for shallow dives (less than 50 ft), but deeper than that I want the 19 cf. So for ease of use I have just come to use the 19 cf all the time. Also, be sure to remember that if you ever get in an out of air situation = the pony does supply air to your BCD, so you'd better practice oral inflation - don't wait for an emergency - practice now.

This system is so easy to use. One nice thing is that you don't have to put any steel strap around the pony, so it really is a portable/removable system. I take it with me when I travel and get the pony overseas. But I have to admit that last time, I was told a pony would be available, but there wasn't one to be found to be rented. The tech guys all owned their own, but none to be rented. No big deal, I could sling, but I like my system better. Next time I'll think about taking my pony in my check-on luggage, but it must be open so the airport security can inspect it.

 

[ScottZeagle]

Also interestingly I found the Zeagle Pony bands at the local Pacific Wilderness, but they must have an older version. Theirs does not use cam bands on the pony but a simple buckle. I can't imagine the buckle being tight enough to keep the bottle from slipping, which is probably why they changed their design.

Those must be from really old stock. We haven't sold them in at least a few years, and yes - they were less than stellar. The 8029HD bands, however, are rock solid....I swear.

 

[Hatul]

I have tried a number of systems. I don't use a sling because I hunt, including crabbing which means I'm almost dragging on the floor as it is as I "wrestle" with those dungeness. I will use a sling if I'm just "touristing" around somewhere, however.

I've got a couple of systems that work for attaching my 13 and 19 to my main tank. The one friend above is correct, one band is enough for a 13, but I prefer 2. So this is what I have done:

1. I have 2 straps around my main tank attaching it to my BCD. My BCD only comes with one strap, but it has an option for two, so I did it. Some BCD systems are harder to add the second strap.
2. I take a length (enough to at least go around twice) of double sided 1 1/2 inch velcro strap and wrap it around the two staps. This forms an "anchor" in which to attach the pony to in a second place.
3. I use the attachment that comes with the attachment kit and then I simply get about 3 (or so) feet of double sided velcro band and wrap once around the pony and then another time around the "anchor" strap and then around the pony again.

You can buy the main attach system I'm going to describe to you, but I found that I could make it just the way I wanted. I got two tank straps and attached them together with a generous length of that 2 sided velcro strap stuff. One of the bands goes around my pony and the other goes around the main tank. Switching out the main tank is very quick as I simply pull the buckle open, as I do the others around the main tank - then the main tank slips out. Slip the new tank in and complete your buckle closing (and reattach the reg) and you're done. Nothing to it!

By the way, I always leave the air on to the pony attached to the main tank, and I have a pressure gauge on a hose that I can read at all times. Also, I decided that 13 is fine for shallow dives (less than 50 ft), but deeper than that I want the 19 cf. So for ease of use I have just come to use the 19 cf all the time. Also, be sure to remember that if you ever get in an out of air situation = the pony does supply air to your BCD, so you'd better practice oral inflation - don't wait for an emergency - practice now.

This system is so easy to use. One nice thing is that you don't have to put any steel strap around the pony, so it really is a portable/removable system. I take it with me when I travel and get the pony overseas. But I have to admit that last time, I was told a pony would be available, but there wasn't one to be found to be rented. The tech guys all owned their own, but none to be rented. No big deal, I could sling, but I like my system better. Next time I'll think about taking my pony in my check-on luggage, but it must be open so the airport security can inspect it.

Thanks for describing your system. As I understand it your top band on the pony is a homemade version of the top band of the Zeagle attachment set. And you stablize the lower part of the pony with a velcro band that passes around the vertical main tank velcro band. Perhaps a photo would help.

In the end you point out that it's better just to go with the 19 cu ft pony, which was my thinking as well. Then I would just use the stock Zeagle system which is reported to work solid. I'll probably do that. Even the DiveRite Sling was really designed for the 19 bottle-- I had to cut the vinyl handle to make it fit the small 13. It seems all the attachment systems are designed for at least the 19, though some work with the 13 as well.

My other concern with the back mount is kelp getting caught in there. We have a lot of kelp diving here in S Cal. Have you had this problem where you dive?

Adam

 

[priordiver]

Hi! I am quite interested in seeing a picture of your attachment system. Sounds like a great idea and you described it well but a pic is worth 1000 .... (well you know!).

I have two pony bottles as well (a 13 and a 19) and only one mount. Perhaps your system would work for me too as I have a BCD with two straps.

Thanks for your post!

Rob

I have tried a number of systems. I don't use a sling because I hunt, including crabbing which means I'm almost dragging on the floor as it is as I "wrestle" with those dungeness. I will use a sling if I'm just "touristing" around somewhere, however.

I've got a couple of systems that work for attaching my 13 and 19 to my main tank. The one friend above is correct, one band is enough for a 13, but I prefer 2. So this is what I have done:

1. I have 2 straps around my main tank attaching it to my BCD. My BCD only comes with one strap, but it has an option for two, so I did it. Some BCD systems are harder to add the second strap.
2. I take a length (enough to at least go around twice) of double sided 1 1/2 inch velcro strap and wrap it around the two staps. This forms an "anchor" in which to attach the pony to in a second place.
3. I use the attachment that comes with the attachment kit and then I simply get about 3 (or so) feet of double sided velcro band and wrap once around the pony and then another time around the "anchor" strap and then around the pony again.

You can buy the main attach system I'm going to describe to you, but I found that I could make it just the way I wanted. I got two tank straps and attached them together with a generous length of that 2 sided velcro strap stuff. One of the bands goes around my pony and the other goes around the main tank. Switching out the main tank is very quick as I simply pull the buckle open, as I do the others around the main tank - then the main tank slips out. Slip the new tank in and complete your buckle closing (and reattach the reg) and you're done. Nothing to it!

By the way, I always leave the air on to the pony attached to the main tank, and I have a pressure gauge on a hose that I can read at all times. Also, I decided that 13 is fine for shallow dives (less than 50 ft), but deeper than that I want the 19 cf. So for ease of use I have just come to use the 19 cf all the time. Also, be sure to remember that if you ever get in an out of air situation = the pony does supply air to your BCD, so you'd better practice oral inflation - don't wait for an emergency - practice now.

This system is so easy to use. One nice thing is that you don't have to put any steel strap around the pony, so it really is a portable/removable system. I take it with me when I travel and get the pony overseas. But I have to admit that last time, I was told a pony would be available, but there wasn't one to be found to be rented. The tech guys all owned their own, but none to be rented. No big deal, I could sling, but I like my system better. Next time I'll think about taking my pony in my check-on luggage, but it must be open so the airport security can inspect it.

 

[drdaddy]

It's nothing fancy, which is why I love it. And it's "homemade"!

I plan to put my gear together Thursday night and dive on Friday. So I'll take a couple of pictures and post them.