Tank Poll

[Steel Shootin']

Let's run our first poll, and see which tanks are most popular with steel slingers

[rusty]

Hey, my tank is not on the list, I must imagine it on my back.

My primary tank is a steel Faber LP 108, and usually filled with extra...turning it into a 130.

Backup tank is a generic AL 80

[Steel Shootin']

Sorry about that. Forgot about those 108s.

http://www.emotipad.com/emoticons/Wizard.gif

[rusty]

Yea, they are the tanks that don't like to fit in a standard tank holder, you remember that.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of the board members also use LP 104's.

[Spear One]

Steel 120 HP's

[dlock]

Spear One in your opinion what is the advantage to using HP steels over LP steels ?? I hear different stories from different people. What is your take on it?

[NetDoc]

I love the negative buoyancy... don't need no steenkin' weights! As for HP/LP... if you don't boost the crap out of the tanks to get even MORE air in an LP tank... then they are far heavier/bigger than a comparable HP tank. However, most divers that I know will jack a 2250 tank to 3500 (or even 4000) and then double them to get more bottom time. Not sure if doubles would be counterproductive in hunting though... I have only hunted bugs, and dove with a few shooters, although that will prbably change soon. BTW, I was steered over here by Shooter Dan...

[Stone]

I have a boat load of AL80s (nine) but I have one PST HP120 and I am looking for another.

Welcome to the Spearboard, Pete.

[dothanfrogman]

AL/80's for me.

[FredT]

None of mine are even on the list.

Many 72s, a LP 96, and a couple 3000 psi 96s

Favorites on the offshore rigs are 72s, with deeper rigs using the 96s. Generally it's 3 or more dives on each of the 72s. Sometimes we get 5 dives out of the 96s if the fish co-operate and "die right".

The 72s provide minimal drag and acoustic signature, no buoyancy issues, and plenty of air for the bounce hunts. 96s add more air, and are more negative if using a wetsuit or drysuit instead of just t-shirt and shorts.

FT

[swathdiver]

HP 120 for deep or longest planned dive, AL80s for everything, AL67s for shallow/beach or planned short dives, AL13 pony always on my side

[Screen Name]

I experimented with numerous tanks this year. I listened to the argument that LP's were better because everybody's compressor could pump them, they're shorter etc. I was pretty mixed up about it for a while.

But what I found is that they dont fit any tank racks, so they are unwelcome on many people's boats. That, for me is a problem. So I bought HP 120's, got my gear all sorted out to make the most of them, and am convinced I made the right choice.

Somebody here posted that they switch tanks depending on conditions. Personally, I cant do that. I've found that I get used to how my gear works, and even sense how much air I have left etc. I've gotten into trouble by not being used to my gear, so I try to find what I like and stick to it.

John

[dlock]

thanx for the info guys. It seems the more popular choice of the steel's are the HP's. Next on my "list" of upgrades:D

[Reef Raider]

HP 120s they helped lose some of the lead.Some times more is better!

[fishhunta]

without a doubt-lp steel. i work at a dive shop and have never heard anyone who uses them have a word of complaint. i have a 95 and a 108-the greatest thing that has happened to me since i bought a gun.

[Steel Shootin']

I'm ready to trade in my HP 100s on some HP 120s.

[rusty]

As much as I like my LP108, it's size can be a pain on some boats. Just bought a pair of 2 year old HP120's (O2 cleaned, $275/pair), and ordered a DIN conversion kit for my reg.

Funny how the number of tanks you have seems to grow...

[fishhunta]

i dive my lp's five days a week and they arwe the most durable. i am a commercial diver and my shit gets put to the test. five days a week and i still only own two, i think i'll buy another two pretty soon.

oops- i meant for this to be a reply to the tanks thread

[swimndive]

For me, tank selection is more boat than depth dependent. My favorite overall tanks are the lp 85's (7" diameter and very streamlined). When filled to 3500 psi they carry 112 cu. ft. Only downside is they tend to rattle around in the "roll control" type racks. Mostly I use luxfer 80's, other times it's the lp 85's, 98's or 104's in that order.

[stix1]

My primary tank is a steel 120, and usually filled to 3500, love that air!

[ScottCarullo]

So many choices....

I was looking at some new tanks but the steel ones sure are expensive! They are very proud of them.

I'm not sure its worth buying new steel tanks if I have al 80's already. I'm thinking on maybe getting one large capacity tank for the 140' dives just so I have some reasonable bottom time.

Whats the recommendation? 100? 120? Steel (lp I think, I don't have din on the mk25 reg they don't have yoke usually on hpsteel do they)? Do shops normally overfill lp steel tanks or do you all run into some trouble some places? Probably use 28% o2 on my 140' stuff so a 100 or 120 at this depth last how long for you all on avg - I know everyone is different but I'm no airhog.

Thanks,
Scott

[swimndive]

ScottC,
"One large capacity tank" means your dive will more likely be limited by the recreational ndls (5-14 mins depending on the tables/computer you choose) of the chosen gas than by the actual quantity available. BTW 28% is a little on the rich side for spearing at 140'. This isn't really a dive; it's more like a bungee jump. If you can keep your s.a.c. around .75 cf/min you can do it (10 min bt, 3 min descent 5 min ascent) with an 80 and have enough leftover to do 25 mins. at 20'.

I think everyone has already posted their opinions on tank size and why since that was the original poll question.

No, most shops probably won't fill lps to 3500, but if you are willing to wait a few months pst will be selling the old lp tanks with hp ratings. The old 95 will now be legal to fill to 3500 and will be rated as 126cf and the 104 will become a 138.

If you don’t' want to switch your regs to din you have one other option, though I don't recommend it. Both OMS and DiveRite make a 200 bar din valve with a screw-in style insert. These inserts will give you the option of using any yoke or din reg on the same cylinder.

[BobK]

Of course, you have to remember that the reason HP tanks come with DIN valves is that yolk O rings have a bigger tendency to extrude under higher pressure. Not something you want happening at 100+ feet. Kim and I both dive HP steels, only have 2 AL80s left are are considering dumping them for 2 more HP100s. The Scubapro DIN conversion isn't that expensive, and gives you a much better tank to regulator connection.

FYI, almost any dive shop that has cave divers as patrons will fill LP steel tanks to #3500.