For dives deeper than 60-70 feet, or if I'm solo, I mount a 30cf pony to my steel 120. My main tank has an H-valve, so my secondary reg from that is what I would give to an out of air buddy.
Those who routinely dive with a pony tank?
- Thread starter salth2owannabe
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salth2owannabe
Contributor
Thanks,
I appreciate all the help and info. I'm a new diver and the few dives I have in so far have all been pretty shallow (<40'), but I've always wanted the "security" of a small pony. I've just been kicking around how to rig it and carry it. I'm going to Bonaire this spring and would like to have a small pony set-up to be able to take along. Again, I sure appreciate all the help.
I appreciate all the help and info. I'm a new diver and the few dives I have in so far have all been pretty shallow (<40'), but I've always wanted the "security" of a small pony. I've just been kicking around how to rig it and carry it. I'm going to Bonaire this spring and would like to have a small pony set-up to be able to take along. Again, I sure appreciate all the help.
bullethead
Guest
In winter for a little added security I carry a 13 that has a ring/snap combo around the valve and just hang it from a ring on my BC, usually on the right. Deeper profiles move up in size, doubles etc. Just a gajillion ways to make yourself happy!!
The only problem with a pony is the traveling and filling it part. Problem might be an overstatement "hassle" is a better word. If you know the dive op you're gonna use you could inquire to see if they carry anything other than 80's, if so you could just bring a stage kit and snap off one of their 30's 40's or whatever. Just make sure if you go that route you practice in a pool for awhile to get used to it b/4 you go. Like someone else said dbls work too and all you'd have to carry is bands but thats a whole other ballgame. either way your thinking about safety which is always a good thing, best of luck
r2t
Contributor
I have a 30cu/ft pony mounted to my back tank with zeagle pony mount system. My main tank has a first and second stage with air gauge clipped to my left shoulder d ring. My pony has a first stage and second stage (that acts as my octo) with a slandered yellow hose on a bungee necklace, and a air gauge clipped to my right hip d ring. If I switch to my octo I know it's going to work. It's very similar to the basic open water setup. If I'm diving with a buddy on a typical open water system, he will know to go for the yellow hose. I can monitor his air consumption with the spg. I dive this set-up each and every dive so I very familiar with it in case of an emergency.
Ron L.
Ron L.
When diving a single I dive a 19 for local dives and a 13 for vacation dives.
If I plan to go deep, I could sling a 30. I use a Scubapro Din MK11 with an R190 second, and a 2" spg on short hose.
Jim Breslin
If I plan to go deep, I could sling a 30. I use a Scubapro Din MK11 with an R190 second, and a 2" spg on short hose.
Jim Breslin
highlandfarmwv
Contributor
I only use a little 6cf pony at Hatteras, and only for an equipment failure emergency (hope I never have to use it) I mount it inverted so I can reach it to turn it on if needed. I have an alternate air, and thepony has its own reg. I would never take it to Bonaire. Most of me diving is more shallow there. And flying DAE, I can barely get my stuff there with the weight restrictions.
Typically, I have a 13 pony strapped to my main tank. I do not notice the added weight. The pony has a stubby spg and one second stage, no octo on the pony. My main supply has a primary and an octo.
I expect you will have issues traveling with a pony bottle. You will need to empty the tank and have the valve loose for inspection. Although I understand you can take it on a plane empty, the tank may be consficated as the TSM employee may not know the rules. Call the dive op, see if you can rent a pony. Might be easier.
Tom
I expect you will have issues traveling with a pony bottle. You will need to empty the tank and have the valve loose for inspection. Although I understand you can take it on a plane empty, the tank may be consficated as the TSM employee may not know the rules. Call the dive op, see if you can rent a pony. Might be easier.
Tom
DOkie
Guest
Both my dive partner and myself use a 30 for a pony. Slung on the front. I've always thought the hookup next to your primary (on the back) was a neat idea, but I'm more secure with it being available to "pass off" if I need to. (Have had to do this before). In the front, it's really easy to unclip and clip to another diver. Just a thought.
divengolf
Contributor
I routinely travel with a small pony and always carry it in my carry on. Check the TSA regs. on their web site under scuba equipment. Bottom line is that the bottle must be depressurized and open for visual inspection. I'll remove the first stage and insert a threaded plug with an o-ring. I have a copy of the TSA req rubber banded around the bottle. I remove the bottle from carry on and send it through screening separately. Most of the time, they'll pull and inspect it.
I explain that it's life support equipment and ask the they do not hold it vertically while open. I ask them to remove the plug while the bottle is horizontal.
Never had a problem with TSA. Most of the inspectors know the reqs. If they don't I direct them to the copy attached.
I agree that renting is easier, but then you've using their reg., which I never like to do.
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