I too typically agree with the larger tnaks being used as a crutch - for SOME divers.
However, I find that I can get the same bottom time with an AL 80 as I get with the steel 100's - in FACT, I get BETTER bottom time on my 80's than I do on a steel 100. This past "low season" - we did alot of "fun" diving to pass the time - we as in fellow dive shop owners - some days on their boat with their tanks, some days on my boat with my tanks. I consistently got the same or better bottom time with my 80's than with the steel 100's - and for me personally, I am much more comfortable with the AL tanks vs. the steel tanks which roll me! Of course each person is entitled to have their own preference and knows what works best for THEM.
Everyone has their preferences, but I do get tired of the argument that the steel tanks give significantly more bottom time - if you are a skilled diver and can properly manage your air - then you can get PLENTY of bottom time (70 - 90 minutes) from an AL tank.
However, I find that I can get the same bottom time with an AL 80 as I get with the steel 100's - in FACT, I get BETTER bottom time on my 80's than I do on a steel 100. This past "low season" - we did alot of "fun" diving to pass the time - we as in fellow dive shop owners - some days on their boat with their tanks, some days on my boat with my tanks. I consistently got the same or better bottom time with my 80's than with the steel 100's - and for me personally, I am much more comfortable with the AL tanks vs. the steel tanks which roll me! Of course each person is entitled to have their own preference and knows what works best for THEM.
Everyone has their preferences, but I do get tired of the argument that the steel tanks give significantly more bottom time - if you are a skilled diver and can properly manage your air - then you can get PLENTY of bottom time (70 - 90 minutes) from an AL tank.