AL63 how do they swim

[mainedvr]

My question is more of "does anyone use an AL 63" for a Pony/Bail out bottle not so much a question of should I. I started a previous thread on a similar topic for AL40 for Redundancy. I have two AL 63's and while it will definitly be more gas than we will need to surface in a situation for recreational dives I don't have to buy tanks or regs just stage kits or make them.
I was wondering how they "swim" in a single tank configuration, I am going to try them out in the pool sometime but wanted to see what others have found.

Thanks

 

[savsuds]

You might notice the 2 inch diameter difference slinging the 63. I am not a fan how a 40 feels slung (I used to use a 19 for recreational use). Since you have the tanks, give it a go and let us know what you find.

EDIT: I tend to remember that the butt end feels a tad floaty also, but that was in OW class.

 

[kelemvor]

Subscribed... I've got a buddy who has been trying to sell a 63 for some time, and I've been looking for a cheap pony.

 

[DogDiver]

Swim like a cork bobber.

 

[beaverdivers]

We use AL 63's in our pool training. They are excellent tanks; about -2 full, +2 empty. I haven't used them as a pony/ stage tank; perhaps a bit bulky.

But take your two 63's & dive them as doubles for casual rec/tek dives; Nice!

 

[kelemvor]

-2 full, +2 empty.

That's too bad. I try to avoid tanks that swing to positive. OTOH, I haven't been on a dive yet where I would have actually used a pony if I'd had one.. it probably would not matter. I might have been tempted to stay down for an extra few minutes at devil's throat in Cozumel. I know, I KNOW.

19's sound more attractive every day.

 

[savsuds]

That's too bad. I try to avoid tanks that swing to positive.

19's sound more attractive every day.

You can easily attach (ghetto rig) a 2lb weight to the pony bottle to compensate for the + when empty.

Before choosing your Pony size, I would recommend you do some calculations on your average gas consumption and account for emergency breathing stress to determine your best pony size. Better safe than sorry.

I dove a 19 for about 6 months and 120 dives, but I would not go below 100ft diving solo and sipped air.

 

[rhwestfall]

But take your two 63's & dive them as doubles for casual rec/tek dives; Nice!

BINGO!!!!!!
(oh, and on a double hose too )

 

[rx7diver]

That's too bad. I try to avoid tanks that swing to positive.

Not really +2 empty once you add regulator and SPG and if you dive in fresh water.

 

[Nemrod]

I love the aluminum 63. Perfect tanks for me for most moderate depths and shore diving. It simply is not a brag that I have the SAC of a cadaver. An 80 is overkill most of the time for me unless the depths are getting beyond 60ish feet or Nitrox is being employed. The 63 is also a wonderful kayak tank. They remind me of the old steel 72 in the water and dive a little more negative overall, or more neutral than the aluminum 80.

N