Carribeandiver
Guest
Even though 95% of my diving is resort diving, I am considering getting a pair of tanks for my occasional Gulf dives. I always just assumed I would go out and get AL80s but now after a little research I find several options.
What is the difference in LP and HP steel tanks? What are the advantages and disadvantages? PSI/BAR is one measuring stick but really the important thing is volume of gas in the tank so what difference is there in the LP and HP?
Also, knowing that steel is going to be negative start and finish makes them appealing but I also know that AL is popular for a reason and it isnt just price of the tank, or is it?
I like the size of the LP77 steel tanks, shorter than the AL80s, and can have as much cubic feet of gas. But to hold that, doesnt the steel have to be juiced up some, meaning overfilled?
And that leads to the question that if everyone says just go ahead and overfill your steel tank to get that little extra gas, what is the purpose of calling it a 77 when the consumer will make it something more?
I realize this rattles on but what I am asking is, if I can get worthington LP77s for slightly more than I would pay for Luxfer AL80s, should I do it?
Oh, in the event it is relevant, I pretty much only do warm water, mostly carribean, Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast. Rare, rare dip in a Florida spring that I consider chilly but as things go, is probably not very cold. (68-70F) I generally wear a 1/2mm or 1 mm full suit. With those chilly dips, I dig out the heavy suits, either a full 3/2 or 4/3.
What is the difference in LP and HP steel tanks? What are the advantages and disadvantages? PSI/BAR is one measuring stick but really the important thing is volume of gas in the tank so what difference is there in the LP and HP?
Also, knowing that steel is going to be negative start and finish makes them appealing but I also know that AL is popular for a reason and it isnt just price of the tank, or is it?
I like the size of the LP77 steel tanks, shorter than the AL80s, and can have as much cubic feet of gas. But to hold that, doesnt the steel have to be juiced up some, meaning overfilled?
And that leads to the question that if everyone says just go ahead and overfill your steel tank to get that little extra gas, what is the purpose of calling it a 77 when the consumer will make it something more?
I realize this rattles on but what I am asking is, if I can get worthington LP77s for slightly more than I would pay for Luxfer AL80s, should I do it?
Oh, in the event it is relevant, I pretty much only do warm water, mostly carribean, Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast. Rare, rare dip in a Florida spring that I consider chilly but as things go, is probably not very cold. (68-70F) I generally wear a 1/2mm or 1 mm full suit. With those chilly dips, I dig out the heavy suits, either a full 3/2 or 4/3.