Do you dive with your pony valve turned on? Off?

[C Dub]

Been diving with my 40cuft pony quite a bit, and I've received mixed recommendations as to valve on/off/regulator-pressurized-with-valve-off. Would love some instruction here on best practices for handling a pony bottle. If it matters, I will be starting some Tec training in a month or so.

 

[DeepSeaExplorer]

Valve should be off; otherwise, the gas may not be there when you need it.

Periodically crack the valve to keep the hose charged.

 

[Basking Ridge Diver]

I have tried both - I prefer it on - I use it side mount and it is very easy to monitor it - if I see it leaking I turn it off - but it should not be leaking so why not leave it on?
I think of it as an octopus - I don't turn that off or have a shutoff for it - so why would I want my redundant air source turned off...

 

[Dr. Lecter]

On, but all my stage/bailout/deco regs have slide-checks now so gas loss is not really a concern. Before the slide-checks, I was in the 'charged but off' camp.

 

[eelnoraa]

when I carry a stage bottle, I have the valve off

 

[Crush]

Off but charged. More important than "on" or "off" is to practice with it, often.

 

[JohnN]

On, but all my stage/bailout/deco regs have slide-checks now so gas loss is not really a concern. Before the slide-checks, I was in the 'charged but off' camp.

What is a slide-check ?


I keep mine off but charged. During the dive I periodically check the button gauge to confirm it is still fully charged.

 

[whitefang21]

My stage is on, i can see the gauge and the second stage... My deco is off and charged

 

[kombiguy]

Do you inhale or exhale on your backswing?

 

[Searcaigh]

As most others have stated and as per my instruction during tech courses OFF but CHARGED