Pony bottle vs. Spare Air?

[Pirate Dave]

whats the main difference betweeen a small tank with a alternate reg on it and a spair air

i know the amount of air is a huge factor but why dont 6 CF tanks or even 20 CF tanks have the nozzle like on "spair air" systems?

 

[Jimmer]

Ever try holding a 19 cubic foot pony bottle with one hand? Imagine trying to control that with one hand while operating your bc, or fight against a current or whatever the case may be. A standard regulator on a hose is much more controllable.

 

[IvIcYrusIvI]

im pretty sure they are the same thing, but obviously having 1 less hose (SPG) on a pony/spare is easier to manage.

im sure a more experianced diver can give a better understanding

but welcome to the board anyways

actually on my last dive the DM's pony wasnt completely full so he took a full 12l bottle down with us on a sling lol

 

[JBRES1]

Do a search under tanks and you will find many threads on this topic.
I like the pony rather than the Spare Air for many reasons,some are. (more air, the regulator on the spare isn't as good as a normal 1st stage, have a 40" hose on the pony set up, I can re-build my own 1st and 2nd stage on a standard reg, and I'm sure I am missing some more )
Welcome to the board, learn and enjoy
Jim B

 

[ScubaBasics]

A pony bottle uses a standard 3/4 inch valve just like your standard 80 so that you can put any standard first and second stage on it. This will let you decide how much air you would like to have for back up. A spare air comes in three sizes with the largest being 3.0 cubit feet, this would be enough to get you directly to the surface but that is about it. The spare air is easier to travel with, a little cheaper and alot better than no air. But depending on your diving I still am a big fan of the pony.
Hope this helps!

 

[DandyDon]

It's challenging for me to keep a straight face when anyone suggests a Spare Air as serious scuba equipment. 3 Cubic Feet is like an extra 112 psi in a standard 80 if you ever get the mini-tank to full 3,000 psi.

But I looked at their site, and it get's sillier. Submersible Systems - Spare Air Models

For an extra $21, get one that is O2 clean and fill it from straight from your tank? Why bother? Tank Nitrox is already blended so the O2 clean is useless. I've been offered blended Nitrox for my pony many times, but I always take Air just in case I ever need to exceed 1.6 in an emergency. The main point is that no Spare Air needs to be O2 clean. I actually feel insulted from reading the ad.

But get this!! At no extra charge one can have a 1.7 CF Spare Air that weighs 1.2 pounds less. Is that going to give a full breath at 130 ft? :silly: Now I am really insulted.

 

[Cave Diver]

 

[DandyDon]

It was his first post, be nice.

 

[IceBergSlim]

whats the main difference betweeen a small tank with a alternate reg on it and a spair air

i know the amount of air is a huge factor but why dont 6 CF tanks or even 20 CF tanks have the nozzle like on "spair air" systems?

Cause the Spare Air is a self contained device. Buy it and there is no need to purchase any other item. The canister has everything you need to breathe from it :ready to go.

A so called "pony" is a larger tank that will require a first and second stage in order to work. There are a few manufactures that make an "off the shelf" pony (or, larger tank) and they are also "ready to go".

All that aside, you should ask yourself why you think you need any of these items?

 

[diver 85]

whats the main difference betweeen a small tank with a alternate reg on it and a spair air

i know the amount of air is a huge factor but why dont 6 CF tanks or even 20 CF tanks have the nozzle like on "spair air" systems?

I'm guessing if you would have done a search(above) you would have saved yourself alot of harrassment.......Watch out, get some TUFF skin quick(you'll find out what I'm talking about)........GEAUX TIGERS............NC '03 AND '07..............