- Messages
- 53,667
- Reaction score
- 7,840
- # of dives
- 500 - 999
Pony bottle vs. Spare Air?
- Thread starter Pirate Dave
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
Welcome to SB!
A pony bottle whether 6-19-30cf are just to large to hold while trying to breath off a fixed mouth piece such as those on the Spare Air systems.....for a pony bottle you need a 1st/2nd stage and sling it preferably or back tank mount it. The Spare Air is a silly idea for a redundant gas delivery system and should be avoided.
A pony bottle whether 6-19-30cf are just to large to hold while trying to breath off a fixed mouth piece such as those on the Spare Air systems.....for a pony bottle you need a 1st/2nd stage and sling it preferably or back tank mount it. The Spare Air is a silly idea for a redundant gas delivery system and should be avoided.
- Messages
- 53,667
- Reaction score
- 7,840
- # of dives
- 500 - 999
1.7 cf?!
If you are deciding on which route to go, I suggest going with a pony. Don't let anyone talk you out of needing another air source attached to you. Just make sure you do it for the right reasons, like peace of mind etc...certainly not to compensate for lack of attention to gauges etc or just poor diving practice in general.
The reason I suggest a pony is that if you ever need to use another air source you are going to be stressed and your breathing rate is going to increase. While the spare air takes up less room and will give you a couple breathes I don't think it eases the mind knowing that you only have a couple seconds before you run out AGAIN.
With an appropriately sized pony, filled I might add, you can make a direct CONTROLLED ascent to the surface..maybe even a stop at 15ft if gas allows. While the situation is still stressful I think knowing you have more gas makes it easier to deal with.
Now I dont think that had anything to do with your question, but I sure feel better typing that.
The reason I suggest a pony is that if you ever need to use another air source you are going to be stressed and your breathing rate is going to increase. While the spare air takes up less room and will give you a couple breathes I don't think it eases the mind knowing that you only have a couple seconds before you run out AGAIN.
With an appropriately sized pony, filled I might add, you can make a direct CONTROLLED ascent to the surface..maybe even a stop at 15ft if gas allows. While the situation is still stressful I think knowing you have more gas makes it easier to deal with.
Now I dont think that had anything to do with your question, but I sure feel better typing that.
Hey Pirate Dave,
Welcome to the board.
I don't know your diving background. But, based on your question, I am going to guess you are new at this. Not a problem, that's what ScubaBoard does best, educate people with opinions and conjecture... oh, and some good answers too.
Spare Air:
I know old salt divers that use these. They take them on solo dives to a max of 60 feet and feel they are a safety blanket. They like the little SpareAir pouch that they can attach to their BC and feel it is very handy. Also, that it is better than nothing if things hit the fan.
They come with fittings to fill it off your regular tank. There is also a fitting used to fill it at your LDS.
Pony Bottles:
As mentioned, you need a bottle, reg, and SPG in addition to a way to sling it. Larger, but more functional. Also, they're usually aluminum, so the weight is practically neutral, so as you are finning around, you hardly even notice you have it slung.
They are easier to breath with and can carry a useful amount of air for an emergency.
Most people coming into the shop asking about Spare Air have seen the add in one of the Scuba magazines or have had some shop monkey try and sell them one. At first glance they seem like a good idea, but as divers become more experienced most realize that they really aren't that great.
Welcome to the board.
I don't know your diving background. But, based on your question, I am going to guess you are new at this. Not a problem, that's what ScubaBoard does best, educate people with opinions and conjecture... oh, and some good answers too.
Spare Air:
I know old salt divers that use these. They take them on solo dives to a max of 60 feet and feel they are a safety blanket. They like the little SpareAir pouch that they can attach to their BC and feel it is very handy. Also, that it is better than nothing if things hit the fan.
They come with fittings to fill it off your regular tank. There is also a fitting used to fill it at your LDS.
Pony Bottles:
As mentioned, you need a bottle, reg, and SPG in addition to a way to sling it. Larger, but more functional. Also, they're usually aluminum, so the weight is practically neutral, so as you are finning around, you hardly even notice you have it slung.
They are easier to breath with and can carry a useful amount of air for an emergency.
Most people coming into the shop asking about Spare Air have seen the add in one of the Scuba magazines or have had some shop monkey try and sell them one. At first glance they seem like a good idea, but as divers become more experienced most realize that they really aren't that great.
You know what is funny and aggravating at the same time...if you read his post and then look at the responses..including mine...people immediately just give their opinions on pros/cons etc.
His question was about the difference...not which one is better etc which is all opinionated.
I didnt even go into the differences..lol
His question was about the difference...not which one is better etc which is all opinionated.
I didnt even go into the differences..lol
forget the poney and spare air...go with a set of twin's...
Spare air means a little extra gas.But not enough as comapred to a poney.
Poney or redundant air source. Means more gas. A better bail out system than a Spare air.
but there is always a good buddy.
Spare air means a little extra gas.But not enough as comapred to a poney.
Poney or redundant air source. Means more gas. A better bail out system than a Spare air.
but there is always a good buddy.
Similar threads
Trip Report
Bonaire 21-26 Feb 2024
