HalcyonDaze
Contributor
Decided to refloat this thread rather than start a new one; I just picked up a 19 cf pony and reconfigured my Scubapro Mk2/R190 for it. Given the prior discussions on this thread, I'll specify that I'm opting for a pony for two reasons:
1) I do relatively deep (90-130 ft) recreational drift dives in Jupiter where having a buddy around is not always a sure thing.
2) I want insurance against a failure in my primary reg's 1st stage or hoses.
I am not using this rig for deco dives or extensive dives in an overhead environment. On deeper dives I plan to have a steel 120 cf tank as my primary gas source and will plan my dive according to that supply. The pony is intended to get me safely to the surface should the primary gas source be unavailable due to a system failure.
I'm currently trying to decide on the best way to set the tank up on my BP/W.These were the three configurations I was considering, and my initial thoughts on the pros and cons of each. Still trying to figure out how I want to set things up.
Sling
Pro: Easy to reach, easy to unclip.
Con: I often carry a still camera with strobe arms (or sometimes a Zookeeper for lionfish), so having a tank dangling in front of me might be too much gear up front.
Tank Mount - Upright
Pro: Shorter hose needed for the 2nd stage, out of the way.
Con: Harder to get at the valve (assuming I don't just turn it on at the surface and leave it on for the dive). May affect balance.
Tank Mount - Inverted
Pro: Easy to reach the valve, out of the way.
Con: A 30-inch hose leaves me with little if any slack on the 2nd stage. Downward-facing valve may be more vulnerable to damage when moving around on the boat. May affect balance.
Any suggestions?
1) I do relatively deep (90-130 ft) recreational drift dives in Jupiter where having a buddy around is not always a sure thing.
2) I want insurance against a failure in my primary reg's 1st stage or hoses.
I am not using this rig for deco dives or extensive dives in an overhead environment. On deeper dives I plan to have a steel 120 cf tank as my primary gas source and will plan my dive according to that supply. The pony is intended to get me safely to the surface should the primary gas source be unavailable due to a system failure.
I'm currently trying to decide on the best way to set the tank up on my BP/W.These were the three configurations I was considering, and my initial thoughts on the pros and cons of each. Still trying to figure out how I want to set things up.
Sling
Pro: Easy to reach, easy to unclip.
Con: I often carry a still camera with strobe arms (or sometimes a Zookeeper for lionfish), so having a tank dangling in front of me might be too much gear up front.
Tank Mount - Upright
Pro: Shorter hose needed for the 2nd stage, out of the way.
Con: Harder to get at the valve (assuming I don't just turn it on at the surface and leave it on for the dive). May affect balance.
Tank Mount - Inverted
Pro: Easy to reach the valve, out of the way.
Con: A 30-inch hose leaves me with little if any slack on the 2nd stage. Downward-facing valve may be more vulnerable to damage when moving around on the boat. May affect balance.
Any suggestions?