Pony tank?

[oldflounder]

I carry a 19 cubic foot bottle mounted with a zeagle attachment...why go to a 13 when there is virtually no noticeable difference in weight between a 13 and a 19? might as well have extra air for an emergency!! Just my two bits worth! but then I believe that surfacing with too much air is better than a chance of running out!!!

I had a 19 before the 13. There is a 4" difference in length. It makes a noticeable difference if you sling it. My elbow used to hit on the 19, it doesn't on the 13. if I attached it I would use the 19. I use the 19 on wreck dives but most of my diving is from the shore. I usually dive with different buddies [insta-buddies]. In an emergency in the "shallows" I would rather hand off a bottle to a buddy than do an air sharing with someone I have never practiced with. Or if the buddy starts to get low I hand it to him/her for their peace of mind [hopefully to defuse a panic situation] and watch very closely as we exit. At depth it's a different story. Never give up your bottle - that might become your air of last resort. I still don't like the idea of air sharing with an insta-buddy.

 

[dvankirk]

I went with a Tiger mount. Pull one pin to release. The female bracket stays attached to my tank strap. Not trying to get flamed, but i went with a 30 for my own piece of mind. I completely agree with a buddy being the best choice, but in low viz conditions, I feel better knowing that I can take care of myself.

 

[Sonic04GT]

Thank you for all the replies. Although some will probably say it's negligible, I was kind of starting to lean towards the 13cf mainly due to the fact that it's slightly smaller/more compact. As I see some of you have done, I was considering the Zeagle setup mounting it to my main tank.

I think I need to head over to the LDS and feel around for what I like, or see whichever is cheaper on craigslist! haha

However, it sounds like a 13cf will fit my needs. If I come across a good deal on a 19cf, I don't think I'd turn it down. If anyone is bored, feel free to school me more on compact regulator/gauge setups for the pony.

 

[sportxlh]

....... If anyone is bored, feel free to school me more on compact regulator/gauge setups for the pony......

I just use my old 1st and 2nd stage Mares Abyss. Not really very compact but I've not had any issues and did not want to spend any money on a new regulator.

 

[djtimmy77]

I sling a 19 on deeper dives (>80fsw) I use a zeagle reg that I bought used here on SB.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I like my 13cu ft pony, its big enough for dives down to 100 and small enough that I don't hesitate to use it on solo or boat assigned buddy dives. If you use your pony (and drill) on a regular basis, you won't stress as much should you run OOG and the 13 is plenty big (under 100').

I have a smaller pony (6) and a big boy 30. Both can be a better bottle for a specific purpose, but neither of mine see 1/2 the use as the 13.

 

[100days-a-year]

I use an al40 or al80 or 2 with appropriate deco mix if planning long deep dives or mix-dives.The other 6-7000+dives I have come back safely ponyless with no issues as my gear is good and I look at my gauges.I really like seeing my guages so I sling any extra gas,this also allows me to see the mix I am breathing as it is marked in big letters next to the valve and gauge.I have had SPGs stick at depth as well as bump a valve into a decent leak and was able to ascend slowly without drama.

 

[mrx3000]

So, for those who carry pony bottle - do you also have an octo/another secondary air source on your main tank? Or is pony bottle the only secondary air source?

 

[lowviz]

So, for those who carry pony bottle - do you also have an octo/another secondary air source on your main tank?

Yes, the idea is to get your buddy back on HIS/HER remaining third that YOU are carrying.

The pony doesn't figure into the calcs. It is just homage to Murphy and his laws...

 

[sportxlh]

So, for those who carry pony bottle - do you also have an octo/another secondary air source on your main tank? Or is pony bottle the only secondary air source?

I agree with lowviz: I still have an octo for any buddy emergencies and my pony, to be extra conservative, if my buddy's name is Murphy