Pony Mounting

[TobinGeorge]

Hi there.

I understand the mounting and deployment of a stage bottle, but how do ya'll mount your pony's? Valve up or down? Where does the SPG, if any, go so you can get to it? WHere does the regulator get stowed?

All I can envision os a bottle mounted on the side of the tank, divers left, with the valve down...but I cant see where to put the SPG and regulator to keep them and their hoses out the way yet still be accessible quickly.

SO...what do ya'll do?

Uh my "pony" is mounted, as in "Stuffed and Mounted" in a deep, dark, corner of the "no longer used" section of the dive locker.

If you want redundancy in a single think about a bigger tank with a H valve.

Tobin

[Dive-aholic]

Uh my "pony" is mounted, as in "Stuffed and Mounted" in a deep, dark, corner of the "no longer used" section of the dive locker.

If you want redundancy in a single think about a bigger tank with a H valve.

Tobin

Agree with a pony not being the best option, but most of us started that way. Apparently you did...

The only issue I have with an H valve is the neck ring doesn't have redundancy. And I know you were part of Pez de Diablo's neck ring extrusion thread on TDS... Rare as it is, it's still more common than I thought before that thread.

[TobinGeorge]

Agree with a pony not being the best option, but most of us started that way. Apparently you did...

Views change.

I think it's quite common for many new divers to view "buddies" as the weakest link. Who has not had an instant buddy disappear? On the other hand the combination of modern reliable gear and limited experience leaves most new divers certain that more equipment is a good thing, and buddies, ah well, not so much.

The journey from this perspective to one where "my backup gas is on my buddies back" can be a long one. (although an episode of Sudden High Intensity Training can accelerate the process)

The only issue I have with an H valve is the neck ring doesn't have redundancy. And I know you were part of Pez de Diablo's neck ring extrusion thread on TDS... Rare as it is, it's still more common than I thought before that thread.

I agree completely. That's why I very seldom get into the water without doubles with an Isolator.

Tobin

[Mo2vation]

I'm going through this now as I prepare for Bonaire.

I'm confident, with the ease of shore diving, that I'll be doing several shore dives on my own. Its my intention to bring a stage kit and bands for a 40 and an 80, and just sling one of those when I get out there on my own.

Its gonna be weird. I haven't dived solo for a long time.

---
Ken

[Ben]

Its my intention to bring a stage kit and bands for a 40 and an 80, and just sling one of those when I get out there on my own.

I doubt you will find 40s or need your small stage kit. They do have some shorter versions of a standard 80 (I think maybe a 60) but it's the same diameter as the 80s (7.25"). Like most warm water destinations 80s rule. You do have yoke adapters right?

[TobinGeorge]

I doubt you will find 40s or need your small stage kit. They do have some shorter versions of a standard 80 (I think maybe a 60) but it's the same diameter as the 80s (7.25"). Like most warm water destinations 80s rule. You do have yoke adapters right?

The shorter 7.25" dia 3000 psi al tanks are "63's" Not my first choice as slung bottle, rather grab an 80.

BTW these kits fit 40's and al 80's, i.e. same kit fit's either.

https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=1309

Tobin

[Mo2vation]

There is supposed to be a tech center in town. I'm gonna try to hit them up for a 40 when I pull into town.

Tobin - very nice. Looks like, in addition to the Tobin bungee keeper, you replaced the steel band with a tank band, right?

Sweet.

---
Ken

[TobinGeorge]

There is supposed to be a tech center in town. I'm gonna try to hit them up for a 40 when I pull into town.

Tobin - very nice. Looks like, in addition to the Tobin bungee keeper, you replaced the steel band with a tank band, right?

Sweet.

---
Ken

Yes, the SS worm drive clamp has been replaced with a special camband and camstrap tension pad.

We sell a lot of these to the RB divers who need to travel light, and often rent Bailout tanks at their destination.

Tobin

[Stryker1775]

I agree completely. That's why I very seldom get into the water without doubles with an Isolator.

Tobin

This is where I'm headed. But I'm still diving wet, don't have a small set of doubles, and figure I'll use the 40 for deco at some time in the future. So in my mind it's future gear for a future type of diving I'm aiming at but put to immediate use so I can feel more at ease with the style of diving I do now.

[TobinGeorge]

This is where I'm headed. But I'm still diving wet, don't have a small set of doubles, and figure I'll use the 40 for deco at some time in the future. So in my mind it's future gear for a future type of diving I'm aiming at but put to immediate use so I can feel more at ease with the style of diving I do now.

I recognize that this is the Solo forum.

I'll limit my comments to why I choose not to use a "pony".

My redundant gas is on my teammates back.

A Pony can lead one into temptation, (like solo diving and poor gas management)

With a single tank I'll limit my diving to those conditions that will permit a "free ascent" with a low risk of DCS.

More gear is a always a double edged sword, it always adds complexity.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Tobin

[Stryker1775]

I recognize that this is the Solo forum.

I'll limit my comments to why I choose not to use a "pony".

My redundant gas is on my teammates back.

A Pony can lead one into temptation, (like solo diving and poor gas management)

With a single tank I'll limit my diving to those conditions that will permit a "free ascent" with a low risk of DCS.

More gear is a always a double edged sword, it always adds complexity.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Tobin

I agree again!

Mostly.

I dont normally have a "team" where there is a teammate with my redundant gas hovering beside me. Wish I always did, but if I always waited for a teammate with my schedule I'd have cobwebs in my tank.

That temptation thing. I read that as stupidity. The stage is there for that Sudden High Intensity Training only. All dives are planned off backgas and less than 100 feet. Usually less than 60 feet. But I understand where you're coming from.

Once my drysuit is dialed in and I feel comfortable in a small set of doubles I'll think about not bringing along the 40.

Baby steps I reckon.

[Dive-aholic]

I'm going through this now as I prepare for Bonaire.

I'm confident, with the ease of shore diving, that I'll be doing several shore dives on my own. Its my intention to bring a stage kit and bands for a 40 and an 80, and just sling one of those when I get out there on my own.

Its gonna be weird. I haven't dived solo for a long time.

---
Ken

Ken, you really need to look into sidemount. Not only would it work great in places like Bonaire - you just need an extra 80 - but I think you'd also love how it feels behind a scoot...

[TBURKE]

I recognize that this is the Solo forum.

I'll limit my comments to why I choose not to use a "pony".

My redundant gas is on my teammates back.

A Pony can lead one into temptation, (like solo diving and poor gas management)

With a single tank I'll limit my diving to those conditions that will permit a "free ascent" with a low risk of DCS.

More gear is a always a double edged sword, it always adds complexity.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

Tobin

Please indulge me.
1) And you've never missplaced your team mate?

2) So can my neighbors wife but I don't do that either.

3) A controlled ascent with some air left over for a safety stop or short deco is infinatly better than any "free ascent"

4) A "J" valve, a back pack, a watch, capillary depth gauge, and a set of navy tables. Not very complex but I wouldn't want to go back to diving like that.

It's a big ocean out there.

Dive safe.
Tom B.

P.S. I've got a great OOA/buddy story

[TBURKE]

I had a 13cu.ft pony with a webbing harness. It went on the right side of my tank. The 2nd stage went under my right arm and was secured to the center of my chest with a snorkel keeper. The SPG went to the left and was secured to the main SPG. A simple system and easy to change to your 2nd tank. It served me well down to the 90ft range.
Then I went to doubles.
Very "old school" but it worked for me.

[Kagey747]

Stryker, I went basically the same route you are going. Worked VERY well for me; I had full redundancy for peace-of-mind on my early solo dives, and a stage bottle (and experience using it) when I started deco and trimix diving. Sounds like you are planning ahead and thinking things through. Enjoy the peace.