Posted by kelphead on October 30, 2000 at 11:48:34:
In Reply to: What tank to purchace posted by Greg on October 29, 2000 at 21:19:15:
**benefit of lp = get full fill all the time,
even close to full on boats
can't always get a full fill w/an hp tank, even
at a store; you'll need an adaptor for those
who can't fill hp tanks (either they will have
an adaptor on hand, or they won't which means
you should have one on hand to lend them).
**benefit of hp = b/c of the design it is an
inherently safer connection; won't get burst
o-ring like on an lp yoke valve tank; some say
this is a minimal advantage b/c such o-ring
bursts rarely occur, which is true, but i've
read enough to realize that such things do still
happen.
**hp tanks are also smaller in size for their capacity
which can be more comfy for some us (ie, me!!) who
can't carry such long tanks--like an al 80--around.
**hp tanks are heavier and one can generally take
more wt off one's waist (or put less wt on one's
waist); lp tanks can either be negatively or positively
bouyant based on their own individual specs and
characteristics (ie, steel or alum; the mfg which
produces them; etc).
**hp tanks seem to be significantly more expensive
than lp tanks
**you'll need to modify your reg's 1st stage (to
din) if you go w/an hp tank, and then have another
adaptor to re-modify it again in case you get
stuck needing to use a yoke valved tank
**you do not need to modify your 1st stage at all
or carry around a din-to-yoke adaptor if you stick
to an lp tank
ultimately, as frank mentioned, it really comes
down to personal preference:
which do you feel more comfortable using?
i, myself, went w/an hp 80 b/c of it's size and capacity.
even if i get a 3200psi fill (which is the consistent
short fill of choice, apparently), instead of a full
3500 psi fill, i still get 73cuft of air; so,
my advantages w/the hp 80 tank are more comfy
size, than a standard lp al 80 tank, and more air
w/a full fill than an lp steel 72 tank.
best wishes w/your decision.
kelphead.