Pony Bottles

[arcFlash]

The only thing I didn't see was the mention of H valves. For those who don't know it's a valve with two outputs so you rig two primary and run as you would doubles. I used a 121 steel with H in Florida and although I found the stability of said tank difficult the twin regs gives peace of mind.  I don't know how much a H or Y valve would cost but you could change a normal valve to a Y for less then a pony I would think.

I'd never go deep without a redundant source on me. In practice that means >30 feet or a new lake requires that I carry my buddy bottle.

PS: I trust my buddy but I trust myself and my pony more. I think PADI's buddy system is a good idea but they stress that your buddy will help you too much. I'd like to see more emphasis on self-sufficiency  (and a buddy).  I've talked to some blue water only divers and they think their buddy will save them and that as long as they have a buddy they are safe. Is this another thread?