Pony Bottles

[mrweekend]

Good to see an old thread revisited! When I did my advanced cert I had a freeflow in superior at 90' and 39 degree water.  I had my Regulator set to give me all the air I wanted and of course it did (Yes, I was as nervous as a preacher in a porn shop ).  Moisture built up and the 2nd stage froze up. This was a high perf reg/cold water reg. But it happens and will happen again.  My Buddy/Instructor had his Pony and we were able to abort safely and even complete the safety stop.  So after that incident I bought one and will always carry it on advanced Dives.  I bought the 30 as the difference in price is minimal and I'll take the air.  For mounting I started out with the back tank mount and last year switched to the staged D-Ring Method.  I won't be going back.

You do want to pressurize your pony before Diving (test it like you would your other regs.) I got sloppy and just dragged it along on a dive.  Having no pressure to the 2nd stage allowed water to creep up the hose.  While reorganizing my gear (this winter)and checking tank pressure I found out that water was still trapped behind the valve seats..  Well. thank goodness for Dive Stores and maintenance. Call it another lesson learned.