PST 104's

[JGM]

Hi.
I have doubled Pressed Steel 104's with Highland bands and Halcyon valves. These are in great condition. They just went through their second hydro last year (july '11). I just don't see using these any longer as I have moved to side mounts. $575.

I'm in Cincinnati, however I can bring them to Cave Country on my next visit which is scheduled for November 1st 2012.

Thanks for your interest.
J.G.

[FW]

Not trying to talk you out of selling, but I broke down all my 104s, and plugged the valves. Now I use them for sidemount.

[gasdiver]

Not trying to talk you out of selling, but I broke down all my 104s, and plugged the valves. Now I use them for sidemount.

Me too.

[JGM]

Hi guys.

Thank you for your advice. I thought about breaking them apart but I am hesitant. I am using 85's for side mount which have been a nice change from the doubled setup. A few things that I am on the fence about: First, even though these are very nice tanks, they are damn heavy. Many have told me that the PST's are about 5 lbs per bottle heavier and, if I wanted a set of larger tanks, I could find a a better substitute. Also, a couple that I met over Labor Day, who dives the Oriskany regularly, said that larger tanks are good for deep work, however they recommended HP bottles. They said that 'cave fills' are hard to get on the coast.

Although, I am working on my TriMix, having already done my deep, I seem to be spending more time in the caves. I think that I would choose to stage a bottle rather than use larger bottles. I am new in the caves, so this is not based on experience. Wouldn't having a separate stage, therefore another level of redundancy, and than still having smaller bottles for the main part of a dive be the better answer?

J.G.

[FW]

Hi guys.

Thank you for your advice. I thought about breaking them apart but I am hesitant. I am using 85's for side mount which have been a nice change from the doubled setup. A few things that I am on the fence about: First, even though these are very nice tanks, they are damn heavy. Many have told me that the PST's are about 5 lbs per bottle heavier and, if I wanted a set of larger tanks, I could find a a better substitute. Also, a couple that I met over Labor Day, who dives the Oriskany regularly, said that larger tanks are good for deep work, however they recommended HP bottles. They said that 'cave fills' are hard to get on the coast.

Although, I am working on my TriMix, having already done my deep, I seem to be spending more time in the caves. I think that I would choose to stage a bottle rather than use larger bottles. I am new in the caves, so this is not based on experience. Wouldn't having a separate stage, therefore another level of redundancy, and than still having smaller bottles for the main part of a dive be the better answer?

J.G.

I can't argue with your logic, but I have both 104s and 85s, and I usually dive the 104s in big Florida caves. 85s get so light on deco that I need more weight to stay on the 10' stop. My theory is, since you need the weight anyway, carry more gas. You can't breathe lead. If you get what you are asking fairly soon, sell them. Otherwise, hang onto them for big caves.

[rddvet]

Glad this came up. I dive worth. 85's sm, and have considered trying some bigger tanks from time to time and was leaning towards 95s if I do. I have two sets of pst 104s doubled and just thought they'd be too darn heavy to be worth sm'ing. Esp considering they're weight is one of the reasons I considered sm in the first place. I may give them a try one day. Think they need to be pulled apart for a viz in a few months anyway.

FW are you diving faber 85s? The floatiness is why I went with the worthys

[FW]

FW are you diving faber 85s? The floatiness is why I went with the worthys

I have one set of Faber 85s, and one set of Worthingtons. There isn't a lot of difference, but the Fabers are a little more buoyant.

[JGM]

I can't argue with your logic, but I have both 104s and 85s, and I usually dive the 104s in big Florida caves. 85s get so light on deco that I need more weight to stay on the 10' stop. My theory is, since you need the weight anyway, carry more gas. You can't breathe lead. If you get what you are asking fairly soon, sell them. Otherwise, hang onto them for big caves.

I haven't had any 'end of dive' issues. I do like your thinking on the weighting, however. That is, I agree, why carry lead?! I don't, btw. Again, what about getting a true fill if I'm not in Cave Country? ...What is your thinking regarding a stage bottle vs. bigger bottles? (I am diving Worthington 85's as they stay neutral when low on gas.) Also, for example, aren't the HP 130's that Capt Bil is referring to lighter than the PST 104's? I certainly am not arguing, but simply trying to understand. I very much appreciate everyones input.
J.G.

[FW]

I haven't had any 'end of dive' issues. I do like your thinking on the weighting, however. That is, I agree, why carry lead?! I don't, btw. Again, what about getting a true fill if I'm not in Cave Country? ...What is your thinking regarding a stage bottle vs. bigger bottles? (I am diving Worthington 85's as they stay neutral when low on gas.) Also, for example, aren't the HP 130's that Capt Bil is referring to lighter than the PST 104's? I certainly am not arguing, but simply trying to understand. I very much appreciate everyones input.
J.G.

If you aren't in "cave country", where are you going to dive that would require a cave fill, or a stage? I think carrying a stage and 85s may be more hassle than diving 104s. I have never used E-130s, but I understand they are pretty close to 104s.

[Captain Bil]

I dive Worthington HP 130 's sidemount. They are essentially 104's. I am a small man, and I have no problem handling them. Over the years I have found that trim in sm is more a function of gear assembly and adjustment than any particular tank.

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