Sidemount Tank Preferences

[tflaris]

Anyone have suggestions on size of sidemount tanks. I am only 5'6" so not looking at 130's. Any help is appreciated.

[billyf]

lp46's, lp85's and lp108's

[Kelly Jessop]

If you are vertically challanged 95's are nice because they tuck in well and the end of the tank is not too far below the lift point.

I'm 5'9", and my favorites are PST LP80s (which are virtually identical to E7-100s).

LP95s are more than I need, and I like the smaller diameter of the 80s.

[Webmaster]

I think the general consensus has been the LP 85's are one of the best all around tanks. Very comfortable. I'm using E8 130's mostly and have used LP 125's and I'm 5' 11".

Like Kelly said it will really depend on your size and trim preference as to how long a tank you use. You'll probably be ok with LP 95's as long as you have them tucked up under your arms pretty good.

[Puttzer]

How do the HP tanks work with respect to balance in the water?

The XS high pressure steel 100 seems the shortest at 24".

How do the HP tanks work ...

Let me get back on my soapbox here. E-Series and XS cylinders shouldn't be called "high pressure" because "High Pressure" refers to a specific family of cylinders with specific qualities. These cylinders had a much smaller neck size so that "normal" valves couldn't be used. The valves used in these cylinders were 300BAR DIN only, whereas most E-Series cylinders use convertible valves.

You may say I'm being petty (3442 and 3500 are almost the same number), but to someone who works in the industry, blending nomenclatures can cause a LOT of confusion.

[Webmaster]

Your best option would be to borrow or rent the tanks you're considering and see how they work for you of course.