Pony clamp systems

[Paul Hildreth]

Have just bought myself a 3L pony cylinder in readiness for trip to Scapa next year and would like to get used to new weight and balance before close of season. Purchase included a pony bag but not keen on using this and would prefer a more rigid system. To get to the point, can anyone give me their views on systems from Lumb Bros., Northern Divers, Beaver or un-named brand offered by Go-Dive (at £29.99)?

Much obliged for any help offered.

Paul

P.S. Or of course if there's anyone who has an unloved, unwanted used system for sale

P.

[jptaylor9]

I've used the Northern Diver pony clamp (on my Inspiration) & it works well & is a solid bit of kit.

You should also consider the MetalSub pony clamp that the ND one is based on.

See: http://www.mikesdivestore.com/acatalog/Metalsub2.html

JT

[Fathoms Down]

The Diving Products pony clamps are very, very good. In fact, they are the same clamps that keep the cylinders on the Boris rebreather.

[nickb]

If you're hell-bent on clamping the pony to your backgas cylinder, check out the G-Snap from Portland Oceaneering.

However, I (and others probably) would advise you to investigate slinging the pony in front of you before making your mind up.

[LisaR]

& dont be fooled into thinking that the ND ones & the Metalsub ones will 'marry' cos they dont.

[Maverick]

I have just purchased the metal sub pony bracket. Traders were selling them at £49 at the dive show last weekend, but I supported my dive club and bought it locally through them. I've looked at the offerings from Portland Oceaneering and others like it but I went for the metal sub as it was so robust and well made. They supply both stainless steel bands for securing to the pony with some rubber seating seal, which stops you from making a mess of your clinder paintwork. Its lovely to use, giving a ker klunk solid sound whenn you locate it. There's no lose movement with it, and its very easy to take on and off. I'm very happy with it, but as nick b says, you can always side sling a pony if you want.

If your on a tighter budget then the Portland Oceaneering bracket seems to come out well. I would have bought this set up if I hadn't seen metal sub's offerings!

Good luck.

[Forest Diver]

I have mounted my umbilical on my twins with an s/s pony clamp from an unbranded maker, as it crosses the cusrom diver bands it flexes slightly which makes it a bit stiff - I wish I had bought the ND or metalsub bracket - its only a few quid more but a much bettre peice of kit IMHO - Enjoy SCAPA just came back from my first trip - AWSOME....

[vid]

And over on the other side.........

http://www.yorkshire-divers.co.uk/fo...52&postcount=1


My personal vote is for metalsub

Originally Posted by Paul Hildreth

Purchase included a pony bag but not keen on using this and would prefer a more rigid system.

if you look at the link above, Woz explains a really simple way of attaching a bag rigidly - it's so obvious (DOHHH)

alternatively, use the bag to hang the pony as a side slung - definite group of divers who are strong advocates of this rather than fixing to a cylinder

there's also some suggestions on alternative ways to side sling

vid

[DIVE BUDDHA]

i have both the metalsub bracket and the costom diver bracket on my kit and in my opinion being an engineer the metalsub is far better made with better quality materials and nicer finish!! but the product,s quality is reflected in the price!!!!

[Noel Johnson]

Well this engineer will go for Portland Oceaneering G snaps everytime...