Underslung pony

[MartinW]

I'm curious. I know the usual methods of mounting a pony cylinder are either side-slung or mounting it off the primary cylinder on the wing/BCD. I've never heard anyone mention slinging it across the back of the wing/BCD underneath the primary cylinder.

Now...I've got a pony, I'm reluctant to side-sling it, (not sure why...just seems a balance, faff and clutter thing), and mounted to the primary it just looks so cumbersome. I have 3 d-rings across the base of my Transpac backpack which I could use to under-sling the pony and it doesn't stick out any further than my shoulders anyway. Turning on/off is a breeze.

Thing is....will the Gods of diving frown upon such heresy and make my drysuit leak??

[Paul Oliver]

Sounds reasonable, but a bit of a pig when trying to sit down prior to the dive.

I have carried mine alongside the cylinder for years and i now carry it stage rigged, both ways are comfortable, i feel that displacement balances weight.

Why not just try the 3 options and see what suits you most?

[Nick Kay]

Originally Posted by MartinW

Now...I've got a pony, I'm reluctant to side-sling it, (not sure why...just seems a balance, faff and clutter thing)

Providing its slung correctly, strops are correct length/position then it shouldn't make you feel off-balance

[MartinW]

Originally Posted by Nick Kay

Providing its slung correctly, strops are correct length/position then it shouldn't make you feel off-balance

To be fair I haven't tried diving with it side-slung yet. Perhaps balance isn't what I meant although with a few extra Kgs on one side I thought I might feel off-bablance. I guess it's the feeling of symmetry...or lack of it.

But...as stated...I should try it before I rule it out.

[Ding Dang Doo]

I dive with mine side slung...

no problems with balance... don't know why, there just isn't.

Give it a go.

Pete

[Spike Jackson]

I've never tried slinging under the main cylinder but I suspect you'll find that very difficult to keep balanced on the kitting up bench and a PITA to get into your kit. Also hose length and routing will require some thinking.

[David Pye]

I found that there were no balance issues when side-slinging a 40 cu ft (5.7litre) aluminium stage cylinder - being ally, it's neutrally-buoyant-ish, though I doubt a 3l steel would throw you off by too much either.

HTH!

David

[Chris Chapman]

If you think that mounting your pony onto your primary is a pain, wait till you side sling it!

If it can be fitted behind you it is best to do so.

A method of securly fitting a pony to the primary makes a big diference. bags are fair but tend to flop about, AP twining/pony bands are secure but better are the metal clamps (Kent Tooling, Northern Diver or Metalsub)

I use Metalsub clamps for CCR and OC diving, a common OC config I use is 2 x 3ltr Pony (air and deco) and a 15ltr Primary. (space shuttle style)

A single 3ltr securely backmounted to your primary will soon become familiar and you will not notice it. side slung it will get in your way.

Remember that mounting them higher or lower on your BCD/wing will effect your balance, if you mount a pony under your primary then it is likely to give you back ache

Strictly you should only side sling cylinders when you cannot get anymore on your back.

(Side slung cylinders are really for stages or bailout, not ponys)

Chris

[tom]

Originally Posted by Chris Chapman

If you think that mounting your pony onto your primary is a pain, wait till you side sling it!

Well, I get on very well with a side slung. Your mileage may vary I guess.

(Side slung cylinders are really for stages or bailout, not ponys)

err... I thought a pony was for bailout (or the OC equivalent at least)

[Lou]

Originally Posted by Chris Chapman

Strictly you should only side sling cylinders when you cannot get anymore on your back.

(Side slung cylinders are really for stages or bailout, not ponys)

Why on earth do you say this? What is the basis for it?

Why would you want to add tanks to your back when you can tuck one into the slipstream under your arm, where it is visible, controllable and easily mounted and demounted?