How to choose a Dive Cylinder:
Which Tank is right for me?
Most people learn to dive using an 80 or 63 cubic foot Aluminum tank. But there are many other options when it comes to scuba cylinders.
Which cylinder is best for you depends on a few factors:
Let's start by talking about some basic information about cylinders.
Material: All scuba tanks are made of either Aluminum or Steel. Both metals have pros and cons associated with them when used for scuba diving.
Pro's of Aluminum Cylinders:
Con's of Aluminum Cylinders
Pro's of Steel Cylinders:
Con's of Steel Cylinders:
Size and Pressure Ratings of Cylinders:
There are many different sizes of tanks, each with different pressure ratings. Finding the right ones for you is based on experience and the type of diving you'll be doing:
Other factors to consider when purchasing tanks:
Renting vs Buying:
One more consideration regarding tanks is Renting them versus Buying them. Which is more economical? The answer to that question is: It depends on how often you are diving. When you combine the price of the required cylinder inspections and the price for each fill, in most cases renting a cylinder is more economical because the shop then handles the inspections and your rental already includes the fill. On the other hand, owning your own tanks can be beneficial if you are doing a lot of diving (15 or more dives per year), if you are leaving the dock outside of dive shop hours, or if you are diving off your own boat.
If you do decide to purchase a new scuba tank, check with ADI first!
We'll give you free air fills for a year if you purchase a cylinder from us!