Hi,
I am a DIR diver, and would like to add a pony bottle on my side - I have seen others do so, and hang the bottle like horizontally, some as big as 30 cu in bottles - like a deco bottle.

What are my options for clipping this bottle into me? I assume the DIR method is to attach the bottle via bolt snaps to my harness D-rings? Is a 30 cu in bottle way too big?

Thanks,

In short 30 ft3 is not even close to being too large.
Take Care,
Sean

OK, Thanks!

First, a 30 is a small bottle. Most slings you'll see are deco or travel gas in a 72 steel or 80 alum and bottom gas on back.

Second, you need to ask yourself why a pony. If you are diving DIR, doubles with an iso manifold will probably suit your philosophical needs. However, if you wish to add a margin of error to normal recreational diving, perhaps a pony is what you need. I use a 30 for classes, SAR, normal diving needs, and potentially ice.

The was a nice write up in DiveTraining Mag within the last couple of months on how to do a sling. Bolts, cord, and hose clamps. You may wish to follow up with some additional research into GUE and DIR to find the answer too.

Hi,
I dive DIR, but I don't dive with 'twins' - I use a single AL80 and looking for redundency in case my 1st stage fails - but, probably the best bet would be to add a 'Y' valve so I could use 2 seperate 1st stages....

Thoughts on this?

My advice to you if you are going to continue diving a single cylinder would be to purchase a slightly larger single cylinder and use a dual outlet valve.

OK, thanks...

But dual-outlets don't help if I run out of air!

Thats why you dive a larger cylinder and plan your dive based on gas consumption

I know, I know....DIR philosophy - "If your Buddy runs of of air, its YOUR fault for not being a good Dive Buddy and keeping an eye on HIS and YOUR SPG's!
Thanks!