Catalina AL80 vs Luxfer AL80

Hi folks!

Just a quick question. My Catalina AL80s are in the shop for hydro and
visual inspection and the LDS loaned me Luxfer AL80s in their place. I've
read about different buoyancy characteristics but am confused by what I've
seen on google. Do I need to adjust my weighting?

Thanks.

- Dave

In article <3radndXX_JEQaTPZnZ2dnUVZ_q2dnZ2d@adelphia.com>,
dgintz@gmail.com says...
> Hi folks!
>
> Just a quick question. My Catalina AL80s are in the shop for hydro and
> visual inspection and the LDS loaned me Luxfer AL80s in their place. I've
> read about different buoyancy characteristics but am confused by what I've
> seen on google. Do I need to adjust my weighting?
>
> Thanks.

The difference in amount of buoyancy isn't much, the difference is less
than a pound, with the Cats being slightly less buoyant. The difference
is where they are buoyant - the Cats are bottom heavy compared to the
Luxfers.

You dont need to change your weighting.

"Al Wells" <al.wells@gmail.com> wrote in message >
> The difference in amount of buoyancy isn't much, the difference is less
> than a pound, with the Cats being slightly less buoyant. The difference
> is where they are buoyant - the Cats are bottom heavy compared to the
> Luxfers.
>
> You dont need to change your weighting.

Thanks for the fast answer Al.

"Al Wells" wrote

> The difference in amount of buoyancy isn't much, the difference is less
> than a pound, with the Cats being slightly less buoyant. The difference
> is where they are buoyant - the Cats are bottom heavy compared to the
> Luxfers.
>
> You dont need to change your weighting.

Unless you change from a 3,300 psi to a 3,000 or visa versa. Catalina and
Luxfer both make standard and neutral buoyant tanks. The standards are
rated for 3,000 psi. The neutral buoyant tanks are rated to 3,300 psi and
are bout 4 lbs less buoyant.

Lee

In article <3oDrg.43495$EX2.21599@bignews5.bellsouth.net>, pleebell2
@bellsouth.net says...
> Unless you change from a 3,300 psi to a 3,000 or visa versa. Catalina and
> Luxfer both make standard and neutral buoyant tanks. The standards are
> rated for 3,000 psi. The neutral buoyant tanks are rated to 3,300 psi and
> are bout 4 lbs less buoyant.

I haven't seen many of those tanks in the wild. If I wanted those
buoyancy characteristics, I would buy steel tanks that hold more gas.

Al Wells wrote

>> Unless you change from a 3,300 psi to a 3,000 or visa versa. Catalina
>> and
>> Luxfer both make standard and neutral buoyant tanks. The standards are
>> rated for 3,000 psi. The neutral buoyant tanks are rated to 3,300 psi
>> and
>> are bout 4 lbs less buoyant.

> I haven't seen many of those tanks in the wild. If I wanted those
> buoyancy characteristics, I would buy steel tanks that hold more gas.

You're on the wrong coast to see them often. They're not quite as negative
as the HP steel tanks and are a lot less expensive. The first time you met
me, I was diving Catalina Compact 80s. They don't to get light on your back
as they get closer to empty, making them more stable when using a jacket
style BCD. They also let you take about 4 lbs off your weight belt.
They're the tanks I use when I want to be properly weighted with out a
weightbelt. I'm a bit heavy when using my steel tanks.

Lee

David In NH wrote:
> Hi folks!
>
> Just a quick question. My Catalina AL80s are in the shop for hydro and

Do you mean S80 or C80? "AL80" is slang for generic aluminum 80.

These are very different cylinders, so we can't say.

> visual inspection and the LDS loaned me Luxfer AL80s in their place.

Chances are he loaned you S080, the most popular tank in the world.

Figure this all out yourself:
http://www.luxfercylinders.com/produ...imperial.shtml
http://www.catalinacylinders.com/

bullshark

Thanks to all who responded. Turns out the tanks were Luxfer S80s which are
within a pound or so byouancies of the Catalinas that I usually dive. My
weighting was fine for the dives, actually a little heavy since I was mostly
sitting on the bottom in 15-20 foot water looking for seals. Since we had a
lot of surge, it was not the easiest dives we've had but still a fun day
with a few good pictures.

Once again, thanks to all.

- Dave