Hey BT'ers -
I have an opportunity to get a Kevlar composite tank to dive with - and other than buoyancy issues (it only weighs 12 lbs with 3500psi) - I'd be looking to use it when traveling mostly - anyone heard good bad or uglies with these?

My first question would be; Will anyone on Bonaire fill them for you? I just read a couple messages regarding fiberglass propane tanks and a number of cruisers have indicated there are problems getting them filled in certain areas. I wonder if you would have the same problem with Kevlar tanks.

You will have to check but my guess is even if they do fill it it would cost about the same as if you just rented a tank.

I think you will be better off renting with all the cost of owning a tank.

I see a couple of disadvantages to these tanks, The first is getting them on a plane. Delta requires that the tank be empty and the valve completely disconnected from the tank, (Take a look at their website under special baggage). the second, and I may be wrong, I can't see diving with one of these very comfortable. Unless your body is very negatively buoyant to start with you need the weight anyway. I would think the weight distributed securely along your back would feel better then having to add another 15 - 20 pounds of lead to you BC or weight belt. I normally dive with steel 120s and when I do multiple dives in a short period there are times I can't get my tanks filled and have to use the boats AL 80s. I have to add about 8 pounds to get my buoyancy right wearing a 3 mil suit. Even though I am carrying close to the same weight it I can tell the difference.

Thats my two cents worth

Kevlar composite tanks are Firefighters gear. No benifit using this equipment for diving. To achieve neutral bouyancy you will have to add weight to yourself, and lug that stuff in your lugage... Na, forget it... Not worth the hassle... Ron

Definitely not worth the hassle and problems with buoyancy. Rent the aluminum tanks. You would still need airfills and therefore NO cost savings to you.

If you want steel tanks see Walt at RecTek scuba on Bonaire.

At home here I dive only with 100cf HP steel tanks for various reasons, mostly buoyancy and volume with the same size as AL80s.

The only tank I would travel with is a spareair but that is only minimal value as a safety item and not really worth even the minimal extra weight.

Tanks Everyone!!!!!
Appreciate the feedback - I'll stick to renting my air like I've always done -

You'll need to add about 30 pounds of lead to your weight belt to compensate for the buoyancy of the tank. Doesn't sound like a good idea. Besides, wouldn't the tank have a SCBA valve rather than a standard scuba yoke or DIN valve?

As Ron mentioned, Kelvar tanks are for firefighters. Composite cylinders were first introduced in 1971 by Structural Composite Industries (SCI. Various combinations of composites now exist, including Kelvar. At present composite cylinders cannot be used underwater as mandated by PSI - Professional Scuba Inspectors. If someone sold you Kelvar tank to be used underwater I would be looking to get my money back and I would probably be having an interesting conversation with them. We may see something of the sort in the future but not for now. Regards.