if I was to use a pony bottle,

sideslung all the way, like you say it's easier to manage and if you get to a point where you need it, then time is of the essence so you need quick easy access. Personally speaking I dont use them for 2 main reasons, 1. They are a pain in the arse, 2. I'm pretty good with my air consumption, I use a 15lt bottle and can do 3 dives off it no problem, but then i dive every day and am used to it.

Really for safety reasons you should never need to use a pony unless it's absolutely needed. The first person to hit 50bar should signal and the group should head back, again this is not always convenient but it's better to be safe than dead. Also it's one of those rules which as an experienced diver, if you're with another experienced diver it's often neglected.

The strange thing about being narked is it can and will happen to anyone. It's happened to me only once but to be honest I really shouldn't have been diving that day.

Posted By: NCFC4life, Apr 17, 16:47:53