Not all scuba diving tanks are the same
When you’re looking for the best tank for scuba diving, there are a few things you can look at in order to compare one tank to another. Depending on your experience level and how long you’re planning to be in the water, the tank you choose can be small or large. However, since there are a lot of different scuba diving tanks to choose from, finding the right one should never be a problem.
Tanks for scuba diving can vary, but here are a few things you should look for when choosing the right one:
- The water capacity, which is measured in cubic feet and can be less than 15 cubic feet or more than 600 cubic feet.
- The weight of the tank; tanks that weigh more than 35 pounds usually require special equipment when you’re ready to store them for next time
- The PSI, or pounds per square inch, number; look not just for the number itself, but make sure that the tank is PSI-certified as well
Some of the best tanks for scuba diving include the following:
Faber FX Series 100 CF
Water capacity: 14 cubic feet
Weight: 34.3 pounds
PSI: 3442
Scuba diving tanks can be low- or high-pressure, and this one is considered a high-pressure tank. Not only is it compatible with any type of drysuit, but it is perfect for both beginning and more experienced divers. In fact, this tank is perfect for both recreational and professional use, making it a very versatile item. And when you purchase it, you get a VIP, or free visual inspection of the tank, to give you confidence in using it.
Faber 149 CF Steel
Water capacity: 101.4 cubic feet
Weight: 46.9 pounds
PSI: 3442
This is a high-pressure steel cylinder that allows you to enjoy more air than other tanks without having to buy a cumbersome or large tank. Yet another advantage is that the tank allows divers with all body types to use it comfortably, which cannot be said of all tanks out there. This is one of those tanks for which you’ll want to get a heavy-duty hanger to store it when it isn’t being used, such as the Tough Hook hangers made specifically for scuba-diving equipment.
Faber Stealth HP117 Steel
Water capacity: 100.1 cubic feet
Weight: 37.6 pounds
PSI: 3442
This is yet another tank that you’ll need special storage equipment for, thanks to its heavy weight. Steel scuba tanks tend to be lighter than aluminum scuba tanks; however, aluminum itself is lighter than steel. But manufacturers always add additional aluminum to make the tank stronger, making them heavier than steel tanks. This tank will stand up on a flat surface because of its boot shape, and it has a yoke that can be easily inserted and converted.
Faber 80CF Blue Steel
Water capacity: 15 cubic feet
Weight: 28.6 pounds
PSI: 3442
Faber has more than 40 years of experience making high-quality scuba diving tanks, so they are true experts in the field. This one is slightly heavy but has just the right amount of pressure. The tank has been highly rated by real-life customers and has even been treated with a rust inhibitor. Thanks to its chrome plates, it is also very durable and long-lasting. It is protected by zinc and epoxy and even has a polyurethane finish for extra sturdiness.
Sherwood 100CF Aluminum
Water capacity: 101.2 cubic feet
Weight: 46.2 pounds
PSI: 3300
Yet another tank that needs a special heavy-duty hanger such as the ones made by Tough Hook, this one is available in black, blue, and yellow. More importantly, it is slightly neutral in buoyancy. In practical terms, this feature makes it perfect for beginning divers, although any diver can use this tank with ease. Because it utilizes thermoplastic polyurethane in the BC air cell, it is also a very durable, long-lasting tank.
Faber 85CF
Water capacity: 103.5 cubic feet
Weight: 46.2 pounds
PSI: 3442
When you’re looking for the best scuba diving tanks, researching Faber tanks is always smart. As with other tanks on this list, this one needs a Tough Hook heavy-duty hanger. It is specially made to be both shock- and corrosion-resistant. The high-strength aluminum and alloy liner comes with an excellent glass fiber, and it can be cleaned easily with oxygen. It also has a rather industrial look, but this is due to the hot-dipped galvanized cylinder.
Luxfer 80CF
Water capacity: 77.4 cubic feet
Weight: 31.5 pounds
Because of its Pro Valve capability, this tank has one of the highest scuba cylinder valves on the market today. In fact, this is such an efficient tank that it is often used in scuba-diving classes and on boats. It also comes in a variety of colors, including red, blue, green, and purple, and therefore makes divers feel more fashionable as they participate in this exciting sport.
Faber High Pressure
Water capacity: 622 cubic feet
Weight: 28.6 pounds
Although small and lightweight, this tank offers divers a lot of bang for their buck. It also has great buoyancy characteristics that make it perfect for more advanced or even professional divers. The durable finish means that you’ll be able to enjoy it for a very long time, and its optimal volume makes it super-easy for you to carry even on the surface. It even has air reserves in case you need them, and it has gotten tons of top-notch reviews as one of the best scuba diving tanks in the market from customers.
Catalina 80CF
Water capacity: 625 cubic feet
Weight: 34.7 pounds
PSI: -1.3
This is a corrosion-resistant aluminum cylinder that is perfect for people who are looking for a more compact tank. The aesthetics of the tank do not react with salt water, and it is a convertible type that can work in Yoke or DIN. Although cost-efficient, it still has the characteristics that most divers are looking for, and its good underwater weight makes it the perfect tank for people who expect deeper navigation than normal.
FAQs
What is the difference between steel and aluminum scuba tanks?
In the world of scuba tanks, your two main choices are steel or aluminum. Aluminum tanks, while easier on your back when lugging them around on land, tend to become buoyant when the air supply runs low, which could affect your control underwater. On the other hand, steel tanks are a bit heftier, but they hold their weight underwater, making buoyancy management smoother throughout your dive.
What are some factors to consider when buying scuba diving tanks?
Investing in a scuba tank requires careful thought. You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of steel versus aluminum. Also, look at the size and capacity – is it enough for your diving style, and how does it affect the tank weight? You’ll also want to check the valve type to ensure it’s compatible with your gear, and always check for valid inspection and certification stamps – safety always comes first!
What does water capacity in scuba tanks mean?
It’s not about taking a sip during your dive! The ‘water capacity’ actually refers to the volume of water that could fill the tank, measured in liters. It helps us determine the amount of gas the tank can hold, giving you an idea of the air supply you’ll have for your dive.
What does the PSI number in a scuba tank indicate?
The PSI, or Pounds per Square Inch, is a pressure rating. It’s telling you the maximum pressure of air that the tank can safely contain. It’s important for calculating your air supply, and you’ll typically see numbers like 2400 or 3000 PSI – but remember, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when filling the tank.
What is the difference between low-pressure and high-pressure scuba tanks?
The primary difference is the amount of air pressure they can safely hold. Low-pressure tanks usually have a PSI rating of around 2400-2650 and are often a bit heavier. High-pressure tanks can handle up to 3442 PSI and tend to be lighter, making them a breeze to handle – though it’s worth noting that not all dive shops can fill them to full capacity.
What are some of the best scuba diving tanks on the market?
Some popular tanks among divers include the Faber FX Series 100 cu ft High Pressure for its superior capacity and buoyancy characteristics and the Catalina 80 cu ft Aluminum for its perfect blend of capacity and weight. The Luxfer Compact Brushed Aluminum 80 cu ft is also well-regarded for its durability and compact size. But remember, the best tank for you will depend on your specific diving needs and preferences.
Let us know what do you think of this Scuba Tank list of if we should add one to this list and why in the comment section below!
