The best diving tanks for 2020

To swim underwater for a long time, you need to buy a quality diving tank. However, choosing the right option is not easy. Because the equipment differs in the way of connection, capacity, material of manufacture and convenience. It is important to pay attention to all technical parameters.

The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best diving cylinders for 2020.

Features of the underwater breathing device

The main purpose of diving cylinders is to provide a constant flow of air underwater conditions. Inside this equipment is compressed air or a special gas mixture. Despite its small size, the device is able to withstand high pressure. Due to this possibility, more oxygen is placed inside. Some models are capable of providing air flow for several hours, which allows you to spend more time underwater.

The design of the device is as simple as possible. The equipment is a cylindrical container with a handle and a valve. There is a protective plate inside, which is made of metal. The purpose of the element is to protect against excess oxygen. The principle of operation is simple: if a person fills the reservoir with a large amount of oxygen, the plate bursts, and all the excess gas goes out.

What is important to know about the characteristics

Before buying a device, you need to understand some technical parameters. They will help you find the best option in terms of price and quality:

• The first thing that is determined is the supply and air pressure. Devices with a volume of 7 to 18 liters are popular. At a pressure of 300 bar, the structure will be able to accommodate up to 2 cubic meters of gas mixture. High volume models are used for diving at sea or in the lake. Simple designs are used only for pools or small rivers.
• Another important parameter is buoyancy. The parameter changes with the use of air or gas mixture. If the buoyancy is negative, there is a high probability that the diver will roll onto his back. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to buy models with a value close to zero.
• Today, products are produced that are made either from aluminum or from steel. The first option is not recommended for beginners (on their own), because the thick walls increase the mass of the tank, which will create additional inconveniences when using or moving. However, there is also an advantage of this design - good buoyancy.
• The height of the equipment is selected only based on the parameters of the human body. For a tall scuba diver, it is necessary to select a cylinder with a higher height, but a small diameter, in order to swim more conveniently. For people with small stature, the situation is the opposite.
• The weight of the device on land. This parameter determines the convenience of moving the tank to the immersion point.
• Life time.Depending on the model, the indicator can be either 10 years or 30. In order for the product to last the maximum period, it requires constant and competent care, this is the only way to achieve durability. There is nothing difficult in this, it is enough to follow the basic rules.
• Price. Russian-made cylinders differ in affordable cost, but before use they must be checked and, if possible, serviced. This will eliminate unforeseen situations. Experts recommend purchasing a tank only from trusted manufacturers. Despite a small overpayment, a person will receive a high-quality device that will help out at any time.

Varieties of diving cylinders

Today, three popular models are sold in stores and on Internet sites:

• Steel. The models have a low buoyancy when compared to similar aluminum versions. Thanks to this parameter, less additional weight is required to dive. Most often, such performances are recommended to be bought by full people or users who plan to dive under the water in full gear with various auxiliary elements. The only drawback of this solution is its low corrosion resistance. To ensure that the product does not deteriorate, it requires constant care.
• Aluminum cylinders are characterized by thick walls and low resistance to mechanical damage. The mass of this option can reach tens of kilograms, which has a bad effect on transportation. Despite this, swimming with such a performance is comfortable, since the weight is evenly distributed. Most often, aluminum products are used in training courses.
• For diving for several hours, it is customary to use paired models. Such a system consists of 2-3 cylinders, which are connected to each other with the help of special clips or are in one bag.

Correct operation

In order not to damage the tank and not run into problems, you should know the main rules of use. Before starting a dive, a person should ensure that the valve is completely sealed and does not allow air to pass through. The presence of dark deposits is prohibited, as this indicates a malfunction of the filter elements.

After checking, shake the cylinder, there should be no noise. If a crash is heard, then a foreign object has entered. The use of such a product is prohibited. Because it negatively affects safety.

Next, you should return to the valve and inspect the gasket, if there are no signs of damage, it must be lubricated with silicone.

The regulator cannot be screwed on immediately. First, open the valve a little and deflate. This action prevents moisture and dust from entering. It is worth paying attention to the presence of odors or foreign particles that may appear when opening. If this is present, then internal corrosion has occurred.

Once the regulator is connected, you need to look at the pressure gauge, which will indicate the current air pressure. The readings should be within the operating limits, if there are deviations, it is necessary to take corrective measures.

The recommended value is 40-50 atmospheres; a cylinder cannot be used above and below this value. Because there will be a risk to human life or water will seep into the tank.

Post-dive actions

As soon as a person floats to the surface, it is necessary to take care of the balloon:

• It is impossible to remove the regulator immediately, first it must be rinsed with fresh water;
• It is impossible for all the air to come out of the cylinder, therefore, it is not recommended to leave the valve open for a long time;
• Do not screw the valve tightly;
• When transporting equipment by airplane, carefully deflate. The procedure is carried out slowly, there is no need to rush anywhere. Because if you suddenly open the tap, condensation will appear. When performing this operation, experienced scuba divers place the tank in shallow water, the main thing is that the crane is on the surface. After that, the air is quietly discharged.

Proper storage increases durability

In order for the device to serve for a long period, it is necessary not only to properly maintain it, but also to observe the storage conditions.

The pressure should be in the range of 20-40 bar, higher is not allowed. Because there is a possibility of corrosion. It is placed in a strictly vertical position, even if there is water in it, it will settle at the bottom, and there the probability of rust appearance is small.

With long-term storage of cylinders, it is necessary to constantly monitor their condition and check at least once a year. Transportation should be carried out only in special cases or cells, and the fixation should be tight. This solution will avoid mechanical damage to the main parts. The filling of the tank is slow, before that it is recommended to put it in water. Do not overfill the equipment.

Rating of the best models of the budget segment

Catalina 5.8 liters

Good budget solution for smaller dives. The volume of the device is 5.8 liters at an operating pressure of 207 bar. It is made of aluminum, which affects the low cost.

It is easy to use the device, even an inexperienced person can handle it. The weight of the structure is small, which has a positive effect on transportation. There is no shoe and valve in the kit, you need to buy them yourself. The used thread type is М25х5, this is a universal solution.

The average cost is 14,900 rubles.

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Euro Cylinders 15 liters

A steel tank with a weight of 14.2 kg is suitable for continuous immersion under water. Working pressure is 200 bar, while test pressure is 342 bar. The diameter of the container is 20 cm. The shoe is included in the kit, so there is no need to buy it. The only thing a person will have to purchase is a carrying handle to increase convenience.

The average price is 19,500 rubles.

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XS Scuba 1 L aluminum

Convenient balloon with small capacity. The device is designed for small dives. The wall thickness is 11 mm, which is a good indicator. Working pressure - 205 bar.

The screw is included for easy use. Sold by a popular manufacturer that has received positive reviews from professional scuba divers. The weight of the structure is 1.2 kg.

Sold at a price: from 19,440 rubles.

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Vitkovice steel 12 liters 232 Bar 178 mm

A quality model that is sold assembled. The outer part is made of chrome-molybdenum steel, which affects the strength characteristics. In addition, the device features high corrosion resistance and good stability. Working pressure is 232 bar. The height of the tank is 625 mm, with a mass of 13.5 kg. Sold in many stores at a good discount.

The average cost is 25,000 rubles.

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Rating of the best models of the middle price segment

XS Scuba Luxfer 6 liters 207 Bar

Reliable aluminum cylinder with a volume of 6 liters. The equipment is suitable for short diving. The outer part is made of high quality and covered with a protective layer that prevents the formation of corrosion. The kit contains all the necessary elements, including screws for regulators. The reservoir is designed for over 100,000 operating cycles. Weight - 6.9 kg.

Sold at a price: from 31 855 rubles.

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Aqua Lung Steel Cylinders 15 liters

A good model that is made of chrome-molybdenum steel. Due to this, the strength characteristics are improved, as well as the corrosion resistance is increased. In addition, the outer part is covered with zinc and polyurethane film, which affects the convenience. The product is equipped with a comfortable handle, which allows you to move the tanks from one point to another with minimal effort.

The volume is 15 liters, which is quite enough for diving under the sea water. The product is completed with valves made of high quality brass with a minimum content of impurities. This fully complies with the requirements of NFA 51105. There is also a soft material flywheel that can absorb almost any impact.

Sold at a price of 30,000 rubles.

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BTS 232 bar 15 l

A reliable model that differs from analogs with a flat bottom. The equipment is made of durable steel, which is durable and anti-corrosion. It is sold without a valve, which is a disadvantage, as the person will have to pay extra for the purchase of this item. Test pressure 350 bar.

The average cost is 34,240 rubles.

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TOP popular models of the premium segment

Scubapro 15 liters

A quality triple-coated device for extended diving. Differs in high quality workmanship and durability. The product is completely protected against corrosion. An enhanced anti-oxidative treatment is also present. Sold with a valve and a shoe, so there will be no problems with transportation.

The average price is 43,120 rubles.

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Mares 15 liters 232 bar

The device is made of hardened steel, which improves strength and service life. Internal coating - phosphate coated with anti-corrosion treatment. The weight of the structure is about 15 kg. It is completed with all the necessary elements, which greatly simplifies the use.

Sold at a price of 45,500 rubles.

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Finally

To buy a quality cylinder, you need to pay attention to every little detail. Because when submerged under water, any malfunction will make itself felt that it may end badly. If you have experience using the models described in the rating, or more interesting representatives, tell us about it in the comments.