Question

If you always had your choice, aluminum or steel tanks? Why?

Answer 1

There are a lot of variables with that. So here are the pros and cons.

1.  Steel tanks buoyancy fluctuates less than aluminum tanks. This provides an opportunity to reduce weight on your belt. That to me is a big bonus

2.  Although steel tanks typically have lower fill pressures, they can in many cases out perform the standard 80 cube aluminum’s. The HP 108+ is a favorite of mine. Even if you are an air hog, you will typical beat out anyone on your boat. Even if they have a 100 cube aluminum. Note the + as it means you can over fill the tank

3. Steel tanks are more negatively buoyant than aluminum... once again, less weight is needed

4. Steel tanks take a little more care and inspection as they rust.

5. Din valves commonly come on steel. This allows you flexibility if you purchase a yoke adapter. Din I’m my opinion is a better system for many reasons, but the most important is that you know the health of your o ring.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

I like Steel. Beause of the weight.

Answer 3

I like Aluminum because of rust issues

Answer 4

First, I think it would be a geographic influenced decision -IE: warm water is mostly if not always aluminum due to the weight/ buoyancy ratio where cold water divers use steel tanks more often again the same ratio.  Aluminum tanks are used here too in cold water but less desired.  

Being a CA diver I prefer and use a HP 100 Steel and would never consider anything else now.  I have used aluminum before and noticed a big difference especially in the amount of weight subtracted. When diving in HI they only had aluminum and they were ok for that.

one word- preference!

Answer 5

For cave diving I like HP steel 120s.

Answer 6

I like steel 100’s, makes for a longer dive.