Rating of the best diving cylinders for 2022

Beginners are often intimidated by stories about exploding cylinders. This situation is real, but it can happen during the refueling process if the allowable pressure is exceeded or the device is so worn out that the pumped mixture breaks out of the slots. To avoid such misunderstandings, you should be careful about your equipment and pay more attention to its integrity. We will talk about the best diving tanks below.

What is diving

It is worth noting that diving is quite an exciting activity. Plunging under water for a considerable distance, you can explore the wonderful world, get a lot of positive emotions, take a photo with marine life. When a person has once been in a state of weightlessness, felt the slightest movement of water, the endless expanses of the sea, the silence and the incredible beauty of the underwater world, he will never give up such trips in the future. These dives are only possible with scuba gear.

In addition to scuba diving, you need to have the right equipment. Its main components look like this:

1. Wetsuit. In order to avoid mistakes when choosing, you must immediately decide what kind of water a person is going to dive into: fresh or salty, cold or warm. The model of the suit and the density of the fabric is selected based on the temperature of the water. You can choose products with a hood, a zipper on both sides and additional pockets.
2. Mask. Provides an opportunity to explore the beauty of the underwater world in all its diversity, without narrowing the view. The selection criteria are general: water temperature, length of stay at depth, individual features of the diver's face, diving depth. If a person has poor eyesight and wears lenses in everyday life, then it is worth considering purchasing a product with diopters.
3. A tube. Allows easy and simple breathing under water. The quality of this device depends on the mouthpiece. But you can swim in a mask and snorkel only at shallow depths. For significant dives, there is no need for a snorkel.
4. Flippers.You can, of course, do without such an element of equipment, but with their presence, the movements of the legs become smoother, resistance is overcome more easily and the speed of movement increases. What should be paid special attention to avoid mistakes when choosing? On the size, shape and material of manufacture of this item of equipment.
5. Regulator and octopus. One of the main items of diving equipment. Their main task is to ensure the supply of oxygen to the diver so that he is comfortable and safe under water. Octopus is a backup regulator that will save lives in the event of an unforeseen situation. Thanks to the regulator, at the moment of inhalation, air is supplied to the lungs of the diver.
6. Console or dive computer. A very useful thing and so necessary for independent diving, when you can rely solely on your own strength and knowledge. As a rule, they are equipped with a pressure gauge, a built-in compass, a depth gauge, which allows you to control the diving depth, water temperature, and other essential indicators. The most popular models, leading the rating of quality goods, are equipped with additional functionality.
7. Vest - buoyancy compensator. A very important part of diving. It provides the diver with zero buoyancy, thereby ensuring his free movement under water. What are the vests? The variety is impressive. The best manufacturers have successfully launched the production of such types of products: combining, ADV - vests, simple, "wings". Their main difference from each other is the level of stabilization of the diver in the water surface and its use, based on the degree of professionalism.Some companies produce models with additional pockets designed to store small things and accessories.
8. Cylinders. They differ in design features, appearance, parameters, oxygen volume and material of manufacture.

How to choose and where to buy

Recommendations of experts are reduced to the following. The first thing you need to decide for yourself is which option to opt for: steel or aluminum. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with their characteristics, review the best models, see reviews. In the comparative table we give a description of steel and aluminum products identical in their functions and dimensions:

Options	Steel	Aluminum
The size	More compact.	Significant parameters.
The weight	Heavier.	It is lighter, but for greater strength of the product, it is necessary to make thick walls, which leads to weighting of the finished product.
Characteristics	Lasting.	Subject to mechanical damage.
Volume	Over time, the amount of oxygen injected decreases. Crimping is carried out not by every enterprise.	It remains unchanged throughout the entire period of operation.
Buoyancy	Smaller.	Big.
Operational period	The maximum number of cycles is 100000.	The maximum number of cycles is 100000.
wear resistance	They start to rust over time.	No cracks or oxidation, but dents from blunt objects are possible.
Service	Crimping is required once every five years and proper maintenance.	Requires pressure testing once every five years and proper maintenance.

Which company is better to choose a product for diving depends on many factors, including individual preferences of a person. Manufacturers produce popular models of various types, with and without additional features, inexpensive and at a significant price.Every year, new items are presented to the public, which, according to buyers, are worth paying attention to.

It is best to visit specialized outlets, see what it costs, decide on a set, design, filling features, find out how much air is enough, valve type and other nuances. You can order products online in the online store. But you need to clearly understand which one is better to buy, so as not to become the owner of a low-quality product.

You can, of course, make an oxygen cylinder with your own hands, using improvised materials. Step by step instructions are available online. But it should be borne in mind that not only health, but also the life of a diver depends on the quality of such a design. Therefore, before proceeding with the manufacture of such specific products on your own, think a thousand times about the possible negative consequences and provide an opportunity for professionals to manufacture this kind of product on high-precision equipment using innovative technologies.

Basic Maintenance Tips

Owners of scuba diving equipment should clearly know and follow the basic rules below.

Make sure that water does not get inside the structure

For steel models, this is fraught with a complete loss of functionality. Aluminum products will undergo oxidation, which will lead to air pollution and weaken the quality of the metal. Unlike steel, oxidized aluminum is not a serious problem. When coating the walls of the structure further oxidation. The powdery white compound can have a negative effect on the internal components of the regulator, but the cylinder itself is practically not affected. Ultimately, you can carry out its high-quality cleaning.

As for rusting or oxidizing steel, this type of destruction can be devastating and play a trick on the diver at the most inopportune moment. When salt water gets inside, it reacts with rust. If the unit is stored in a horizontal position, then soon it will turn into a rocket projectile. It is best to store the device in an upright position to prevent rusting of the side walls. If the structures are filled with nitrox, then the possibility of an explosion is very real, since the mixture contains a large amount of oxygen.

As a rule, water gets inside the product during the refueling period. To avoid these troubles, you should take the following steps:

1. Wipe the top of the fixture with a towel.
2. Before installing the filling hose, it is worth opening the valve for a fraction of a second. Even a small amount of escaping air will remove water droplets from the surface.
3. Be sure to blow out the hose. The master, before connecting the filling hose to the tap, will without fail blow it with an air stream.
4. Try not to use barrels of water in the refueling process. Cold water will cool the structure a little, but it will not at all protect against a possible explosion.
5. Under no circumstances should the tank be completely empty. If this happens, close the valve tightly. Otherwise, moisture from the surrounding space will get inside, which will lead to negative consequences.

Get serious about scheduled checks

Every year carefully inspect your cylinders for small cracks, corrosion, dents and other mechanical damage. Even the smallest rust spots must be dealt with in order to prevent them from growing, which will lead to the unusability of the product.The task of a professional inspector is to check the outer part of the structure and identify chips, dents, and corrosion. Using a bright light, check the interior of the structure. A dental mirror will help to examine the quality of the thread so that there are no abrasions and chips. Much attention should be paid to the quality of the sealing rings and the good condition of the valve.

It should be borne in mind that not all inspectors are experts in their field. Some of them have not been properly trained, which negatively affects the quality of their work.

Before submitting your unit for inspection, you should take the following steps:

1. Check with the inspector for a certificate.
2. Ask leading questions: “What did you see?”, “Why did you draw such conclusions?”, “How will this affect the functionality of the product?” and so on. The answers received should sound clear, distinct and confident, the information should be presented in an accessible language for the average person, and not in intricate phrases that are incomprehensible even to a professional.
3. Attach a sticker with any image to the device. If the inspector does not remove it to check the quality of the surface under it, then he is doing his job poorly.

Once every five years, in addition to visual inspection, a hydrostatic test must be carried out. This procedure involves completely filling the balloon with water and raising the pressure to 5/3 of the indicated indicator on the neck. At first, the volume of the pressure vessel increases, then gradually decreases to atmospheric pressure. At the same time, its volume is constantly measured. The data obtained will tell you how "tired" the metal is.

Rating of the best diving cylinders for 2022

Inexpensive models

EuroCylinder, 10l

Budget model for 10 liters, made of chromium-molybdenum steel. Differs in resistance to corrosion and excellent durability. The outer part is covered with zinc, as well as polyester or polyurethane film. The thread for installing the valve on the neck is M 25 x 2 ISO. It is possible to complete with Aqua Lung valves: with two outlets (V-shaped), with one outlet (Z-shaped).

The average price is 18,000 rubles.

• in a set there is a shoe for a cylinder;
• the quality of the material of manufacture;
• the presence of an anti-corrosion coating;
• reliability;
• long service life;
• optimal parameters: 570 x 171 mm.

• valve is not included.

Luxfer 6.8l

The design is produced by an American company. It is very popular among professional divers. Belongs to the type of light and ultra safe devices. It weighs 3.8 kg, withstands a working pressure of 300 atm. The global manufacturer constantly monitors the quality and reliability of its products, acquaints its admirers with new products.

The average cost is 10990 rubles.

• implemented with drager valve;
• light weight;
• compactness;
• leads the rating of quality goods;
• optimal color;
• modern design;
• a budget option.

• no manometer.

Luxfer LCX 6.8l

An American brand manufactures products in a Chinese facility. The world sales leader constantly monitors the quality of the goods produced and is responsible for their reliability and durability. The model belongs to the category of light and safe. Used by both professional divers and beginners.Withstands a test pressure of 450 Atm., It is operated with a working pressure of 300 Atm.

The product can be purchased in specialized stores at a price of 9900 rubles per unit.

• impeccability;
• long service life;
• reliability;
• functionality;
• safety;
• Manometer included.

• not installed.

Middle segment products

Catalina 11.1l

By production of cylinders the high-strength aluminum alloy of type 6061 - T6 is used. Thanks to the use of seamless technology, the product is strong and durable. Manufactured in strict compliance with the requirements of the American Department of Transportation (DOT) 3AL and Transport Canada (TC) 3ALM. Each manufactured unit is individually inspected and tested by the Independent Authorized Testing Agency DOT and TC.

Working pressure - 200 bar, height - 65.4 cm, diameter - 18.4 cm. This model can be bought at a price of 26,090 rubles.

• high quality material;
• thread type - ¾ PS * 14;
• wear resistance;
• reliability;
• comfort;
• safety.

• no shoe and valve included.

Vitkovice, 12l, 230 bar

Steel construction with a 12-liter volume does not fit the concept of "mini". A distinctive feature - in the kit there is a shoe and a valve. Produced exclusively in black. The material of manufacture is chromium-molybdenum steel, which is not afraid of corrosion. Thread - M 25/2 (European standard), container diameter - 17.8 cm, rounded bottom.

The average cost is 25,000 rubles.

• practical;
• comfortable;
• safe;
• comfortable;
• functional;
• withstands significant pressure of 230 bar;
• equipped with a shoe;
• excellent combination of price and quality.

• The kit does not include a handle, mesh and valve.

XS Scuba, 2l

High-quality products are manufactured at the American Luxfer plant. The main difference from similar models is the presence of a din valve and an adapter - yoke screws. How to refuel? Use gas mixtures whose oxygen content does not exceed 40%. Tank diameter - 11.1 cm, volume - 2 liters, weight - 2.7 kg, walls 116 mm thick, maximum working pressure - 207 bar, height including valve - 41.0 cm.

The average price is 21850 rubles.

• long service life - at least 10 years;
• reliability;
• high quality of the materials used;
• pleasant yellow tint;
• thread ¾ - 14 NPSM.

• not installed.

Steel Cylinders

Steel structures are well-deservedly popular among professional divers due to the use of high-quality materials and innovative technologies in their manufacture. Chrome molybdenum steel is durable and corrosion resistant. Outside, the products are galvanized and covered with polyester or polyurethane film. Available in different volumes: 18, 15, 12 and 10 liters. The larger the displacement, the larger the diameter of the structure (from 20.4 cm to 17.1 cm, respectively).

The kit includes shoes and various valves (Z or T.A.G - valve), as well as handles and protective nets. The valves are made of high-strength brass, which meets the requirements of the French standard NFA 51105. This implies a minimum amount of impurities included in it.A multi-layer coating is used as protection. Withstands operating pressure up to 230 bar.

When designing the valve, a smooth increase in pressure in high-pressure chambers was provided. This allows them to operate for quite a long time. As for the flywheel, it is made of a soft type material that can level the impact force. The presence of a hexagonal shape makes it easy and simple, in a short period of time, to remove the flywheel and carry out maintenance work.

The average price is 24924 rubles.

• reliability;
• resistance to corrosion;
• ergonomic handle;
• ease of transportation;
• comfort;
• quality of materials;
• good combination of price and quality.

• missing.

Faber Cylinders

The Italian company supplies steel cylinders of the highest quality and reliability to the market. Manufactured using chromium molybdenum steel. External zinc coating, as well as polyester or polyurethane film. Many diving enthusiasts prefer this particular manufacturer, as they are confident in the use of modern technologies, a quality control system for manufactured goods, covering all stages of production.

The models entering the stores fully comply with the requirements of national and international standards. Cylinders supplied to domestic stores comply with GOSTs and are inspected by the Gosgortekhnadzor of the Russian Federation, have a certificate of conformity and have received permission to use.

Absolutely all cylinders of the company are equipped with rubber shoes, thanks to which they are convenient to store and transport.On the neck there is a thread M 25 * 2 ISO for a high quality brass valve. The strength index is increased due to the multi-layer protective coating and external chrome plating. Withstands a pressure of 232 bar. Produced exclusively in white.

The average cost is 30,000 rubles.

• the valves have a special screw-in insert that can be removed when using the DIN standard;
• the optimal design of the valve mechanism, which allows for a smooth increase in pressure;
• long service life;
• large displacement;
• reliability;
• ease of use.

• not identified.

Premium product

BTS, 12l

The product is made of chrome-molybdenum steel, equipped with a shoe and a valve. It is not subject to corrosion, therefore, with proper use and proper storage, it will last a fairly long period of time. A significant volume of the balloon will allow you to stay under water for a long period, which will give you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world and the uniqueness of its inhabitants. The thread fits European cylinders, the bottom is rounded, the container diameter is 20.4 cm.

The goods are sold at a price of 34,560 rubles.

• practicality;
• comfort;
• reliability;
• durability;
• ease of maintenance;
• anti-corrosion coating;
• good combination of price and quality.

• not installed.

EuroCylinder, 18l

The manufacturer produces a chromium-molybdenum steel structure, which is rightfully valued for its high strength and corrosion resistance. The outer layer of the product is galvanized and covered with a polyester or polyurethane film.On a mouth there is a carving for the M 25 x 2 ISO valve. Devices can be equipped with Aqua lung valves with two or one outlet, as well as a shoe. The diameter of the container is 20.3 cm, the height is 65 cm, the volume is quite large - 18 liters, withstands an operating pressure of 232 bar.

The product can be purchased at a price of 40280 rubles.

• complies with European standards;
• reliability;
• comfort in use;
• long service life;
• high quality of the materials used.

• not identified.

Scubapro, 12l

The aluminum kit is manufactured by the American company Luxfer. The kit includes a DIN valve and a YOKE screw-in adapter, as well as a transport net and a shoe. Can be used with gas mixtures in which the oxygen content does not exceed 40 percent. Operates for 10 years or 100,000 cycles. Small diameter - 18.4 cm, weight is 14.2 kg, height (including valve) - 72 cm, working pressure - 207 bar.

The average price is 35080 rubles.

• functionality;
• quality;
• durability;
• wear resistance;
• anti-corrosion properties;
• affordable price;
• there is a twist in the kit;
• available in various shades: orange, green, black, purple, red, blue, polished metal.

• missing.

Conclusion

Before making a final decision on the purchase of a particular diving cylinder, you need to decide on the material of its manufacture. Currently, manufacturers prefer two options: steel and aluminum, or rather, aluminum alloy.Until recently, one could see products made of titanium, steel and fiber on store shelves. Today this is a rarity.

Steel structures are highly durable, which makes it possible to endure external mechanical shocks. Empty cylinders do not have very good buoyancy, which allows you to save on cargo. Such units are very popular among diving enthusiasts around the world. The only significant drawback of such cylinders is careful maintenance. Otherwise, they can quickly corrode and become unusable.

As for aluminum models, they are most often subjected to mechanical damage. When hitting hard objects, scratches, dents, chips appear. This is due to the fact that aluminum is much lighter and softer than steel. Despite their low weight, they have significant dimensions. The main difference is excellent buoyancy. Such designs are preferred by those who have just begun to get involved in diving.

There are instances with a pump and compressor included, but there are the most common ones, without additional frills. Despite the variety of options offered, in most cases only a few types of cylinders are chosen, one of which is a single scuba that is equipped with one large cylinder and one regulator. This set has many benefits:

• ease of use;
• affordable price;
• single system;
• reliability;
• comfort;
• practicality.

If an emergency situation occurs and the scuba gear becomes unusable, the air will stop flowing to the diver and he will begin to suffocate.Such designs are not recommended for diving with "overhead" environments (in caves, under ice, inside shipwrecks, etc.).

Divers often dive with rental equipment. As a rule, the assortment there is small and you have to choose from what is offered. You should be careful with such devices. Before using them, it is necessary to conduct a high-quality visualization for the absence of scratches, chips, dents, rusty areas and other mechanical damage. It is worth remembering that the quality of equipment is the key to the safety of a diver. Everything else depends on the person himself, his skills, experience and dexterity.