Rating of the best diving cylinders for 2020

Newbies are often intimidated by tales of 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. In order to avoid such misunderstandings, you should be careful about your equipment and pay more attention to its integrity. We will tell you about the best diving cylinders below.

What is diving

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

In addition to scuba gear, you need to have the right equipment. Its main components are as follows:

1. Wetsuit. In order to avoid mistakes when choosing, it is necessary to immediately determine which water a person is going to dive into: fresh or salty, cold or warm. Suit model and fabric density are selected based on the water temperature. You can choose products with a hood, 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, duration 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 underwater. The quality of this device depends on the mouthpiece. But swimming with a mask and snorkel is possible only at shallow depths. No snorkel is required for substantial dives.
4. Flippers. You can, of course, do without such an element of equipment, but if they are present, the movements of the legs become smoother, resistance is overcome more easily and the speed of movement increases. What should you pay special attention to in order 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 elements of diving equipment. Their main task is to ensure the supply of oxygen to the diver so that it is comfortable and safe underwater. Octopus is a backup regulator that will save lives in the event of an emergency. Thanks to the regulator, at the moment of inhalation, air is supplied to the diver's lungs.
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, built-in compass, depth gauge, which allows you to control the diving depth, water temperature, and other significant indicators. The most popular models, leading the rating of quality products, are equipped with additional functionality.
7. Vest - buoyancy compensator... A very important component when diving. It provides the diver with zero buoyancy, thereby ensuring free movement underwater. What vests are there? The variety is impressive. The best manufacturers have successfully launched the following 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 firms produce models with additional pockets designed to store all kinds of 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

The experts' recommendations are as follows. 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, and see reviews. In the comparative table, we present a description of steel and aluminum products identical in their functions and dimensions:

Parameters	Steel	Aluminum
The size	More compact.	Significant in parameters.
Weight	Heavier.	Lighter, but for greater strength of the product, thick walls have to be made, which leads to a heavier finished product.
Specifications	Lasting.	Subject to mechanical damage.
Volume	Over time, the volume of oxygen injected decreases. Not every enterprise carries out pressure testing.	Remains unchanged throughout the entire service life.
Buoyancy	Smaller.	Big.
Operational period	The maximum number of cycles is 100,000.	The maximum number of cycles is 100,000.
Wear resistance	They begin to rust over time.	No cracks and oxidation, but dents from blunt objects are possible.
Service	A pressure test is required every five years and proper maintenance.	A pressure test every five years and proper care is required.

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 functions, inexpensive and at a significant price. Every year, new items are presented to the public, which, in the opinion of buyers, are worth paying attention to.

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

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

Basic maintenance tips

Scuba diving equipment owners should clearly know and follow the basic rules below.

Make sure that no water gets inside the structure

For steel models, this is fraught with a complete loss of functionality. Aluminum products undergo oxidation, which will lead to air pollution and weakening of the quality of the metal. Unlike steel, oxidized aluminum is not a serious problem. When covering the walls of the structure, further oxidation. The powdery white composition can have a negative effect on the internal components of the regulator, but the cylinder itself will hardly be damaged. Ultimately, it can be cleaned properly.

As for rusting or oxidizing steel, this type of destruction can be disastrous and play a cruel joke with 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 missile. It is best to store the device upright to prevent rusting of the side walls. If the structures are filled with nitrox, then the possibility of an explosion is very real, since there is a high content of oxygen in the mixture.

As a rule, water gets inside the product during the refueling period. To avoid these troubles, it is worth taking the following steps:

1. Wipe the top of the fixture with a towel.
2. Before installing the filler hose, open the valve for a split second. Even a small amount of escaping air will remove water droplets from the surface.
3. It is imperative to blow out the hose. Before connecting the filling hose to the krantik, the foreman will certainly blow it with an air stream.
4. Try not to use barrels of water while refueling. Cold water will slightly cool the structure, but it will not at all protect against a possible explosion.
5. Under no circumstances should the container be completely emptied. If this happens, close the valve tightly. Otherwise, moisture from the surrounding space will get inside, which will lead to negative consequences.

Take routine checks seriously

Every year, carefully inspect your cylinders for small cracks, corrosion, dents and other mechanical damage. Even the smallest stains of rust must be dealt with in order to prevent them from enlarging, which will lead to the product being unusable. 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 inside of the structure. A dental mirror will help you study the quality of the thread so that there are no abrasions and chips. Much attention should be paid to the quality of the O-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 received proper training, which negatively affects the quality of their work.

Before giving your unit for inspection, you should take the following actions:

1. Check the certificate with the inspector.
2. Ask leading questions: "What did you see?", "Why did you draw such conclusions?", "How will this affect the functionality of the product?" etc. The answers received should sound clear, intelligible and confident, the information should be presented in a language accessible to the layman, and not in intricate phrases 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 performed. This procedure involves completely filling the cylinder with water and raising the pressure to 5/3 of the indicated indicator at the neck. Initially, the volume of the container under pressure increases, then gradually decreases to atmospheric. Moreover, its volume is constantly measured. The data obtained will tell you how "tired" the metal is.

Rating of the best diving cylinders for 2020

Inexpensive models

EuroCylinder, 10l

Budget model for 10 liters, made of chrome-molybdenum steel.Differs in corrosion resistance 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. Available with Aqua Lung valves: with two outlets (V-shaped), with one outlet (Z-shaped).

The average price is 18,000 rubles.

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

• no valve included.

Luxfer, 6.8l

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

The average cost is 10,990 rubles.

• implemented with a drager valve;
• insignificant weight;
• compactness;
• tops the rating of quality products;
• optimal color;
• modern design;
• a budget option.

• lack of a pressure gauge.

Luxfer LCX 6.8l

The American brand produces products at a Chinese enterprise. The world sales leader constantly monitors the quality of the goods produced and is responsible for its 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., Is operated with a working pressure of 300 atm.

The product can be purchased in specialized stores at a price of 9,900 rubles per item.

• impeccability;
• long service life;
• reliability;
• functionality;
• safety;
• the set includes a pressure gauge.

• not installed.

Medium segment products

Catalina, 11.1l

High-strength aluminum alloy 6061 - T6 is used in the production of cylinders. Thanks to the use of seamless technology, the product is strong and durable. Manufactured in strict compliance with US Department of Transportation (DOT) 3AL and Canadian Department of Transportation (TC) 3ALM requirements. Each unit produced is individually inspected and tested by an Independent Authorized Testing Agency DOT and TS.

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

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

• lack of shoe and valve included.

Vitcovice, 12l, 230 bar

The steel construction with a 12-liter volume does not fit the term "mini". A distinctive feature - the set includes a shoe and a valve. Available exclusively in black. The material of manufacture is chromium-molybdenum steel, which is not afraid of corrosion. Thread - М 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 set lacks 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 a yoke screw adapter. How to refuel correctly? Use gas mixtures, the oxygen content of which does not exceed 40%. The diameter of the container is 11.1 cm, the volume is 2 liters, the weight is 2.7 kg, the walls are 116 mm thick, the maximum working pressure is 207 bar, the height including the valve is 41.0 cm.

The average price is 21,850 rubles.

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

• not installed.

Steel cylinders

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

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

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

The average price is 24,924 rubles.

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

• absent.

Faber cylinders

The Italian company supplies the market with steel cylinders of the highest quality and reliability. In the manufacture of used chromium-molybdenum steel. The outer coating is zinc, 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 arriving on the shelves of the stores fully comply with the requirements of national and international standards. The 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 of the company's cylinders are equipped with rubber shoes, thanks to which they are convenient to store and transport. The neck has a M 25 * 2 ISO thread for a high quality brass valve. The strength index is increased by multi-layer protective coating and external chrome plating. Withstands pressure of 232 bar. Available 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;
• optimal design of the valve mechanism, allowing smooth pressure build-up;
• long service life;
• large displacement;
• reliability;
• ease of use.

• not identified.

Premium class goods

BTS, 12l

The products are made of chrome-molybdenum steel, complete with a shoe and a valve. It does not corrode, therefore, with proper use and proper storage, it will serve for 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 to your fullest. The thread is suitable for European cylinders, the bottom is rounded, the diameter of the container is 20.4 cm.

The product is sold at a price of 34,560 rubles.

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

• not installed.

EuroCylinder, 18l

The manufacturer produces a chromium-molybdenum steel structure, which is rightly appreciated for its high strength and corrosion resistance. The outer layer of the product is galvanized and covered with polyester or polyurethane film. The neck has a thread for an M 25 x 2 ISO valve. The devices can be supplied 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 large enough - 18 liters, withstands an operating pressure of 232 bar.

The product can be purchased at a price of 40,280 rubles.

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

• not identified.

Scubapro, 12l

The aluminum kit is manufactured at the American company Luxfer. The set includes a DIN-type valve and an adapter - YOKE screw, 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 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;
• the set includes a screw;
• available in various shades: orange, green, black, purple, red, blue, polished metal.

• absent.

Conclusion

Before making the final decision on the purchase of a specific diving cylinder, you need to decide on the material of its manufacture. Currently, manufacturers give preference to two options: steel and aluminum, or rather, aluminum alloy. Until recently, titanium, steel and fiber products could be seen on store shelves. Today it is very rare.

Steel structures are highly durable, which makes it possible to withstand 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 all over the world. The only significant drawback of such cylinders is thorough care. Otherwise, they can quickly corrode and become unusable.

As for aluminum models, they are most often subject 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 started 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, which is equipped with one large cylinder and one regulator. This set has many benefits:

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

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

Divers often dive with rented equipment. As a rule, the assortment there is small and you have to choose from what is offered. You should be careful about 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 the equipment is the guarantee of the diver's safety. Everything else depends on the person himself, his skill, experience and skill.