Is there a sweet spot for SCBA tank size when it comes to cost? Seems like the smallest tanks run between $300-$350 for 100cu inches where as a 74cu foot tank is only $150ish more and that is a lot more tank for the money. Where is the happy medium here? Also, do any of the big retailers historically put tanks on sale for Black Friday?
SCBA Size Cost/Benefit Ratio?
- Thread starter Ambassador
- Start date
For SCBA tanks there are only three sizes. 44, 66, and 88 cu ft. There are a few in between, like 45+ minutes or about 74 or 75 cu ft but those are few and far between. Some sellers call their 66 cu ft tanks 74 or 75. Others call their 88 cu ft tanks 98 or even 100 cu ft. But physically they are the same. The Mid size ones are lighter than the large but easily hold enough for lots of fills.
Upvote 0
IMO the 100 CI tanks are virtually useless unless you have your own compressor. Unless you have a specific reason for needing a small bottle like carrying it in a backpack, stick with the 6.8 litre or larger.
Upvote 0
If you're filling the tanks yourself with your own compressor go for the 44 cu ft to make life easier for the compressor.
If you're going to a dive shop or paintball shop etc for fills, go with the 88 cu ft.
If you're going to a dive shop or paintball shop etc for fills, go with the 88 cu ft.
Upvote 0
Jimmy nailed it. If you don't have a compressor, go big. You can never have too much air!
Stoti
Stoti
Upvote 0
The big ones are heavy. You may like a medium to small size if you plan to hump (on your back or in a duffle) the tank while hunting.
Upvote 0
Beyond cost there's transport and usability you might consider.
I have both the 66 and 88 SCBA tanks and although I get more fills from the 88, it's not the tank I grab first. I find the 66 is easier to load in the car or truck, easier to hand carry, fits on or around the shooting bench better.
I bought used tanks on eBay from firehouses that had a year or so left on their 15 year life because I have a 4500 PSI large 220v compressor so I never have to get a commercial fill and worry about bottle life.
You should read this about bottle life too and how they are really good for 30 years ( if kept moisture free and not physically damaged or by leaving them in a hot car because the heat is weakens the composite)
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/d00b78_72625b919876457fb9191418c1259c6b.pdf
If you want to find where that article came from its from here https://www.digitalwavecorp.com/scba-life-extension-1
If you buy 'end of life' 15 year bottles in good condition you can get them for $60 to $100 if you shop around.
I have both the 66 and 88 SCBA tanks and although I get more fills from the 88, it's not the tank I grab first. I find the 66 is easier to load in the car or truck, easier to hand carry, fits on or around the shooting bench better.
I bought used tanks on eBay from firehouses that had a year or so left on their 15 year life because I have a 4500 PSI large 220v compressor so I never have to get a commercial fill and worry about bottle life.
You should read this about bottle life too and how they are really good for 30 years ( if kept moisture free and not physically damaged or by leaving them in a hot car because the heat is weakens the composite)
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/d00b78_72625b919876457fb9191418c1259c6b.pdf
If you want to find where that article came from its from here https://www.digitalwavecorp.com/scba-life-extension-1
If you buy 'end of life' 15 year bottles in good condition you can get them for $60 to $100 if you shop around.
Upvote 0
It’s Goldie locks and the three bears for me. The larger the better but I find the big one just a little heavy. Other then that go big unless you really need a transportable one.
As for compressors. I’ve got one but have gone to nitrogen. I switched out tanks yesterday for $94. You can’t beat that . I had to pick it up and that’s a hassle but I can top off my 74 omega tank in a couple minutes. Pm me if you are interested in going N
As for compressors. I’ve got one but have gone to nitrogen. I switched out tanks yesterday for $94. You can’t beat that . I had to pick it up and that’s a hassle but I can top off my 74 omega tank in a couple minutes. Pm me if you are interested in going N
Upvote 0
As above, it seems it is whatever fits your personal needs. How often do you shoot away from a compressor and how much could you shoot in such a case with a smaller bottle. I bought the largest available because it allows me to shoot more with fewer top offs. It is a little heavier and a bit more bulky but it isn't "difficult" to manage. All relative to one's needs.
Upvote 0
Mine is a 106cu/ft carbon fiber wrapped from luxfer max rating 4350 psi, I believe is just under 300bar. I can top off my guns many times before II need to refill the bottle which I find convenient.I would guestimate the weight around 30lbs? they are selling for 500.00 If interested just look up luxfer cylinders
Upvote 0
I just got a used scba 45 min tank a couple of months ago. It has 4more years left before it reaches the 15 year mark. I only paid around 100 dollars shipped to my door. It's in being hydro tested but should get it back tommarrow hopefully. My plan is to get a shoebox compressor before the 4 years are up so I can fill it myself later.
Upvote 0
Like already said, buy big. But it depends on your situation. I prefer the smaller tanks. Easy to handle, store and fill. I have a small 70 ci 4500 unregulated that I carry in a hydration pack to top off my big bores if I am camping/hunting. A 90 ci 4500 regulated that I use for filling the Mrod, Disco or low pressure pistols. A 30 min 4500 for just shooting with friends and a 60 min 4500 for tethering on the bench or to take on vacation trips. They all have their places. I do have 2 ShoeBox compressors so they are not a problem to keep filled. So buying used tanks is the way to go. But you have to watch what you are buying. But if you are taking them in for filling, buy the biggest you can afford. Then add a little more coin and buy a bigger one yet! If I were starting new and know what I know now, I would have bought the ShoeBox and a used 30 min 4500 psi tank. Would cover every situation.
Upvote 0