We recently got our hands on the Faber FX Series 100 cu ft High Pressure Tank and have been putting it through its paces. Right out of the box, we noticed its sturdy build and sleek blue steel finish, giving an immediate sense of durability. It’s made for serious divers looking for a reliable dive companion.
With this tank, ease of use meets safety, thanks to its well-designed yoke valve and oxygen-cleaned interior, making it ready for Nitrox use. It’s apparent that attention to detail was a priority in its construction. The self-draining boot is a nice touch, keeping the tank stable on varying surfaces.
This Faber tank boasts great buoyancy and feels less bulky underwater compared to aluminum alternatives. It also holds up well to rough use, perfect for those who like exploring more rugged underwater terrains. Some users noted minor differences between the product image and the actual tank, but it didn’t impact its performance.
Bottom Line
The Faber FX Series Tank stands up as a robust and reliable choice for diving enthusiasts.
Its well-thought-out design and strong materials deliver performance and longevity.
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Overview of the Faber FX Series 100 cu ft High Pressure Blue Steel Tank
Our experience with this tank reveals its sturdy build and reliable performance for diving adventures. Crafted from high-pressure steel, its durability stands out, providing us with peace of mind. The blue steel finish complements its corrosion-resistant features, making it ideal for diverse aquatic conditions.
While using it, the self-draining boot and DIN/Yoke valve showed practical design, allowing easier maintenance. We appreciate that it’s oxygen-cleaned and ready for Nitrox use, which adds versatility. The weight is significant, which can be a factor during transport, but it balances well underwater.
This is a tank built to last, sticking to high safety standards with DOT and Transport Canada approvals. As a scuba enthusiast, it suits our needs for reliable diving equipment, though carrying it requires some muscle.
High Pressure Steel Advantage
When it comes to diving gear, safety and reliability are key. The Faber FX tank offers impressive high-pressure capability, going up to 3442 psi. This makes our dives last longer without needing to swap tanks frequently. Its steel construction gives it a solid feel and durability, which is reassuring underwater.
Pros:
- Durable Design: The steel construction resists corrosion, promising long-lasting performance.
- Pressure Capacity: With its high-pressure limit, it supports longer dive times.
Cons:
- Weight: At 34.3 lbs, it can be heavy, which might feel cumbersome when out of the water.
The tank’s reliability makes it a strong contender for both recreational diving and more challenging underwater adventures. This high-pressure advantage gives us confidence when diving, allowing us to focus on enjoying the experience.
Durability and Finish
We’ve taken this Faber tank on multiple dives, and it’s built to last. Its steel construction provides a reassuring sturdiness, and it doesn’t get easily damaged. Even with regular handling, the tank’s finish remains clean and unfazed by minor scratches or bumps.
The blue color is not only attractive but also resistant to fading over time. Some tanks tend to lose their luster after repeated use, but this one holds up well. While a slight caveat is that the weight might surprise those used to aluminum tanks, the addition to our dive gear has been a positive experience in durability.
Overall, it’s clear that this product is designed to withstand the typical wear and tear of diving. It continues to look and perform excellently, making it a good choice for divers seeking reliable equipment.
Nitrox Compatibility
Using our scuba tank felt smooth when we tried it with nitrox mixes. It’s built to handle high pressure, so you feel safe knowing it won’t let you down during a dive. Switching between standard air and nitrox is easy, thanks to the versatile DIN/Yoke valve.
On the upside, that flexibility means more diving options for us. Some divers might miss a specific feature if they’re used to advanced computers for gauging nitrox levels, but our experience was hassle-free. We didn’t notice any performance drop, and the steel build felt robust underwater. It’s a reliable choice for divers who enjoy using different gas mixes.
Ease of Handling and Transportation
When it comes to moving the Faber FX Tank, we noticed that its weight is a manageable challenge. At around 34 pounds without the valve, it’s not the lightest option out there. We found it necessary to plan our transport accordingly, especially when a long walk from the car to the dive site is involved. The size, however, is handy for stashing in car trunks or dive lockers, thanks to its compact height and diameter.
The durable steel build inspires confidence in carrying it around. Having both DIN and yoke valve options also gives versatility in different situations, which we found quite practical. Still, lifting and carrying it calls for some strength, so it’s advisable to ensure you have a comfortable grip. While not the easiest tank to handle due to its weight, its robust and compact design offers a good balance for reliable transport.
Pros and Cons
Pros
This high-pressure steel tank from Faber impressed us with its strong build and efficient design. Its robust structure provides excellent buoyancy control, making it a great choice for divers who want a stable, easy-to-handle tank in the water. The 100 cubic feet capacity ensures plenty of air supply for longer dives, which is a big plus for both beginners and seasoned divers.
The tank’s steel construction helps drop about four pounds from a diver’s weight as opposed to an aluminum tank, which we found quite beneficial for comfortable diving. Also, it’s prepared for Nitrox use, offering flexibility for different diving needs. We appreciated that it arrived well-packaged and quickly, a testament to good shipping practices.
Cons
While we really like the Faber FX Tank, there are a couple of drawbacks to note. For one, the tank is on the heavier side, weighing in at 34.3 pounds, which might be a little cumbersome for some users to carry around, especially without assistance. Another thing we noticed is the description mentions a flat-bottom design, but there’s a discrepancy between what the picture shows and the actual product. This might confuse some buyers expecting a specific look.
Although it performs well, the tank’s price point could be a hurdle for those on a tight budget, especially compared to aluminum alternatives.
Customer Sentiments
Based on feedback from those who have used the Faber FX Series Tank, we note that many users appreciate its durability and fast shipping. The tank is praised for its steel construction, which seems to help divers by reducing weight compared to aluminum tanks. We noticed comments about its excellent build quality, mentioning it can withstand rough handling.
There was some confusion about the tank’s bottom design, which was clarified upon reaching out to the seller. This indicates good customer service, even if initial impressions did not match the expectations set by product images. Overall, while individual experiences may vary slightly, the general sentiment toward this scuba tank remains positive with high satisfaction.
Conclusion
The Faber FX Series tank has impressed us with its durability and performance. Its steel construction makes it more buoyant and allows divers to drop some weight compared to aluminum tanks. We appreciate how well it’s balanced underwater, making dives more enjoyable.
The packaging and shipping process was smooth and prompt, ensuring a hassle-free purchase. While we noticed a discrepancy between the advertised and actual tank bottom shape, it didn’t affect function, and customer support was helpful in clarifying this. Overall, Faber’s reliability and build quality stand out, which is why this tank is a solid choice for diving enthusiasts looking for a dependable high-pressure tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specifications of the Faber FX Series high pressure steel scuba tanks?
We’ve tested the Faber FX Series, and they truly stand out in terms of build and features. These tanks have a height of 25.39 inches and a diameter of 7.24 inches. Without the valve, they weigh about 34.3 pounds, making them quite sturdy. They’re crafted for high pressure at 3442 psi, and they come with oxygen cleaning, which suits them for Nitrox use. Each Faber tank includes a durable corrosion-resistant finish.
How does the weight of a steel 100 scuba tank compare to an aluminum 80?
Weight can be a determining factor for many divers. Our experience showed that steel tanks generally weigh more than aluminum ones. Specifically, the Faber FX100 holds up to 100 cubic feet while weighing 34.3 pounds without the valve. In comparison, Aluminum 80 tanks, common among divers, tend to weigh less but don’t hold quite as much air. This makes steel tanks like the FX100 a bit heavier to handle but more efficient in air storage.
What is the buoyancy profile of the Faber FX Series 100 cu ft tank?
The buoyancy of the FX Series tanks is something we noticed right away. Steel tanks naturally have a negative buoyancy, meaning they don’t require as much weight to keep you down at depth. Divers using the Faber FX100 often find they’re able to trim down on extra weights by about 4 pounds compared to using an aluminum tank. This buoyancy change offers a smoother dive experience.
Can the Faber FX Series tanks be used with both DIN and Yoke valve configurations?
We confirmed that versatility is a key feature in the Faber FX Series. These tanks come equipped with a valve system that supports both DIN and Yoke attachments. This flexibility means you can use them with different kinds of regulators, making them ideal for divers who may switch setups or share gear with others.
What is the capacity and working pressure difference between the Faber HP100 and HP149 tanks?
When comparing the Faber HP100 and HP149, it comes down to size and pressure. The HP100 holds 100 cubic feet of air, operating at 3442 psi. Meanwhile, the HP149 offers a larger capacity of 149 cubic feet and operates at a higher pressure, which makes it suitable for longer dives. Choosing between them depends on your dive duration needs and physical carrying capacity.
Which countries are Faber scuba tanks manufactured in?
Faber tanks are known worldwide, and they’re primarily manufactured in Italy. The Italian craftsmanship brings reliability and quality to each tank, ensuring they meet international safety standards. We’ve found Faber tanks to be not just widely available, but also widely trusted among divers globally.
