A Spare Air is sometimes called a "Spare Breath" due to their size. Off the top of my head they are I think, about 2-4 cubic feet as opposed to my 19 cf Pony. Of course even bigger Ponys are available.
Yes it can get you to the surface-yes they work fine, depending on:
- How deep you are when you need it;
- Whether or not you need to ascend slowly to de-compress on the way up to avoid the bends;
- How well you use air overall;
- Whether or not you freak out when you lose you main tank and start hyerventilating;
- Whether or not an immediate emergency ascent is even an option;
When Senter Cove Guy and I dive below about 50-60 feet we both have Ponys. He and I often go to 90+ feet. He goes even deeper when doing recoveries for Dive Winni.
So he has a main tank and a Pony, I have a main tank and a Pony. That's 4 independent air systems between us. Nice. And when I dive deep(er), say below 75 feet, it's with a steel 100 not an aluminum 80. Of course I have dived to 90+ feet on an 80 but as a rule..."more air = good".
Not trying to scare anyone but please think it through. Bottom line is Spare Airs are fantastic to have and could easily save your life but a true Pony is the way to go.
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