Nitro Tanks: Steel vs. Wrapped

[Aeronautica86]

Somebody give me the low down on the advantages of carbon fiber wrapped tanks over same size steel tanks?

Any major differences in reliablity?

[hobbesTZ]

Reliability will be entirely due to the regulator, not the tank itself. Fiber wrapped tanks are lighter and can achieve better fills due to the way they cool down. They are also available in 4500 PSI versions. In either case I'd recommend a cover for the tank.

[personman]

Steel tanks are smaller and heavier.
Fiber wrapped are larger and lighter.

[Coralis]

I may be wrong here but Im pretty sure all steel tanks have the 3 year hydro requirement where some fiber wrapped tanks can go 5 years between hydros. Steel tanks tend to be a few dollars cheaper also.

[Banshee23]

Steel tanks have a 5yr hydro, not 3. But they weigh a ton & only come in 3k. The only advantages are the price & the beating they can take. If you get a fiber tank make sure you get a tank cover to protect the fiber wrapping. Unless you have an extremely restricted budget go for a fiber tank, you can find used 68/4.5k tanks for $100-$120.

[FSU_Paintball]

Steel tanks are only rated to 3000 psi, so you can't buy 4500 PSI steel tanks.
And it's heavier. A LOT heavier. It sucks.

Drop $150 and buy a Guerilla Air tank. They're wrapped and are supposedly great.

[Aeronautica86]

hmm, sounds like the main difference is weight.

I had a steel 68/3000 that I used on my old cocker, at the time I bought it I had no idea of the differences between wrapped and steel.

I do remember that it upset the balance of the marker a bit, more weight at the back, but I never had a problem with it or thought it was too heavy or had a problem lugging it around...

[personman]

hmm, sounds like the main difference is weight.

Also size is a biggie.

[REDRT]

Steel tanks don't have a limited life span. Steal one as long as they keep on hydro testing ok and are not damaged they may be used. Carbon wrapped tanks have a 15 year life span from the born on date period.

[Ares9989]

Steel bottles that have 3HT stamped on them, should be tested at least every 3 years and have a life span of 24 years. A magnet will stick to one of these bottles.

taken from hydrotester.com