Faber HP100 Steel Tanks (DIN) Review
Reliable, compact, and a favorite among cold water divers. The HP100 offers a big step up from AL80s in gas volume, buoyancy characteristics, and cold water compatibility without adding bulk.
Overall Score: 9.3 / 10
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More gas than an AL80 with nearly identical dimensions | Heavier to carry than an AL80 |
| Stays negative at all pressures | Higher cost than aluminum cylinders |
| No trim weight needed for most cold water configurations | May require additional tank bands or accessories for doubles use |
| Compatible with both DIN and Yoke via Pro valve | |
| Excellent buoyancy and handling in both wetsuit and drysuit |
Why I Chose the Faber HP100
As a larger diver, I was burning through gas faster than some of my teammates on AL80s. The HP100 gives me about 20 percent more gas in a cylinder that feels the same as an AL80 in terms of size and trim. That one change let me comfortably match their profiles without having to sacrifice bottom time or push reserves.
Another big factor was buoyancy. Unlike AL80s, which become positively buoyant near reserve pressures, the HP100 stays negative all the way down to 500 PSI. That allowed me to take a few pounds off my weight belt. I also liked that the Pro valve gives me flexibility to run either DIN or Yoke depending on the reg I'm using.
I may eventually use this set as part of a doubles configuration, but for now, it's my go-to single tank choice for local dives.
Performance in the Water
- Trim & Buoyancy: Stays negative throughout the dive, reducing ballast needs and improving horizontal trim. No need for tank weights in most configurations.
- Gas Volume: Adds roughly 20 percent more gas than an AL80, with very little penalty in size or handling.
- Comfort: Whether diving dry or wet, the HP100 feels stable, secure, and well balanced in the water.
- Compatibility: I run them with DIN regs, but the Pro valve gives me the option to switch to Yoke if needed.
Verdict
If you dive in cold water and want to level up from aluminum cylinders, the Faber HP100 is hard to beat. It’s the standard for a reason. The extra gas volume, consistent buoyancy, and future doubles potential make it a smart choice for divers who want more capability without jumping to tech. It’s also one of the easiest steel cylinders to live with.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score (0–10) | Weight | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | 10.0 | 30% | 3.00 |
| Ease of Use | 9.0 | 20% | 1.80 |
| Versatility | 8.5 | 15% | 1.275 |
| Durability & Build Quality | 10.0 | 15% | 1.50 |
| Value | 8.0 | 10% | 0.80 |
| Brand Trust | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 |
| Total | 9.28 / 10 | ||
Rounded Display Score: 9.3 / 10
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 10.0: More gas, better buoyancy, and no compromise on trim. Performs better than an AL80 in every way for cold water diving.
- Ease of Use – 9.0: Easy to handle in and out of the water. Slightly heavier on land but no issues once geared up.
- Versatility – 8.5: Works great for both DIN and Yoke. Can be used for doubles, but that’s not a quick-swap use case.
- Durability & Build – 10.0: High quality steel. After a year of quarry and lake diving, they still look and feel solid.
- Value – 8.0: More expensive than AL80s, but you’re buying more gas and better trim. The price is justified.
- Brand Trust – 9.0: Faber is the go-to steel tank in the U.S. market for a reason. Proven, consistent, and widely supported.