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.

By Tyler Allison · Updated July 2025
Faber HP100 Steel Tanks (DIN)
Use
DIN regulators with Pro-valve flexibility
Current role
Local single-tank diving
Still in my kit
Yes

The Short Version

The HP100 gives me more gas than an AL80 in a cylinder that feels similar in size and trim. Its negative buoyancy lets me reduce carried ballast, and the Pro valve gives me DIN or Yoke flexibility. It is my go-to single-tank choice for local dives, although it is heavier to carry and costs more than an aluminum cylinder.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely

What Works

  • More gas than an AL80 with nearly identical dimensions
  • Stays negative at all pressures
  • No trim weight needed for most cold water configurations
  • Compatible with both DIN and Yoke via Pro valve
  • Excellent buoyancy and handling in both wetsuit and drysuit

What Doesn't

  • Heavier to carry than an AL80
  • Higher cost than aluminum cylinders
  • May require additional tank bands or accessories for doubles use

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.

Who It Makes Sense For

This item is best suited for:

  • Cold-water divers who want more gas than an AL80 without added bulk
  • Divers seeking cylinders that remain negative throughout the dive
  • Divers planning future doubles configurations

It may not be ideal for:

  • Budget-focused divers opting for cheaper aluminum tanks

What It Is Like to Dive

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.

Ownership and Value

After a year of quarry and lake diving, the cylinders still look and feel solid. They are more expensive and heavier to carry than AL80s, but the additional gas and buoyancy characteristics justify that cost for my local diving. Doubles remain a possible future configuration rather than something I swap into quickly.