steel vs. fiberglass tank

i was thinking of finally making the upgrade from co2 to hpa.  because of money, i was going to get the least expensive tank i could find, one of those metal ones that are about $75 or so.  but a friend of mine said someone told him they don't have too long of a lifespan and to get a fiberglass one.  is this true?  i would have figured it wouldn't really matter.

 

also, got kind of a wierd question.  i have been wanting to play in the cold but my co2 tank won't last too long.  i was wondering if it were possible to take one of those hand warmer pads that heat up and duct tape it to the tank to keep it from freezing?  now, i have never used one of those things and i don't know exactly how hot they get, so i thought i'd ask here on the board.  thanks guys! (and ladies, too!)

 

 

I'm pretty sure they both last the same amount of time, but I heard steel tanks are extremely heavy. I would just save up a little more and get a good fiber wrapped tank, I hear crossfire is a good brand for everybody, and then get a cover.

The co2 hand warmer thing, I say forget it. Just use this to keep it warm. Unless you do get nitro.

When it comes down the steel vs carbon fiber.

Steel Pros:
sturdier
dents will not affect hydro testing

Steel Cons:
heavier
3 yr hydro

Carbon Fiber Pros:
lighter
some tanks have a 5 yr hydro test date
can get larger than a 3000psi tank

Carbon Fiber Cons:
can damage tank more easily  (chips, flaking)
needs tank cover
if it has indents you have to get a new tank.  When its being tested if there are any indentations in the carbon fiber they will destroy it.

i suggest fiber wrapped w/ a cover

The kid that told you that the fiberglass ones have a longer life span is wrong. its the other way around. Most steel tanks have a hydro date of 5 years the carbon fiber wrapped tanks are 3 years. instead of doing the hand warmers idea just get a HPA tank. i have a 68/3000 steel tank and i love it. not as heavy as everyone says it is.