Is CCR the right route for me?

[broncobowsher]

Not every rebreather dive has to be a long deep technical dive. You can enjoy it recreationally. Not the cheapest way to dive, but there are other factors that can make it a good way to dive. I've done recreational dives and the warm moist air is nice at shallows as well as deep. And you get to see a lot more wildlife. You don't realize how noisy those bubble blowers are until you spend some time on a rebreather around them, or bail out.

 

[grantmac]

I'm at a similar experience level to the OP, only considering CCR in a few years because I plan on another few hundred dives at home in that timeframe. I'll have all the gas logistics at home before making that leap (booster etc).
Don't think I'd consider any deco/tech diving with that little opportunity.

 

[Tracy]

However, logistics for flying with a rebreather is more challenging. Need a much larger baggage allowance for all that kit and still need to rent cylinders and gas at the destination.

Yep, I am doing a week diving the Gunilda this summer. Doable on OC, but holy crap it would be expensive and a pain in the ass. Dives like that are just more enjoyable on a machine. I don't mind traveling with a rebreather, I just bring one that travels well. I don't pack a backmount unit for a plane ride. I kick the choptima under the seat in front of me and go.

 

[ToneNQ]

Traveling with a CCR is a mission. My baggage is about 45kgs, depending on what the gear config is. About 12kg more than an OC setup, and that is getting tanks, sorb and gas tester at the other end. You do need a tech friendly shop, of which there are many, and a tech friendly boat or shore dives. In short, there is an idea in your head that really isn't going to play out. CCR is awesome to dive, way better than OC, but at no point is it ever easier, cheaper or lighter. It is absolutely better, more flexible and less tiring to dive for hours on end. But, once you're out of the water its only advantage is being lighter than a twinset.

Packing; two masks, polar fleece 'wetsuit', boots, fins, DSMB and spool, reel, lights, 4x regs, stage bottle rigging, CCR head, bucket, CLs, loop, backplate, wing, stand, controller and HUD, back up computer, spares kit, etc.

I've got a small carry-on suitcase with the head, loop and lungs, its usually about 10kg. That always freaks out the x-ray guy at security. My backpack has my computers, controller, lights, regs, and is usually another 10kg, so make it look effortless so they don't weigh your bags.

Then the big suitcase, I can get it down to 25kg but it wants to be about 28kg. Many airlines won't fight that, but United are a pain in the ass when I've flown with them. Qantas, Emirates, I get more leeway.

 

[rddvet]

I regularly travel with 2 bm ccr’s and all the gear for two people. It’s not a big deal once you have a system and the right bags. So far never had a problem getting ccr supoort

 

[mr_v]

@Tracy - looking forward to your Gunilda trip report. Any plans to repeat the same trip next year? That wreck is on my list.

 

[Tracy]

@Tracy - looking forward to your Gunilda trip report. Any plans to repeat the same trip next year? That wreck is on my list.

I'm sure I will be back, but it probably won't be for several years. It has been on my list forever, just finally making it happen.

 

[old frogman]

Hi all new to the forum, signed up to try get some advice on what route to take in my “recreational” diving career.

Based in UK and been diving since about 2022. Got padi OW, advanced, deep, rescue, sidemount, wreck, first aid, nitrox. Only dive recreationally when on holiday.

Pretty much did them all one right after the other, did not find it that challenging, so recently did tdi IIT/AN/DP. Primarily only found the hands on side of things slightly challenging but not too bad. Things like maintaining breathing pattern whilst changing to deco gas and mask swaps but have it fairly dialled in now since finishing DP a few days ago. Classroom side of things - no issues for me.

Again finding myself a bit bored and not sure on what route to take next. I did a 1 day 2 dive intro on the titan rebreather and found it pretty fun/interesting. So contemplating going down the ccr route. I suppose other than ccr its the trimix/helitrox route? Mixed gas route puts me off because im limited to needing to find a dive shop that does tech, and adhering to their timetables when im on holiday etc. where as if i have a ccr abroad with me i can just go for a 2 hour semi shallow/40m swim for fun.

My main goal is primarily to be able to have my own kit i can easily transport around the world, if i have to rely on a dive center for things like filling deco gas thats fine, but i want this to be as minimal as possible. I travel the world a lot, and basically want to be able to dive on my own at any time, anywhere, without having to rely on others / dive shops as much as possible. Depth wise; i dont care about crazy depths of 100m+. I would be super interested in learning the skills to do depths of 100m or so, but primarily i just want to be able to go anywhere in the world with my own kit and do 1-2hr dives. Mostly upto 50/60m would be fine.

I read a lot on this forum that ccr users go solo a lot so its an appealing aspect. I have been doing about 20-40 dives a year and think i have around 100+ dives so far including all aforementioned training dives. I mostly enjoy just learning new skills, including practising simulations of things going wrong on a dive, learning to use new equipment, as opposed to looking at fish etc.

Not interested in cave diving at all, unless its something really interesting like things ive heard of in mexico. Wrecks are ok.

Financially wise not looking for a route that will break the bank, but happy to invest in a ccr obviously. Used or new? Heard mixed reviews on both on this forum?

Maintenance wise, i have a background in mechanical electrical engineering. So definitely want something i can mostly fully maintain myself and not have to ship off once a year for a service. I know most or all rebreathers need new o2 sensors once a year. Is this a strictly once a year rule, or can it be say every 50 dives etc?

Obviously i have a lot of questions. Just trying to figure out what direction i should head in now. From my research so far im strongly considering a light weight or side mount ccr. So Any advice and opinions appreciated !

From your user requirements I would suggest looking at a CCR rebreather with chest-mounted counter-lung (breathing bag). 2ltr oxygen cylinder fitted below the counter-lung. Combined diluent/bailout cylinder/s worn as side-mount.
Very compact for travel.
Minimum number of combined cylinders.
All cylinder valves easily accessible.
Chest-mounted counter-lung has good work of breathing (WOB).
Side-mount diluent/bailout good in tight spaces such a wreck penetration or for future cave use.
This configuration is the most functional for resolving equipment problems as everything is at your fingertips.
Minimal cost investment.

 

[sea_ledford]

Minimal cost investment.

Minimal cost investment and rebreathers should never be in the same sentence.

Between unit cost (new or used plus paying for service/updates), required accessories, training and travel for training, $15K is about the minimum.

 

[lostsheep]

Minimal cost investment and rebreathers should never be in the same sentence.

Between unit cost (new or used plus paying for service/updates), required accessories, training and travel for training, $15K is about the minimum.

I got into my chop for ~60% of that.