I have a Dumb Question re: Octos

[OldNSalty]

Does an Air2 have enough capacity to get you to the surface from a dive from around 110 feet like on the Speigle Grove including stops at 50, 30 and 15 feet? If not it's useless except on shallow reef dives.

We are not talking 'spare air'. The air 2 attaches to your BC inflator hose. So as long as you brought enough air for the dive you are making you'll be fine.

 

[merxlin]

Does an Air2 have enough capacity to get you to the surface from a dive from around 110 feet like on the Speigle Grove including stops at 50, 30 and 15 feet? If not it's useless except on shallow reef dives.

The air II is a 2nd stage combined with the inflator for your BC- therefore it has the capacity of your tank just like an octo. It IS NOT a spare air type device.

To the OP: I have used an Air II for an OOA situation at 90 ft. Not the most comfortable but certainly worked just fine- if you know what you are doing. Just like anything else, it takes practice. I typically use mine on at least one ascent per dive trip just to stay familiar. It takes practice to breath off it and use the inflator/deflator.

I am sure you will get many comments from people who are not fans of the Air II, expect the same for virtually any piece of gear you ask a question about. Everyone has their opinion and will voice them. For any piece of equipment, use what you can be safe with and be comfortable with. It takes practice and diving to get there.

BTW- you can use an octo AND an Air II if you want. It's not really overkill as the Air II is not much bigger than a standard inflator.

Good luck in your AOW!

 

[RonzoTheGreat]

perhaps garrobo, perhaps ... but another funny thing is that the only person who really tried to say it was a good idea to have one, happened to also have an octo on a necklace ... but whatever ...

 

[OldNSalty]

perhaps garrobo, perhaps ... but another funny thing is that the only person who really tried to say it was a good idea to have one, happened to also have an octo on a necklace ... but whatever ...

I use an air 2-love it and don't have an additional octo around my neck on a necklace. I also don't buy off on the argument of "Oct on the necklace-it's right there! There! Around my neck! not going anywhere!there! there! there! it's right there!...ok, I know where my air 2 is and it isn't going anywhere either and it will be there when I need it...

 

[Randy43068]

do you own the bc with air2 or are you borrowing it?

many of us use an octo on a necklace and a long hose for our primary. in a case where we need to donate air, we donate our primary and breath off of our necklace. this is a similar practice to what you will be doing. so, i would answer no, you do not need another octo, but you may want to reflect on the benefits of having a longer hose to share air and not have to be "on top" of each other in a situation where you may have to dive a distance to asend and end your dive.

This is a very cogent answer. It's doesn't exactly answer what the OP asked, but it is an outsanding bit of advice.

 

[Randy43068]

Can the air2 be used in an emergency? Yes, it sure can. Is it easy to manage in a given emergency? Absolutely NOT.

 

[dewayne405]

perhaps garrobo, perhaps ... but another funny thing is that the only person who really tried to say it was a good idea to have one, happened to also have an octo on a necklace ... but whatever ...

It may seem funny to you... But re-read my statement... I never said it was a "good" idea... I have one, it was free on my Knighthawk... Rather I see no point in paying for a separate inflator, when the free AIR2 works perfectly fine as both octo/inflator... I, myself, do not care to breathe off of it at any depth, therefore I use a separate octo...

If the OP wants to use one, more power to him/her, at least they are diving... Its not a POS as some have eluded too, nor is it the end all to all octo's... But I find it funny the advice/intelligence purported on here, especially considering nearly all major recreational equipment manufacturers have some form of AIR2/Safe Second Octo/Inflator... Says something for this "POS"...

I would much rather see any diver with an AIR2 VS. a diver who drags their octo's across the reef and bottom...

Now I'll get off my soap box, SI is over, and I am going to go get wet again... Sorry for the hi-jack...

OP, Buy what you like and are trained and comfortable with... In the end its your life, your comfort...

 

[Randy43068]

The pros and cons of the air2 have been discussed ad nauseum here and elsewhere. Yes Stacy, it's your safe second. I will say, you won't find that kind of equipment on any diver who does any serious diving, however.

 

[bottomfeeder22]

I have an Air2, it works fine as my 2nd, and yes you donate your primary. Have FUN in Key Largo, great place to dive, as there are many easier profiles, as well as some deeper action if you so desire. Perfect location for all skill levels, we're planning our trip back now.

 

[OldNSalty]

I will say, you won't find that kind of equipment on any diver who does any serious diving, however.

Well senator, could you please define 'serious' and could you also point us to the research where you surveyed 100% of serious divers and found not a one had that kind of equipment?