BC question

[dkktsunami]

I agree 100%, Octo / inflators are junk.

I am a recent convert to long hose/bungeed back-up. I previously used the Air2 on a wing/plate since I do a lot of solo diving. Anyway, just a couple of weeks ago a diver went ooa on the Speigel and I was able to put the long hose to its proper use and was damn glad to have this rather than the octo/inflator. This was a large man and we were able to make a graceful ascent and 4 minute safety stop with a little separation between us. I, of course, am now a firm believer in the long hose.

 

[Jerzi]

I am a recent convert to long hose/bungeed back-up. I previously used the Air2 on a wing/plate since I do a lot of solo diving. Anyway, just a couple of weeks ago a diver went ooa on the Speigel and I was able to put the long hose to its proper use and was damn glad to have this rather than the octo/inflator. This was a large man and we were able to make a graceful ascent and 4 minute safety stop with a little separation between us. I, of course, am now a firm believer in the long hose.

Thanks for the input, I'm just trying to learn as much as possible so I can dive at the best of my ability and take all the precautionary measures for any circumstance.

 

[lowviz]

I'm pretty much in complete agreement with Walter's assessment. I bought a back-inflate SP Knighthawk after learning OW in a SP Classic vest. They both work just fine. I'm convinced that the 'Classic' style is popular because instructors like to have their OW students bobbing around like obedient little corks during in-water instruction. Much easier to get their attention and one less thing to manage while teaching class. Makes sense to me.

I really like an open front. Now, I dive my BP/W rig almost exclusively. I finally have the harness just the way I like it and only have to change out a wing to go to a single tank from my usual doubles. My single tanks all sport an 'H' valve so I never have to re-configure my hoses and regs.

 

[ScubaRich]

In an OOA situation using an octo /inflator, The primary reg should be the one being donated due to the inflate / deflate buttons are on the octo. If your buddy is OOA, I doubt they will be dumping your air as needed during ascent causing a whole new set of problems.

 

[RonFrank]

I've read a ton of reasons why folks hate Octo/Inflators, but have not see ONE good reason yet not to use one unless you consider DIR a good reason.

I have one on my Stiletto. I dive with a long hose, and I also have a standard octo, but I often remove that for travel. So if I need to donate, I donate my primary, and use my backup in all cases.

The only thing about an octo/inflator that can be a bit tricky is that one may have to dump air while breathing off the thing. This IMO is not much of an issue. You can either dump out one of several valves on the BC, or take a breath, and then dump some air.

The reality is I have never HAD to use my backup for anything other than practice.

 

[Jerzi]

I've read a ton of reasons why folks hate Octo/Inflators, but have not see ONE good reason yet not to use one unless you consider DIR a good reason.

I have one on my Stiletto. I dive with a long hose, and I also have a standard octo, but I often remove that for travel. So if I need to donate, I donate my primary, and use my backup in all cases.

The only thing about an octo/inflator that can be a bit tricky is that one may have to dump air while breathing off the thing. This IMO is not much of an issue. You can either dump out one of several valves on the BC, or take a breath, and then dump some air.

The reality is I have never HAD to use my backup for anything other than practice.

That's what I was thinking. The class I'm in have long hoses on both the octo and reg and are about the same length.

Is there any disadvantages to the longer hose on your primary?

 

[ScubaRich]

I've read a ton of reasons why folks hate Octo/Inflators, but have not see ONE good reason yet not to use one unless you consider DIR a good reason.

I have one on my Stiletto. I dive with a long hose, and I also have a standard octo, but I often remove that for travel. So if I need to donate, I donate my primary, and use my backup in all cases.

The only thing about an octo/inflator that can be a bit tricky is that one may have to dump air while breathing off the thing. This IMO is not much of an issue. You can either dump out one of several valves on the BC, or take a breath, and then dump some air.

The reality is I have never HAD to use my backup for anything other than practice.

Fortunately for you, You have not been in an emergency situation. But trust me, During an OOA "emergency" (Buddy with blue lips ripping your primary out of your mouth or because of training looking for your octo in the triangle and not finding it.)
I want to keep all procedures theirs and mine as simple as possible.

Most new divers have never trained with an Air2/Safe 2nd etc.
So now you have a task added to a rescue. That's why I don't like them. IMHO
And I think it's a good one!

 

[Kevin Carlisle]

Fortunately for you, You have not been in an emergency situation. But trust me, During an OOA "emergency" (Buddy with blue lips ripping your primary out of your mouth or because of training looking for your octo in the triangle and not finding it.)
I want to keep all procedures theirs and mine as simple as possible.

Most new divers have never trained with an Air2/Safe 2nd etc.
So now you have a task added to a rescue. That's why I don't like them. IMHO
And I think it's a good one!

Actually I have used one in an emergency. No different than if I used my Cave rig. With the exception that I know my cave partners are not going to be panicked. Its just as easy with integrated, to say different is foolish. A panicked diver could possibly get away from you with a long hose and thats the only thing I dont like. To each his own but if you cant aid a diver on one the you probably dont have the skills to do period. Not directed as a slam to you scubaRich. Its not meant as such.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I think the best reason not to used a combined unit is simply not wanting to remove your air source from your mouth (to vent) while ascending in an emergency situation. It is just too easy to hold your breath in this case while ascending and having an additional medical emergency. KISS works for me, one extra hose is not going to break the bank.

FYI: I am not even close to DIR, but I do have to admit they have some decent ideas that merit consideration.

 

[Jerzi]

I think the best reason not to used a combined unit is simply not wanting to remove your air source from your mouth (to vent) while ascending in an emergency situation. It is just too easy to hold your breath in this case while ascending and having an additional medical emergency. KISS works for me, one extra hose is not going to break the bank.

FYI: I am not even close to DIR, but I do have to admit they have some decent ideas that merit consideration.

Isn't it force of habit to blow bubbles when you don't have an air source?
I know that I do it now without even thinking about it if the reg comes out of my mouth and this is only after a few sessions in the pool.