I'm trying to get a straight answer on Hollis' marketing claims as well. What do they mean by "hybrid" rebreather (qua - closed versus semi closed circuit) ? They claim to be "unique" as using Nitrox...while the other semi-s also use Nitrox. Is their marketing "schtick" hyperbole....or is the unit truly unique ? I currently dive the APD Evolution and the Poseidon Mk-VI.
I dive the Poseidon MKVI also and I am doing the qualifier course on the Explorer next month.
The main difference is the Explorer is an eSCR. The electronics changes the set pp02 to maximize the NDL and bottom time. So you can set the pp02 to 1.4 at depth but when you ascend, it changes the pp02 to as low as 0.3, 0.4 to maximize your oxygen. In other models like the Drager, SCRs release a constant stream of bubbles. The Explorer decides when it wants to be a CCR and when it wants to be a SCR, for greater gas efficiency.
This unit was developed by tec and rebreather authority, Kevin Gurr. Like the Evo, the Explorer also has a temp stick in addition to a CO2 sensor. Of course it has the 3 O2 sensors as well. The front of the unit is sleek because the counterlungs are inside the module and can be cleaned easily. Another great feature that Kevin designed was a spring in the scrubber canister. It the scrubber is not installed, it is physically impossible to breathe on the rig. The scrubber also comes in pre-packed canisters.
The other great thing about the spring in the canister is green. So if I am an instructor, I can just look down the line real quick to see if the scrubbers have been installed.
About your nitrox question, the explorer can take different levels of nitrox. It works best on an EANx40 but can also do an EANX36 or x32. It also has a very simple HUD. It is green when everything is good, flashes blue-green when there is a message...the electronics may recommend ascending to a shallower depth, if it goes red then switch to the BOV and ascend.
The Explorer also has integrated weights which is SO much better than a weight belt. Plus you get the comfortable harness that comes standard with Hollis. Hope that answered your question!
