Integrated Alternate Air Source

[BDSC]

I have ben using the ScubaPro Air II since I was certified in 91. We used it in class doing air sharing and had no problem. I have practiced doing an air share since then and no problem at all. I will say that when I am using it and turn my head all the way to the right, there is a slight pull but that's not a big deal at all. It breathes just fine. Do I think it provides more streamlining........no. There is no possible way anyone could ever measure any plus or minus of streamlining that comes from using one. Is it some big lead clunker at the end of my hose? Nope. Is it at all confusing on which button to push for which function, nope. Because of threads just like this one and others I have read on SB about how confusing it is to use one, I showed my AIR II to several folks on the boat last year in Little Cayman who didn't use one and asked them which button they would push to inflate my BC if they needed to do so during a dive. Every person got it right. Any diver with just marginal skills should be able to use and figure out how to use an AAS. It's just not that complicated.


Other than ScubaBoard, I have never in real life in 22 years of diving ever heard on any dive trip at any location anyone say how they think an AIR II is "unsafe or dangerous". I have never heard of anyone having an accident that almost cost a life from using an AAS. The idea that they are less safe or anything like that is what I call an "internet diving problem".

I actually knew two people who died during a dive. Neither had an AAS and both had a standard octo. So you see folks, the AAS is safer than a standard octo!

 

[Texasguy]

hi Texasguy,

Please permit me a soapbox moment.....

...

End of soapbox moment

I am sorry, Ms. Spectrum, but I will not take advice from a house wife.

 

[LowDrag]

I am sorry, Ms. Spectrum, but I will not take advice from a house wife.

Where the hell did that come from???

 

[eelnoraa]

Yes, it is a personal preference. The breathing perfomance aside, let's see what is the advantage and disadvantages:

Advantage:
- One less LP hose

Disadvantages:
- LESS streamline because in order to be able to NOT restrict head movement, the corrogated hose needs to be long. Long enough to dangle when not breathing from it if the diver is remotely in trim
- If you find issue with the AAS before splash, you are less likely to find replacement than a standard inflator. More likely to cost your a dive.
- If your inflator malfunction, you have to disconnect the LPI, you lose your octo as well. Turn single failure into multiple failure
- If you octo free flow, you lose your inflator too. Turn single failure into multiple failure.

So the real quesiton I have is why??? I don't see it since the day I got OW.

 

[spectrum]

I am sorry, Ms. Spectrum, but I will not take advice from a house wife.

I didn't expect you to.

Don't Texas guy's help with the laundry?

Pete

 

[grf88]

I have been involved in at least a half dozen air share situations normally as a result of freeflows in cold water, I was the donor in each incident. I really can't imagine trying to do that with something like an Air II. I am sure they are great when just practicing but you may find them less than satisfactory when the SHTF. The last air share I had was a few weeks ago when my buddies first stage diaphragm let go. We were in low viz and heavy current with a shipping channel creating a virtual overhead and I was really thankful that I had decided to switch to a long hose configuration a number of years ago as it made the air share a lot less stressful, I really don't think it would have been very easy with an Air II

 

[nimoh]

integrated seconds on the BCD LP are the worse piece of BS marketing that could ever be considered. I will never dive with someone who has one. your backup second stage is not for you it for your buddy and anyone who dives one of the pieces of crap does not care enough about a buddy to deserve getting a buddy.

so is that to say you wouldn't dive with anyone that uses a long hose either?

 

[LowDrag]

so is that to say you wouldn't dive with anyone that uses a long hose either?

I was wondering if he was going to tell us how he REALLY feels...LOL!!!

 

[rnjen95]

WOW!!! This has all made for really interesting reading. I really appreciate all of the responses. That being said... after reviewing these posts the Integrated Alternate air source is history for me before I dive again. The response regarding the sales pitch when I purchased the BCD was absolutely correct. Prior to that day I had never heard of it. It is amazing how much we learn with each and every dive experience. I have a life long love affair with the ocean...... I would like that to continue.

 

[fjpatrum]

I have a life long love affair with the ocean...... I would like that to continue.

Some might tell you that in integrated second will pretty much guarantee it will.

Personally, if I'd already paid for one, I'd wear it and tell my buddy to use my primary in the event of an air share and I'd use the integrated second. But then, that presumes an actual pre-dive buddy check and some common sense that may not be available during an emergency. From what I've seen, though, most OOG divers will grab for the reg in your mouth before they grab for the backup... just sayin'.

If the hose is too stiff, it's easily replaced at a much lower cost than buying a new reg and hose. Extending the length will also make it easier to bend...