Question about 2nd stage

[SuperMiguel]

I currently have a Zeagle FlatHead 7 LT, with the 2nd that comes with it and a very cheap Octo (costed like $60) the zeagle 2nd stage is a bit scrashed and it works perfectly but im a bit worry about my octo so i was thinking that instead of replacing my octo with another one, why dont i just get a better 2nd for me and use the zeagle as an octo...

Does the 2nd stage make any difference? and if it does what should i look for whats better 2nd than what i have now?

 

[divad]

what should i look for whats better 2nd than what i have now?

[TABLE="width: 925"]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[TD]EG-712.420.008[/TD]
[TD]HOG Classic Second Stage, Chrome
(Cover?) Standard Black Soft Black (+ $8.00) Soft Blue (+ $8.00) Soft Green (+ $8.00) Soft Yellow (+ $8.00)[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]

In Stock[/TD]
[TD="align: right"]

Sale!
$69.00[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


This is what I use with my Zeagle regulators.

 

[SuperMiguel]

thats better than my zeagle 2nd stage?

How does the hollis 500se performs compared to those?

 

[tstormdiver]

For my recreational set, I dive an MK25 with 2 S600 second stages. I donate the primary for OOA situations & decided I want to breathe as easily as my buddy, in an emergency situation. Most Octos are unbalanced regulators, yet should suffice to get a buddy team to the surface, though it may be a little more effort to breathe from. The Octo is primarily for emergency uses, so it does not have to be the biggest or best. To answer your question, I would say it is a matter of personal preference.

---------- Post added December 10th, 2013 at 07:30 AM ----------

How does the hollis 500se performs compared to those?

The Hollis 500se breathes very easy,.... it is basically the same as the Oceanic Omega,... just a new body style update.

 

[divad]

thats better than my zeagle 2nd stage?

Equal.

---------- Post added December 10th, 2013 at 08:34 AM ----------



---------- Post added December 10th, 2013 at 08:36 AM ----------

How does the hollis 500se performs compared to those?

I have no idea, but you probably won't find one for 69 bucks.

 

[SuperMiguel]

im not necessarily looking for cheap, i want something that will last, i just got my advance open water, and ill be doing my deep cert next.. and ill probably go all the way to full tech cave cert

 

[Scared Silly]

If you are really thinking about going into tech. My suggestion is to look for a second complete Zeagle reg set, i.e. another FlatHead 7 LT (or at least another Zeagle). Use the second stage as your secondary and then when you start learning doubles you will have the additional first stage.

Otherwise for now I would probably just makes sure the octo is serviced and is functioning properly. A test I would give new divers is to breath on their octo on the way down and decide would they want to breath on it when Davy Jones came a calling. If not then perhaps they should think about a better octo.

 

[halocline]

im not necessarily looking for cheap, i want something that will last, i just got my advance open water, and ill be doing my deep cert next.. and ill probably go all the way to full tech cave cert

Cheap doesn't mean they won't last. I use 2nd stages (metal case scubapro 109) that cost about $30 each (used). They're at least 30 years old, and they're in close to perfect condition. I use them on technical dives as well as recreational. Unfortunately the market has gone up on them, but you could still find them around $50, then get them rebuilt. They should last another few decades.

The hog is probably the cheapest easiest solution and as long as the plastic doesn't crack or the company doesn't go out of business, it could last a really long time too. $69....you'd spend that on one dive in the caribbean. Most regulators are insanely over-priced for what they are.

 

[keyshunter]

I currently have a Zeagle FlatHead 7 LT, with the 2nd that comes with it and a very cheap Octo (costed like $60) the zeagle 2nd stage is a bit scrashed and it works perfectly but im a bit worry about my octo so i was thinking that instead of replacing my octo with another one, why dont i just get a better 2nd for me and use the zeagle as an octo...

Does the 2nd stage make any difference? and if it does what should i look for whats better 2nd than what i have now?[/QUOTE

What brand/model of octo do you have now?

 

[Fishpie]

What you have right now is a balanced adjustable 2nd stage with a metal air barrel.
It is no better or worse than any other balanced adjustable 2nd stage with a metal air barrel.
What will make another one better for you will be in the small details.
For example my choice would be Apeks, HOG or Scubapro.....not because they breath any better than the others but because these don't have removable exhaust T's or soft purge covers. My choice is based on the fact my regs get lent to others and get stored in boat lockers and frequently don't get the care they deserve. Exhaust T's that can be removed often get lost and soft purge covers get deformed and crumbly when not stored in air conditioned comfort.