You're sure? In my limited experience regulator o-rings are one of the main failure points in any system (I can remember dozens of cases I witnessed myself of 'any' o-ring blowing).
Aren't you neglecting something that occurs very often just because it would not suit your argument?
I stopped using several combinations of equipment to minimize that risk for open water diving and would rather take any risk I can work around in case of failure than a single potentially unsolvable one.
Well, then you now have to accept being told by a humble recreational diver that you are (both) seriously wrong there.
Well, in thousands of dives of all types (or heard about in 20 years in the industry) the O ring failures I've seen the vast majority have been yoke valve, not first stage. Even more rare are DIN valve O rings. If you're scared of the probability of an O ring failure, diving isn't for you. Further, the number of o rings hasn't increased significantly and the hoses are simply changed from the first stages to the manifold. Now the difference, you have a failure point behind your back (I dove traditional SM for years before trying the manifold). Thank god we dive in teams. Protocols identical to BM. Solo caver? Maybe not for you.
Otherwise I have an open invitation to anyone unfamiliar or interested in the Z system to try one out. Do I sell them? No. Do I teach them? Yes, as well as conventional SM (just tools in a box)
The distribution block (non isolater) is essentially just for single tank SM, any reference to the second stage in a pocket shows an unfamiliarity with the system.
I agree most of us (Sidemounters, DIR, tech divers) attempt to minimize the risk while still achieving the goal and that involves gear adaptation and protocols.
Honestly, I don't like being told I'm wrong, although admittedly I have been in the past. The neon green wetsuit was a bad idea. I don't think anyone is necessarily wrong, I do ask that you look at the system (in its current state) and try to see the benefits and drawbacks (and there are drawbacks) and make an informed decision regarding its use.
I can't speak for Kevrumbo, no one can speak for Kevrumbo.
But please, if you do have points, please raise them. I find the more information the better. I enjoy the discussion and always learn......except about wetsuit colors.
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