Recommend me an octo

[ScubaDoo83]

I am switching to a bp&w setup and realized I'll now be needing an octo as I previously used an air2. I'd like to not spend an arm and a leg on this but I'd also like something reliable with a decently long hose and clip to keep it streamlined.

Should I be looking for the regulator and hose separately? Also any tips on streamlining an octo setup on a super minimal bp&w rig would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Caveeagle]

What reg 1st and 2nd stage are you currently using? I think there is a big advantage in having matching primary and back up 2nd stages. This allows you to test them against each other and better notice anything that might be going bad.

You also need to make sure you get a 2nd stage that will work well with the intermediate pressure you currently have your 1st stage set for.

Hose length will depend on configuration. You are going with a BP/W.. If you are planning for tech oriented training, you might consider a 5' or 7' LP hose, but that might not be practical for your needs.

 

[ScubaDoo83]

I have a Scubapro MK25/S600 but I have a quick connect on my second stage hose because I often use a Ocean Reef FFM instead of the S600.

 

[Caveeagle]

If you are swapping gear around for various situations, that's another argument for just getting another S600 or something very close. I am not that familiar with SucubaPro regs, but I think many of the 2nd stages share service parts. Maybe somebody here could give you a short list of the 2nd stages that are functionally similar to yours.

Are you buying new or used?

 

[ScubaDoo83]

Ugh, the S600 is an expensive little dude, I'd rather not go that route. Hell, I could just rig up my S600 with an extra hose I have for a free octo when using the FFM.

I only buy new regs.

 

[tbone1004]

You have two options really. One is to just use the FFM all the time and use your S600 as your octo. Not the best idea in my opinion, but it's an option.
The other is to figure out what kind of diving you want to do, and how picky you are with what you are breathing. Most people I know are very picky, myself included, and will not breathe on a crap secondary when stuff goes wrong. S600 would be the logical choice but since you only buy new regs *I disagree with this heavily, but that is your choice*, then I would still stay with scubapro and get one of their octo's. If you aren't diving cold water, then any of them will work fine, but the S360 should be closest to your S600, and the R195 is where I would personally go given the restriction of buying new. That keeps service easier for you instead of having to find a shop that can service multiple brands on the same reg set.

 

[rhwestfall]

+1 to what T said.....

 

[Lorenzoid]

I am switching to a bp&w setup and realized I'll now be needing an octo as I previously used an air2. I'd like to not spend an arm and a leg on this but I'd also like something reliable with a decently long hose and clip to keep it streamlined.

The argument that my instructor made to me for having an octo/secondary that is not just "reliable" but that performs as well as my primary reg was that, if I were on the receiving end of an out-of-air situation, would I want my buddy to hand me a reg that's just "reliable" or would I want him to hand me one that delivers all the air my panicky self is trying to suck in?

 

[Caveeagle]

Back in the day, I had an old US divers (unbalanced) 2nd stage I used as an octo. I would not even use that today for a quick jump in the pool. There are just way too many good options for high performing regs at economical prices. I understand that the OP has limited the field to only "new" options. But many folks absolutely love G250 2nd stages. I am pretty sure you could find a gently used example and have it serviced without ANY risk people assume they will get from 'used' gear.

Personally, I have matching 2nd stages on all of my reg sets (6 of them). I always compare breathing on both regs and prefer to have the "better" of the two hanging from my neck on a bungee. If the 'lesser' of the two is not good enough for me to use as a primary, it does not go in the water that day!

I know my situation is not typical. Most folks run with one set of regs. ..IMHO, all the more reason to gear up with top shelf stuff.

 

[Subcooled]

I am switching to a bp&w setup

An octo that you have not used during your dive remains an untested unreliable thing. Always use your backup regulator on every dive to make sure it actually works - even under water and even at depth. Because of this it is nice (but not necessary) to have two identical regs that you love to use.