2nd stage for octo

[cecilb63]

From what I read this is common set up.

May get rid of BC with air source. Am planning on using my 2nd stage from my spare reg for an octo/backup. Any reason why not?

Guess I am essentially wondering what's the difference (if any) between an octo and a 2nd stage.

 

[prittykitty]

Octos are set up to breathe harder so they don't free flow at depth.

 

[Brandon]

Nope, no reason not to. An octopus is nothing more than an alternate second stage regulator. Some are different colors to make finding them easier, but this isn't 100% necessary.

As PrittyKitty mentioned, sometimes these are set up to breathe slightly harder to reduce the chance of free flow, but it shouldn't be so much that its uncomfortable.

An adjustable second stage regulator can make a very nice alternate reg. I dive the same alternate as my primary, and keep the alternate tuned down so that it won't free flow. If I need to use it, I can readjust it to make it breath comfortably again.

-Brandon.

 

[Hoosier]

Octos are set up to breathe harder so they don't free flow at depth.

Technical jargon: It has been detuned...

 

[double80s]

When I started diving I used the common Aqualung inexpensive Octo. It worked fine, however After gaining more experience and getting the chance to use various regs, I realized that there was quite a difference in the way my octo breathed compaired to some of the other 2nd stages I used. I came to the conclusion that if a diver was in an air-share situation, the last thing they want is a regulator that might feel restrictive when taking a breath. Now both my primary and backup regs are the same. The cost difference was very little and the performace difference can be huge.

 

[spyder]

What fairbanksdiver and double80s said. I have had LDS people look at me like I'm crazy for wanting the same, "why waste the money when you'll never use it". Hopefully you won't ever need it but if you do you'll either say "I'm glad I spent the extra" or (hopefully) "I wish I spent the extra". In the whole scheme of things regarding money and diving, the extra is pretty small for the peace of mind and potential life saving.

 

[cecilb63]

That's what I thought.

I just wanted to double check to make sure I wasn't missing anything,

thanks