Air 2 vs Airsource 3

[Motuiti]

It seems while reading both the SP & AL sites there is a slight difference between the two octo/regs. Can someone tell me if I am right? It appears the airsource 3 can dump air through a pull dump on the left upper while using as a regulator and the air 2 can't.

Am I missing something? It seems the Airspource 3 would prevent the uncontralled ascent everyone talks about while air sharing.

 

[snowflake4727]

The uncontrolled ascent is mostly due to not practicing ascents while using and air 2 type device. It can be a bit tricky at first and potentially disastorous if unpracticed in a real situation.

 

[snowflake4727]

I have used an air 2 setup, a standard set up and currently use a long hose and bungied octo setup.

I much prefer the long hose and bungied octo. My octo does not unclip and float away (possibly damaging a reef) and in a ooa situation I can be farther from a panicky diver. Or have more room sharing air on an ascent line.

 

[Web Monkey]

It seems while reading both the SP & AL sites there is a slight difference between the two octo/regs. Can someone tell me if I am right? It appears the airsource 3 can dump air through a pull dump on the left upper while using as a regulator and the air 2 can't.

The pull dump is completely separate from the Air-2.

Using it while using the Air-2 wouldn't be very convienient, but it's possible. The dump on the Air-2 also works while it's in use, however I usually only use the right shoulder while using the Air-2, since it's easier.

Terry

 

[redacted]

In reviewing the AL ad on the Airsource, it indicates that it is a pneumatically balanced design which should give it a performance advantage over the air2. But I would rather see a user adjustable capability to give more control over freeflows while still tuned for high performance. I believe the special "pull dump" feature that is advertised is actually in the corrugated hose of the airsource rather than in the octo/inflator. In Scubapro BCs, such a feature is unnecessary because they also have a right shoulder pull dump. There might be an issue with trying to attach that pull feature in the corrugated hose of another manufacturer's BC.

 

[Couv]

My Air II (Second generation) is attached to an older model Sea Quest BC. The the pull dump is a feature of the BC, not the Air II. The cable runs inside the corrugated hose and attached to a roll pin on the Air II. So as WebMonkey and Awap pointed out, it is not a feature of the regulator, but a feature of the BC. I have disconnected mine as I do not see it as necessary. However, if it is a feature you like, just about any BC could be set up with a pull dump system mounted to the corrugated hose elbow.

See this link and scroll to the bottom for all the parts you need for the conversion.
Dive Rite Air Cells (Wings) for Singles and Doubles


If you are considering using an integrated second stage/inflator, it is a good idea to use a long hose primary and have an overpressure relief with a pull dump cord attached so that you'll have more than one way to dump expanding air when needed.

couv

 

[Skooter]

But I would rather see a user adjustable capability to give more control over freeflows while still tuned for high performance.

They have added a shut off for freeflow.
"A specialized cutt-off valve allows the diver to quickly and easily shut off air to the unit should there ever be a malfunction"

 

[underseasian]

OK, can someone help me out here......

The place I dive has just got their new kit together and now I use a BC and reg that are the Scubapro Air2 system. I've asked the Instructors and they haven't given me an answer that makes sense so I'm putting it out to you all:

When you have the alternate built into the LPI hose and have an emergency (or a normal Open Water Course) what is the protocol for the alternate? Do I, as the donor, keep my reg? Or do I give over mine and take the alternate as the hose will be slightly longer? If you are making an ascent using the alternate are you not forced to be very close together?

Maybe I'm just being slow on the uptake and there are some very good reasons for changing what seems to be a perfectly workable system that divers all over the world know and have been trained on.....

 

[redacted]

With an integrated octo/inflator, you need to donate your primary and you use the octo inflator. The octo/inflator hose is too shgort to be effectively donated.

 

[dkktsunami]

OK, can someone help me out here......

The place I dive has just got their new kit together and now I use a BC and reg that are the Scubapro Air2 system. I've asked the Instructors and they haven't given me an answer that makes sense so I'm putting it out to you all:

When you have the alternate built into the LPI hose and have an emergency (or a normal Open Water Course) what is the protocol for the alternate? Do I, as the donor, keep my reg? Or do I give over mine and take the alternate as the hose will be slightly longer? If you are making an ascent using the alternate are you not forced to be very close together?

Maybe I'm just being slow on the uptake and there are some very good reasons for changing what seems to be a perfectly workable system that divers all over the world know and have been trained on.....

You donate your primary, the Air-2 is for you.