Air Buddy Alternate Air

[gerard2004]

Air Buddy

Anyone using this as an alternate air source? What I like is the fact that they remove the diaphram, making it not prone to free flow. You activate air by squeezing the mouthpiece with your lips. I assume you then exhale around it. A little different technique than using a regulator. I'm considering a pony bottle set up with the tube and mouthpiece as a compact alternate air source. I did a search but couldn't find any disscussion on it. It was invented in 1995. I like the concept and compactness but would like feedback on actual use from someone who has one.

 

[RJP]

Air Buddy

Anyone using this as an alternate air source? What I like is the fact that they remove the diaphram, making it not prone to free flow. You activate air by squeezing the mouthpiece with your lips. I assume you then exhale around it. A little different technique than using a regulator.

I'm trying to be open minded about the idea, but it really seems like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

 

[redacted]

If you really think this sounds good as a alternate, why not get 2 and use the other as a primary?

The answer to that is the same reason you don't want one as an alternate.

 

[gerard2004]

I don't understand your logic? This MAY not be a comfortable option as a primary regulator so I wouldn't want to use it for that. But in an EMERGENCY, I really don't care if it's comfortable as long as it gets me up safely. Most skydivers use a back up chute which often is smaller and not as maneuverable as their primary chute. Not a great chute for every jump but if your main fails you really don't care that your back up isan't as maneuverable as long as it gets you down. In general the more complex ANY mechanical device is, the more prone to failure it is. This removes one componenet of complexity. In any event, I wasn't really looking for opinions on the merits/disadvantages of a redundant air source or a negative comment about a piece of equipment from someone who hasn't used it. I was seeking real world opinions from someone familiar with the item or even from somone who knew someone who had one, liked it, didn't like it etc. I know I can just get a regular octo regulator but I liked that this was so small. If you can be more specific in what you don't like about the design. (I should also mention I'm drysuit certified and may be doing winter dives in upstate NY. Free flow is a little more of an issue in 45deg water). Thanks for your replies.

 

[scubafanatic]

If you really think this sounds good as a alternate, why not get 2 and use the other as a primary?

The answer to that is the same reason you don't want one as an alternate.

...OMG ! ...don't give this guy any ideas! ...remember, there really are people out there who've tried to trim their hedges with the push lawn mowers too!

 

[RJP]

I should also mention I'm drysuit certified and may be doing winter dives in upstate NY. Free flow is a little more of an issue in 45deg water). Thanks for your replies.

Well, I'll mention that I dive in 38-40deg water on a regular basis and have never had my backup reg free-flow. Not saying it doesn't happen, but a properly maintained and tuned octo will serve you fine. (PS - the reg doesn't care if you're dry-suit certified or not.)

Long story short, if the s--t hits the fan I'll take a high-quality proven reg as a backup as opposed to sipping gas through a straw that I have to worry about finding, worry about working, worry about falling out of my mouth, etc, etc...

Point of fact, you logic escapes me. At the very moment in time where you surely want something that is comfortable and easy to use, you're going to opt for something that's not?

Lastly, suggesting that "if it's this or nothing, I'll take this" is just plain silly since it's not a choice of "this or nothing."

 

[gerard2004]

I may not have explained my contemplated use well. I already have a second regulator integrated into my bc. I was NOT looking to replace my current setup, but to augment it with a pony bottle and the air buddy oct so I would actually have three sources of air. A comment of "I wouldn't even know where to begin" is not a helpful comment from someone just starting the sport and seeking advice from those more experienced. I understand experienced divers don't always have the time to explain basic concepts to newbies and I respect that. No problem - don't reply. If you DO have something constructive to add, and have the time to do so, then thanx in advance.

 

[NC Wreck Diver]

I read the link. It looks like a lot to work with during an OOA. They state about the high level of CO2 your airway. I'm not really buying this. One breath isn't going to mean a lot. It is true, the need to breathe is not a lack of O2, but a build up of CO2. If you suck the last breath from your main tank, exhale, then realize that you're out, you're going to need to pick up an alternate, purge it, since you most likely have exhaled your last breath from your main. Your purge on a second stage is going to clear the regulator, since your out.

OOA can come up without warning, but in most cases, you are going to know your back gas is getting that low. Very low tanks screach when you inhale, you labor to breathe your final gas in the tank (based on tank pressure vs. ambient depth pressure). NORMALLY.....not always. I've always posted that my SPG is on a lanyard, that is just below my chest. I only have to look down anytime during my dive to check my back gas.

IMHO, just go buy a decent reg, and a pony bottle. It's worth your life. I like a sling bottle, but if you hard mount that, that's your choice. I like a sling, since I can hand it off.

At the end of a diving weekend, I finish my last dive on my pony, and keep my back gas as my back up. I like to practice the use of my alternate, often. I believe that I don't want to use my redundant emergency system for the first time, during an emergency.

 

[RJP]

I may not have explained my contemplated use well. I already have a second regulator integrated into my bc. I was NOT looking to replace my current setup, but to augment it with a pony bottle and the air buddy oct so I would actually have three sources of air. A comment of "I wouldn't even know where to begin" is not a helpful comment from someone just starting the sport and seeking advice from those more experienced. I understand experienced divers don't always have the time to explain basic concepts to newbies and I respect that. No problem - don't reply. If you DO have something constructive to add, and have the time to do so, then thanx in advance.

In cold water, where your lips are likely to be numb and your teeth chattering you might want something with a mouthpiece you can hold in your mouth with ease.

The mere fact that you can't find a mention of the product anywhere in the millions of lines of discussion that comprise ScubaBoard over the last decade or so sort of says something about the uptake of a product that was launched in 1995 and claims on its website that "since then it has evolved into the safest alternate air source made."

Get a decent quality pony reg set-up designed/tuned for cold water and go diving.

 

[scubafanatic]

I'm trying to be open minded about the idea, but it really seems like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

...open minded, yeah, but not to the extent one's brain falls out....