Air Source vs. regular octopus

[Diver Dennis]

What do you think of the Air Source from Aqua Lung to replace a regular octopus? I know that you would have to let your buddy know but do you think it is a good idea to go with this system? And what about rinsing after a dive? Thanks.

 

[Boogie711]

I think you shouldn't risk it and use a regular, high quality second stage. But this topic has been debated to death.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Dennis... obviously you would like an answer here to your query but as Boogie said, the subject has been discussed extensively so a search of the archives will yield plenty of info... some even good.

That said, one argument against using an air source, aiir2 or other such device is that it makes controlling your BC more difficult in the even of an actual out of air situation.

Why do you want to go with an Air Source rather than a standard octopus? Have you considered using a necklaced backup second stage and having your primary second stage on a longer hose to donate in an OOA?

 

[Diver Dennis]

Thanks fellas, I will check the archives. The reason I asked Pug was I was just curious if that was the direction development was going and I am in the procees of buying new equipment. I think I will stick to the regular octopus.

 

[Uncle Pug]

I think that is a wise choice Dennis... but I would suggest that you also do a search on using a necklace for the back up second stage.
here are a couple of posts/threads to read:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=940589&postcount=7
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=10022
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=23528
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=23435

 

[Chad Carney]

Research is a good idea, from lots of sources.

Since the others offered their quick summaries, I'll do the same to balance the issue with an at hand view of the other side of the subject.

Many drivers feel that a compact spare tire is sufficient to get them off the side of the road and to the next service station. They can't justify carrying one of full size.
Many divers feel the same way about an alternate inflation regulator.

I've used the Air II, Octo+ and Air Source and would prefer any of the above to a full size octopus for a non technical dive. I've made hundreds of training dives on them and some real out-of-air ascents too... and never had difficulty controlling an ascent. I must add that Zeagle's Octo+ has a separate exhaust, usable while keeping the mouthpiece in your mouth.

I've used the second primary on a long hose also but felt like I was driving a tow truck. I even prefer a 35" second primary for technical dives and still keep the AIR. (No overhead for me thanks.)

Chad

 

[Diver Dennis]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. Obviously research is in order for me here, it's great to get both sides. I'm glad I found your board.

 

[Diver Dennis]

I can see what you meant by "a lot of posts" on this matter. Two hours later and I've finally finished reading them. There is a lot to consider. Thanks.

 

[Uncle Pug]

Here is another one that you should read... it is about a turret reg failure but at post #20 mentions a free flowing Atomic Aquatics SS1 (safe second integrated with the BC inflator.)

You may find it interesting. How would you have handled this situation?

 

[O2BBubbleFree]

Here is another one that you should read... it is about a turret reg failure but at post #20 mentions a free flowing Atomic Aquatics SS1 (safe second integrated with the BC inflator.)

You may find it interesting. How would you have handled this situation?

Hey UP, help me out here...

If a combo device fails and dumps all your air (the scenario you pointed out), you grab your buddies primary (or politely ask for his secondary). Seems to me a similar situation could happen with a conventional secondary. The fact that this is a combo device is irrelevant. Whether you have a combo or seperate devices is not an issue, as you have no air.

If you were to catch it before all your air is gone and disconnect the LP hose from the combo, you can still orally inflate, same as if you had an inflator failure.

The only way I can see a combo being a liability is if you and your buddy are sharing the secondary, which would mean that your primary fails (closed) and your buddies primary and secondary fails (or his first stage fails). There are a lot of scenarios where three major failures would result in an ESA.

You mentioned bouancy control while using the secondary, but I don't see that as a problem. In the unlikely event that you need to add air you can still push the inflator button while the secondary is in your mouth. If you need to dump air while doing a horizontal ascent, and you use a lower dump valve (which I think you promote), then dumping air isn't an issue. If you do vertical ascents and need to dump air through the corrugated hose, you can generally dump air with it in your mouth, since your mouth is above the BC. Even if you have to remove it from your mouth to dump air, it's not that difficult.