Apeks' Freeflow Control Device

[John_B]

Hmmm, if your Apeks needs a freeflow control device (FCD?) then maybe you should switch over to ScubaPro?

Funny stuff, my buddy's freeflow was from a Scubapro regulator! (MK25/S600)

 

[nereas]

This message is hidden because John_B is on your ignore list.

 

[John_B]

Nereas doesn't realize it wasn't meant for him to see!

 

[FrankPro1]

As for shutting down the valve, I'm not flexible enough to do it, maybe in a pool with just a swim suit, but not with a 14mm wet suit.

Flexibility or not... I believe its common practice to set up your tank in a way that you can always reach your valve. Isn't that one of the base principles taught in OW class?

 

[martzak]

...Not in my OW class. I have OW and AOW from PADI. Shutting off your tank valve was never part of our drills. I did try it on my own once (with my buddy next to me of course)...unsuccessfully. The tank valve is too low and far behind to reach. If I mount it higher then my reg is bumping into the back of my head. Maybe I should work on my flexibility...or technique...or both. If you have any suggestions on how to efficiently shut off/turn on your tank valve on a single tank setup, please do share.

 

[FrankPro1]

...Not in my OW class. I have OW and AOW from PADI. Shutting off your tank valve was never part of our drills. I did try it on my own once (with my buddy next to me of course)...unsuccessfully. The tank valve is too low and far behind to reach. If I mount it higher then my reg is bumping into the back of my head. Maybe I should work on my flexibility...or technique...or both. If you have any suggestions on how to efficiently shut off/turn on your tank valve on a single tank setup, please do share.

I was also taught from a PADI instructor and we also never turned off our tank during our drills. We were taught to mount our tanks to our bc's about 2 fingers below the top of the neck line. I've used this "rule of thumb" and have been able to reach my valves without it interfering with my head movement "using a Aqualung Legend or Scubapro Mk2". The main reason for wanting to reach the valves is in the case of starting a descent with your valve closed. Many times you'll gas up your gear on a boat and then shut it off for the ride over to the next site. I've heard of people doing this and getting a breath or two before the remaining air in the 1rst stage depletes. If they couldn't reach their valves, they would have to struggle to the surface or rely on a buddy to open the valve. A very hairy situation in deed. A good DM will check your valve before entering the water, but I would rather rely on myself then a stranger.

If the two finger method doesn't work, the trick is to mount the tank "in the sweet spot"... Not so high that it interferes with your head but not to low where you can't reach it.

 

[seahep]

Has someone tried the Apeks' Freeflow controle device? After what happened this afternoon in my super 15 minutes-long dive, I might be interested in such gizmo.

Is it a gizmo or it's something that really works?

I think you may be better off having the IP tuned down a bit if you're diving in cold water (less then 40degrees) and have your 2nd stage also tuned down a bit. My wife likes to have her ATX50 tuned down all year round, with no problems.

Brian