Aqualung Airsource 3

[jaymal]

I have a Seaquest Black Diamond with an Aqualung Airsource 3 attached. I am mostly happy with the Airsource 3 although it has taken training to get my fingers to hit the inflate rather than the purge buttons (or vice-versa). I have been playing with the idea of changing over to a B/P & wing. I especially like what I have been hearing about the Oxycheq Mach V wing and am curious if it is possible to attach the Airsource to the Mach V?

I understand different manufactures have different threading but I did notice the A-Pack has conversions (wish I had known that beforehand). Does the Airsource 3 have conversions or does it need one? I haven't seen any mention of one.

Thanks!

Jeremy

 

[TimAZ]

You can simply attach the Airsource to the existing corrugated hose on the BP/W. Alternatively, you could attach the Airsource hose to the elbow on the BP/W. I think they will both be a standard 1"

If not, AL will soon be coming out with conversion kits for the airsource.

 

[Arcaporale]

You can simply attach the Airsource to the existing corrugated hose on the BP/W. Alternatively, you could attach the Airsource hose to the elbow on the BP/W. I think they will both be a standard 1"

If not, AL will soon be coming out with conversion kits for the airsource.

The entire corrugated hose for the AirSource 3 is an integral part of the unit itself. You would need to connect via the shoulder dump elbow on the wing assuming the hoses are the same size. I doubt AL will have any type of conversion kit.

 

[TimAZ]

The entire corrugated hose for the AirSource 3 is an integral part of the unit itself. You would need to connect via the shoulder dump elbow on the wing assuming the hoses are the same size. I doubt AL will have any type of conversion kit.

Actually, the AL dealer catalog promises a conversion kit later this year. Apparently they want it to work with virtually any make BC, kind of like what Atomic has done. Regardless, you should be able to forgo the included QD corrugated and attach the end unit to any like size hose (probably 1").

 

[jaymal]

Actually, the AL dealer catalog promises a conversion kit later this year. Apparently they want it to work with virtually any make BC, kind of like what Atomic has done. Regardless, you should be able to forgo the included QD corrugated and attach the end unit to any like size hose (probably 1").

The corrugated tube has an easy disassembly from the upper half connecting to the BC (sorry, I am sure I don't have all my terminology down pat). In order for the Airsource 3 to function (in my limited understanding) the whole unit needs to be screwed into the BC. My local dive shop claimed that all manufactures use different sizes in the connector to the BC so that you can't mix manufactures. Is that incorrect? if both have a 1" connector will the threads work?

I am guessing it might be best to contact AL directly. How responsive are they to emailed questions? Well, I guess I will try.

Thanks!

 

[TimAZ]

The corrugated tube has an easy disassembly from the upper half connecting to the BC (sorry, I am sure I don't have all my terminology down pat). In order for the Airsource 3 to function (in my limited understanding) the whole unit needs to be screwed into the BC. My local dive shop claimed that all manufactures use different sizes in the connector to the BC so that you can't mix manufactures. Is that incorrect? if both have a 1" connector will the threads work?

I am guessing it might be best to contact AL directly. How responsive are they to emailed questions? Well, I guess I will try.

Thanks!

The threading is not at issue. Go ahead and keep the elbow attached to the new BC or BP/W. The corrugated hose in either case is simply attached with a zip tie that can be removed. Keep in mind though, that using the BP/W elbow, you will likely lose the pull-dump on the currugated, as this is considered a potential failure point to technical divers. If your LDS can't change a hose on your BC, treat them like a mechanic who can't change a radiator hose on your car.

 

[dive sd]

Hey there, just read your post and I'm looking to actually buy the same set-up you have, the black diamond with the airsource 3. My local dive shop though has been recommending me to buy the airsource 2 instead of the 3. Would you recommend it? I'm somewhat concerned with the on/off on the A3, that it may get turned off inadvertantly during a dive. What do you think? Would you recommend the atomic instead? Any input any of you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[jaymal]

I am not sure exactly how much advice I can give but will try. I really do like my black diamond. I find it very comfortable in the water and if I do get a B/P and Wing I will not be giving up my BD. The thing I liked the most about Airsource 3 over 2 is that AS3 allows for easy disassembly allowing you to store the AS3 with your regulator very easy. When assembled it locks into place and I think it would be very difficult to accidentally disassemble during a dive. It would have to be intentionally done. For the on/off switch, I looked at again this morning and there really aren't any places for anything to snag--on the switch. Most likely point of failure is if you intentionally switched it off with your thumb. It does require a little force when not pressurized and if I remember correctly a bit more when pressurized. If some how you did turn the air off accidentally you can always just turn it back on.

What I don't really like about the AS3 is the placement of the purge and inflate buttons. I have on several occasions hit the inflate button when intending to purge the BC.

I have not tried the Atomic and so cannot give an opinion there.

Hope this helps.

 

[rsghowellnj]

Any status from Aqualung on this conversion kit for the Airsource 3 Conversion Kit. Sounds like we have similar interests. I'm trying to connect an Airsource 3 to my Oxycheq Mack 5 wing. I've heard rumors about this conversion kit being promised by Aqualung and really would be interested to know when this thing is actually going to come out. Any information would be appreciated.

 

[jaymal]

This was the response I received from Aqualung:

"Currently the only BCD's that the Air Source III will fit on that I know of are the Seaquest & Aqualung BCD's. You would physically have to try it on your other BCD & see if it will fit. Different manufacturers will have different size manifolds that are used."

Didn't seem like any conversion kit was likely.

Jeremy