Aqualung Airsource 3

[thedalsusa]

I bought the AirSource3 to go on a Mares Dragon BCD. Threads are different. LDS authorized for servicing Mares and Aqualung contacted Aqualung and no date or update on adapters.

You definitely don't want to lose the features in the AS3 (if it was even possible) by not using the "integral" corrugated tube. The previous replies maybe would work with a AS2 or "traditional" inflator/octo combo, but not this beast.

I don't think I'll risk waiting on AquaLung to come out with adapters, but I like the AS3 enough and can still exchange my Mares BCD to one that will thread.

I searched pretty extensively to find someone who might make an adapter, but to no avail.

I also considered replacing the fitting on the BCD bladder, but after consideration on reliability, I don't think its worth it. The Mares Dragon is nice, but their are other nice ones that I can use too that nothing has to be adapted.

 

[jonenglishlee]

Personally, having sold dozens of both models and dove both, I would consider the AirSource 2. For these two reasons:
1. You can leave air in the bc bladder for storage. You can't do this with the detachable Airsource 3 unless you want to leave your regulator attached to the bc for storage. It says in the owners manual of every BC thats on the market to store with air in the bladder.
2. The on/off switch is not that big of deal. If your air source two free flows, you can just disconnect the inflator hose. if either the 2 or 3 free flows you are going to have to orally inflate anyway.

Until the Air Source 3 proves to me that it just breathes alot better, i am not going to get one. I have rebuilt the Air Source 2 dozens of times, and it is a breeze. I am weary of having to rebuild this Air Source 3 in the coming years. But that probly doesn't concern most divers.

 

[rsghowellnj]

The latest information that I have heard from Aqua Lung International Egineering Department was that the conversion kit for the Airsource 3 is due out mid ~ late June 2008.:fruit:

 

[spearfisherzs]

Jeremy, I just went on to aqualungs website and they have adapters so the airsource 3 will fit on scuba pro, mares, and zeagle. Im not exactly sure but these might fit on your new wing. Let me know.

Zach

 

[rsghowellnj]

Jeremy,

From what I understand after speaking with AL is that they do not have any intention of making a coversion kit for the Oxycheq Mach 5 to adapt to the AirSource3 :depressed:

 

[thaibass]

How about mounting the entire unit into the wing? Would it be possible to detach the oxycheq unit at the wing (using the proper tools to unscrew it from the rubber of the bladder itself) and then installing an aqualung unit?

Any thoughts?

 

[rstofer]

I know you want to use the AS3 and that's fine. But...

As you know, Dive Rite makes BP/Ws and, more to the point, they sell the Dive Rite RG2200 BC Integrated Alternate Air Source It is much more likely that this will fit the corrugated hose of most any wing you could choose. No guarantee, of course, but the odds are better.

I use an original SP AIR 2 on my old SeaQuest ADVi jacket style BC. I bought this when I was diving in warm water and have continued to use it in cold water while wearing a wetsuit. Now, there are those that suggest that performing any kind of ascent while trying to control buoyancy and simultaneously breathing from the AIR 2 is likely to be a challenge. What? You're going to take the regulator out of your mouth to raise the hose far enough to vent the BC? While you are ascending? While you are also trying to rescue your unresponsive dive buddy and control his buoyancy? Talk about task loading!

Thinking about that, I decided to leave the AIR 2 on my ADVi and move to a conventional octo secured by a necklace when I transitioned to a BP/W. The AIR 2 was a great device when buoyancy control wasn't much of a consideration; in warm water with no wetsuit. Now, in cold water, maybe it's not so great...

It's your choice. If you decide to continue with the AS3 concept, the Dive Rite RG2200 might be a good alternative. Besides, you can leave your BC intact.

Richard

 

[rsghowellnj]

Richard,

Thank you very much for the Dive Rite RG2200 option. I didn't even know that this existed. The only downside of this unit over the A3:

A3 has a quick disconnect (makes it nicer to protect when travelling)
I'm not sure if the 2nd stage is pneumatically balanced like the A3

Reading your comments about controlling buoyancy, while breathing through the A3 certainly gives me 2nd thoughts. I'm going to stay with what I have.

Again, thank you for your thoughts on the RG2200.

Rich

 

[FishOutUvH2O]

Richard,

Thank you very much for the Dive Rite RG2200 option. I didn't even know that this existed. The only downside of this unit over the A3:

A3 has a quick disconnect (makes it nicer to protect when travelling)
I'm not sure if the 2nd stage is pneumatically balanced like the A3

Reading your comments about controlling buoyancy, while breathing through the A3 certainly gives me 2nd thoughts. I'm going to stay with what I have.

Again, thank you for your thoughts on the RG2200.

Rich

If you want a great breathing integrated octo/inflator that can be used on just about any BC, consider the Atomic SS1. It comes with 3 different size attachments that fit most corrugated hose sizes. When you want to take it off you simply unscrew it. The bonus is that the attachment accepts a standard garden hose, so when it's time to clean the BC, you just screw on the garden hose, fill the bladder until it starts starts to come out of the OPV(s), let it run for a minute, and you've just rinsed-out the bladder and the OPV(s). As far as controlling buoyancy. . . Like most things practice makes perfect. I use the SS1 on my BP/W set-up and did not find it that hard to control buoyancy in 80 deg. water or 60 deg. water. But, I'm also a firm believer in go with what you know. Since I've been using an integrated octo/inflator since dive 1, I feel comfortable using one.

 

[rsghowellnj]

If you want a great breathing integrated octo/inflator that can be used on just about any BC, consider the Atomic SS1. It comes with 3 different size attachments that fit most corrugated hose sizes. When you want to take it off you simply unscrew it. The bonus is that the attachment accepts a standard garden hose, so when it's time to clean the BC, you just screw on the garden hose, fill the bladder until it starts starts to come out of the OPV(s), let it run for a minute, and you've just rinsed-out the bladder and the OPV(s). As far as controlling buoyancy. . . Like most things practice makes perfect. I use the SS1 on my BP/W set-up and did not find it that hard to control buoyancy in 80 deg. water or 60 deg. water. But, I'm also a firm believer in go with what you know. Since I've been using an integrated octo/inflator since dive 1, I feel comfortable using one.

Interesting. Do you know if the SS1 has a shut off (in the event of a free flow like the Air Souce 3 has)? I'm going to check with Atomic to see if it is compatable with the Oxycheq Mach 5. Thanks for the feedback.