Aquatec Alternate regulator, Inflator, with Sub Alert unit (Air-3)

[robertarak]

OK, I admit it. I am a complete newbie. Not even OW yet....but very soon. Anyway as a good newbie I am reading and looking at everything I can. So far I think I have my heart set on a DSS BP/W then I saw this little guy.

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_960/Context_954/Sort_Stock/DescSort_0/Filter_1%3d770/AQUA3.html?Hit=1

Now I know reading is no replacement for experience so I am going to the pool (so to speak) of experience to ask... 1) will it even work with the DSS LCD wing, and 2) Is it WORTH doing?

Thank you all in advanced, and by the way GREAT SITE!

 

[Trickie Dickie 99]

I had an aquatec BCD mouthpiece, with the built in air horn. My advice? Leave the integrated air horn well alone. Mine failed within a few dives and just blew air (lots of it) continuously through the horn. The problem was, that unlike the conventional airhorns whicgh are a separate piece of kit, clipping between the direct feed inflator and the BCD mouthpiece, if it fails, you can't just detach it and plug the DF back into the BCD inflator/mouthpiece assembly; basically the whole thing is buggered.

I know lots of people have varying opinions on the AIR2/AIR 3 idea but in my book, the air horn is a potential (or in my experience, actual) failure point and if it's integrated, it means that the whole inflator assembly will be going tits up too.

As for the AIR 3 or it's cousins, it's essential that your corrugated inflator hose is sufficiently long to be able to get the regulator mouthpiece into your mouth, without bending your head around hard to the left the whole tiome you are using it. That was another drawback that I found with this setup.

Also, because of the shortness of the corrugated hose, bear in mind that you will not be able to donate this to an OOA buddy. You will need to donate your primary regulator and then find the AIR 3 for yourself.

 

[ams511]

Yes, it should work with the wing. You may need to purchase a longer hose so you can breath off it. I suggest you talk to Tobin about it. He will set you straight. You may also want to check out the thread on dive purchases people regret. Intregrated regulators seem to be high on the list. True you save a hose, but you are paying more money for less performance. I would recommend a decent octo.

 

[victor]

I am a fan of the AIR2.
I have had mine from the start, breathe of it for a few breaths at the start of every dive and at the deapest point on each dive.
Downside is the non standard LP hose.
If you get one then I would recommend that you have a standard inflator and hose as a backup in your save a dive kit if you go on a trip.
I am not convinced that adding the horn is a good idea.

 

[robertarak]

Thanx everyone!
For the record, the Air-3 is off my list.