BP/W's and Octo-inflators

[SharpDog]

Can BP/w's be used with octo-inflators? I know that some octo-inflators (E.G. Aeris) have unique fitting sizes. I am particularly interested in a DSS BP/W and the Zeagle Octo-Z but would also like to know about Zeagle BP/W's and their inflator as well.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Can BP/w's be used with octo-inflators? I know that some octo-inflators (E.G. Aeris) have unique fitting sizes. I am particularly interested in a DSS BP/W and the Zeagle Octo-Z but would also like to know about Zeagle BP/W's and their inflator as well.

There is nothing fundamentally different about a wing vs a conventional BC in regards to attaching an "AIRII" etc. The hoses used on most wings have an 1" ID.

It is common however for wings to come with fairly short corrugated hoses, this certainly true of DSS wings.

To mount a octo-inflator you would need a longer corrugated hose. We do not furnish longer hoses, but most LDS can source one.

I would encourage you to consider using a conventional Back Up regulator. One more LP hose of the correct length is not even noticed.

Tobin

 

[halocline]

I've seen a few people using BP/W set ups with octo/inflators, there's no reason why you can't do it. But, what Tobin said about the longer corrugated hose is a bigger issue than you might at first think. In terms of streamlining and convenience for venting, the short corrugated hose is a real benefit. Having to replace it with a longer one and then add on a somewhat bulkier octo/inflator is likely to be more of a PITA than a standard alternate 2nd stage clipped or bungied. Remember, you're going to use the inflator several times on every dive, and the alternate air source only in an emergency...hopefully rarely.

IMO, the octo/inflator is kind of a solution to a non-existent problem. Sorry, I know that's not what you asked! You could give it a try, but save your old short corrugated hose and inflator so you can switch it back if you find that the new set up is less convenient for normal diving and venting. Check out ebay; there are LOTS of octo/inflators for sale. Maybe yours will be one too!

 

[BikerManiac]

I got my wing about 1 week ago from scubatoys and requested them to attach a longer corrugated hose for the Wing for my SS1. I think they gave me a 20 inch hose and I think the length it's OK. I think they corrugated hose from the Seaquest balance was longer though.

 

[RonFrank]

The main issue with using Octo Inflators on a BP/W is that the dump value is not equipped to handle them. IOW's many BC's either have two shoulder dumps, or a dump that one can activate by pulling the on the hose if you were going to ascend with the OCTO in your mouth in a share air situation.

I use a Zeagle Octo+ on my Stiletto, and it works well. I do not however use that setup for my BP/W. I use a long hose and a bungee second on my BP/W setup. You certainly can put an Octo inflater on a BP/W but dumping air in a share air situation maybe problematic.

 

[redacted]

The dive rite wings come with a long corrugated hose and a pull dump valve. I'm pretty sure the connection on the wing is compatible with the DSS wing connector.

 

[spacemanspiff1974]

I did a double take the other day, but saw a diver with the long hose, the bungeed reg around the neck and an octo inflator on the wing. Seemed like overkill to me, but the octo inflator really wasnt that large and the diver would have already been running a lp hose there for a regular wing inflator.

It was an OMS wing. Bungeed and probably around 60 lbs lift from what I could tell.

It can't hurt, but I suspect that it wasn't money well spent.

 

[iceaxe]

I too was wondering about the Zeagle back plate. After shopping around however, I think the best rig for me maybe the DSS rig with the 17 lb. lift tropical wing and some of the Zeagle shoulder pads (some of the dive here have a bit of a longer approach). To my knowledge, not many companies make wings that are that small.

I agree, the octo-inflator is a solution to a non existent problem. People are so obsessed with getting rid of hoses while they still use floppy vest BCDs...just cracks me up. Octo-inflators add another challenge with regards to controlling your buoyancy when you're already in a somewhat stressed situation. I guess I'm just really curious as to what other reasons people have for wanting one of these devices. I must admit, in the very beginning I thought it was a neat idea, but now it just seems like bling to me.

I'm still new to this... but that's just my 2 psi.

 

[SharpDog]

I too was wondering about the Zeagle back plate. After shopping around however, I think the best rig for me maybe the DSS rig with the 17 lb. lift tropical wing and some of the Zeagle shoulder pads (some of the dive here have a bit of a longer approach). To my knowledge, not many companies make wings that are that small.

I agree, the octo-inflator is a solution to a non existent problem. People are so obsessed with getting rid of hoses while they still use floppy vest BCDs...just cracks me up. Octo-inflators add another challenge with regards to controlling your buoyancy when you're already in a somewhat stressed situation. I guess I'm just really curious as to what other reasons people have for wanting one of these devices. I must admit, in the very beginning I thought it was a neat idea, but now it just seems like bling to me.

I'm still new to this... but that's just my 2 psi.

I must confess that my main reason for the octo-inflator from zeagle is to be able to easily wash out the BC with a garden hose. As long as it does not dump air in an emergency situation it will be OK. I intend to couple that with a pony setup as well as a long hose for a redundant approach. I want to be able to hand off my primary or my pony if necessary as the situation warrants.

 

[RJP]

I must confess that my main reason for the octo-inflator from zeagle is to be able to easily wash out the BC with a garden hose.

Running water into my regular inflator hose is ZERO hassle. Press purge button, run water from hose into inflator. Done.

I can't imagine that the Zeagle makes it any easier.