breathing device on bp/w?

[BelikinBob]

Hi,
I have been trained on a scuba pro classic (or something like it) BCD. So, i am used to the Air2.

well, im now looking into BP/w and noticed that the inflators seem to have a mouth peice for oral inflation, but its not like an air2. Like (halcyon, DSS, OMS....) can you breath from these inflators???

if not would i need an octopus or something? with another $ regulator $ ?

thanks!
-Bob

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

The inflator hose on my Cressi is like that too, and so is the one on my Dive-Rite. I've used my same reg with both the Cressi jacket-style BC and with my Dive-Rite, with absolutely no difference between the two. (Am I misunderstanding your question?)

 

[TSandM]

Those inflators are not regulators. You require a second second stage as an alternate air source.

 

[rockjock3]

You would require an additional 2nd stage regulator. You could take the inflator/dump off the end of the hose for the BP/W and insert your Air2. I don't know if you could handle all the name calling and cross looks you would receive from the other BP/W divers though.

Don't worry about the $$ of an additional reg though, you can get good ones for $80-120 range.

 

[BelikinBob]

Hi again,

(fish whisperer)
sorry about the unclear question...Im new. going for certicaction next week.

ok, so,
If I were to buy a BP/w I would need a second air source, separate from my main regulator.

-via octopus?-

the mouth peice on the inflator is for oral inflation only?

Hehehe, I dont have an Air2, not quite sure why anyone would call anyone names for useing a peice of gear...

sorry if these are stupid questions, ive searched this site and havent found the awnsers.

thanks!
Bob

 

[Damselfish]

You need a second air source, sometimes called a safe second or octopus. There are basically 2 types for recreational diving. Air2 and others like it combine a BC inflator and second stage regulator into one unit. The other way to have a safe second (more common and not only for BP/w) is to simply have an extra second stage hanging directly off your first stage. Then to inflate the BC you would have a device which is only an inflator.

Air2 type units have pros and cons. Some people like them, many do not. (FWIW, I learned to dive with one and don't.) Some people are quite vehement about not liking them and that's where the name calling could start. For reasons I won't attempt to explain, it would be really unusual for someone to put an Air2 on a BP/W and even more likely to have someone say something not nice about it.

I suggest going here http://www.scubaboard.com/search.php and typing in Air2 for key word, and you can read all about it. Make yourself comfortable you may be awhile.

I'd also suggest learning a lot more about gear before making any decisions on what to buy.

 

[rockjock3]

Hi again,

(fish whisperer)
sorry about the unclear question...Im new. going for certicaction next week.

ok, so,
If I were to buy a BP/w I would need a second air source, separate from my main regulator.

-via octopus?-

Yes, an octopus of some type is what your backup regulator is called (not a second air source, just a second regulator).

the mouth peice on the inflator is for oral inflation only?

Yes.

Hehehe, I dont have an Air2, not quite sure why anyone would call anyone names for useing a peice of gear...

An Air2 is a combination power inflator and octopus in one unit. It attaches to the end of your BC hose and can be used to breath from if you have to share out your primary reg.

Some of the hard-core BP/W users are funny about their equipment configurations and how others configure their own equipment. I can only imagine the name-calling if you went out diving with an Air2 on a BP/W. People diving BP/Ws (most, not all) utilize a long-hose (7ft) on their primary reg and then wear an octo around their neck with a piece of elastic cord and usually on a 24" hose.

sorry if these are stupid questions, ive searched this site and havent found the awnsers.

thanks!
Bob

No such thing as a stupid question especially when talking about life-support equipment.

 

[Brandon]

For reasons I won't attempt to explain, it would be really unusual for someone to put an Air2 on a BP/W and even more likely to have someone say something not nice about it.

Yep, pretty much a guarenteed way to start a flame war.

If you decide to do this, best to keep it quiet around here =)

-Brandon.

 

[radinator]

Keep in mind the Air2 does not come with the BC...it is purchased separately and then installed. It is also much more expensive than an octopus. So, BP or BC, you have to buy a second regulator.

 

[pusser]

There is nothing to stop you from putting an air2 on a wing. Like radinator said, you need a second regulator anyway.