Bungee /Octopus

[JBRES1]

I am looking to switch out my octopus to go to a bungee/ octopus set up.
My set up is a Sherwood Oasis with 5' hose and a shadow plus octopus.
I wanted to know what second stage most people use for this set up and why.
I have been thinking about the Scubapro R190, or picking up a second sherwood Oasis 2nd stage to match the current reg .
I have a Tusa RS-130 and a Scubapro MK2 plus/R190 regs. for pony bottles, so this may also be the way I go since I allready have them.
Any help with this would be great.
Thanks Jim Breslin

 

[Wayward Son]

I use a Scubapro R380 for my octo & wear it bungeed. You want something that breaths decently, considering the dives you do. If you need to use it, you'll be the one breathing off it, not your buddy.

 

[jeckyll]

Really, you can use any second stage you're comfortable with, the requirements for it are the same as for an octo setup.

When I got my setup I decided to go with the same 2nd stage for both my primary and secondary. Finances and preferences are really what matters.

Are you making any other changes, or just swapping hoses? Remember that with the 5 foot primary you'll have to swing it over your head, so things like snorkels can be an issue for some.

In either case, I'd recommend practicing OOA's with the new setup to ensure you become smooth & efficient at donating.

Best of luck.

Bjorn

 

[WVDiver]

I think you will like the bungee, it is so much easier to find, get to, and it is out of the way. As has been said I think the octo is a matter of what you like and can afford.

 

[dcs917]

Just like Wayward Son, I also use a SP R380 OCTO bungeed around the neck. One important comment is that it is best to select an OCTO that is unbalanced since you do not want the regulator to be such an easy breather that it would be prone to freeflow when not in use. I also have a R190 on my Pony, and this would also be a a solid, reliable choice for an unbalanced OCTO as well.

Dive Safe!

 

[jeckyll]

dcs917: I don't have problems with my secondary free flowing, I really don't think that is a big issue.

 

[ArcticDiver]

Remember in an emergency that bungeed regulator is going to be your lifeline. Your primary will be in the other person's mouth. Also, you should be using it frequently on regular dives to be sure it will do the job when needed.

So, in my case my primary and secondary (a better way to think of the setup) are both the same. In my first setup I had the bungeed secondary tuned to be as easy breathing as possible. But, having identical primary and secondary regulators is preferrable.

 

[jeckyll]

I would go a step further than ArcticDiver. IMO, you should test both your primary and secondary at 15 fsw at the beginning of each dive. Perhaps even as part of an OOA drill.

That will assure you that both regs work well, no diaphram tears or not seated proper, etc. It assures your buddy that your reg that you are donating is working and shows both of you that you can safely do an air share.

Dive safe.

Bjorn

 

[rockjock3]

I use a R380 as my long-hose reg and when I went to long hose I bought the R190 as my backup (I was using an air2). I bought the R190 because it is a solid reg as well as I wanted to be able to service both my regs at the same shop. They both breath great shallow, at depth, normal and even inverted. No problems with either of them free-flowing or breathing wet in any position.

 

[ArcticDiver]

I would go a step further than ArcticDiver. IMO, you should test both your primary and secondary at 15 fsw at the beginning of each dive. Perhaps even as part of an OOA drill.

That will assure you that both regs work well, no diaphram tears or not seated proper, etc. It assures your buddy that your reg that you are donating is working and shows both of you that you can safely do an air share.

Dive safe.

Bjorn

I was only answering the equipment question. For use I agree and would go even further yet.

Pre-dive: Every Dive, breathe through both regs while watching the SPG and listening to the regs. You want no SPG movement and normal breathing and normal noise.
After entry: Breathe both regs wet.
After entry if diving with someone else: Do a mutual bubble check. Make sure no leaks.

Remember the odds of a properly maintained and tested regulator malfunctioning are extremely small. But small is not never. Plus, since most out of gas events apparently happen as a part of human error there is likely to be lots of other stress inducers going on at the same time. Don't need any preventable complicators.