Can I transfer the air2 from my Knighthawk to my wing?

[ScubaDoo83]

I just purchased my first simple bp&w setup and it occurred to me that I will now need to buy an octo because my current BCD is the Scubapro Knighthawk with air2. Is it possible for me to swap the power inflator on the 28lb DRIS Trianta wing for the air2 on my Knighthawk? They both look to be attached to the hose by a simple zip tie. Thanks!

 

[ScubaDoo83]

All I could find was this answer from the staff at Leisure Pro on the air2 product page...

 

[g1138]

Yes you can but you lose out on the ability to share air, ascend, and deflate vertically without losing your air source for a moment for so.

Bp/W's are horrible to pair with Air 2's in my opinion because they lack a spare shoulder dump like stock BC's do.

 

[ScubaDoo83]

Yes you can but you lose out on the ability to share air, ascend, and deflate vertically without losing your air source for a moment for so.

If I was using the air2 as an air source that means that I would already be sharing air from my primary second stage. Also by mentioning losing the ability to "ascend" I assume you are referring to inflating which you can do on the air2 by holding in the dump button during exhale. However you have a point about dumping air, I would either have to manage to dump from the bottom of the wing or remove the air2 from my mouth for a moment.

 

[DaveJo127]

Nothing against the Air2, but like g1183 said it's not really an optimal combo when you have no extra shoulder dump. Keep in mind that the kidney dump can only be used while horizontal or butt-up. But yes, you could do it. I'm sure some people have.

You don't have to spend an arm and a leg on an octo, any low performance reg will do. You could just use the regular open water setup with a bp/w if you're not interested in using a long hose setup. The people over at Dive Rite also posted this nice idea:


Also, congrats on your purchase! The DRIS package looks like a solid deal.

 

[Marie13]

You'll love the DRIS package. I got it 2 weeks ago (they're my LDS) and used it for my 2nd OW pool session. I upgraded to the Hollis Elite 2 harness and really like it. So much better than being squeezed by a jacket BCD.

 

[ScubaDoo83]

Also, congrats on your purchase! The DRIS package looks like a solid deal.

Thanks!

You'll love the DRIS package.

Definitely looking forward to streamlining my experience. I went with the aluminum plate because of the required STA. I will travel for most of my diving. I also am switching from Scubapro split fins to OMS Slipstreams. I feel I am at the part of my dive career where I want to begin dialing in and fine tuning my buoyancy,trim and maneuverability.

 

[g1138]

If I was using the air2 as an air source that means that I would already be sharing air from my primary second stage. Also by mentioning losing the ability to "ascend" I assume you are referring to inflating which you can do on the air2 by holding in the dump button during exhale. However you have a point about dumping air, I would either have to manage to dump from the bottom of the wing or remove the air2 from my mouth for a moment.

Other way around, I mean in the share air scenario you'll be only be able to deflate in a vertical position by removing the Air 2 from your mouth. I meant you being unable to do all 3 of those criteria as a whole event, not separately.
The problem comes in an OOA share scenario when you need to deflate on ascent.

Pull Dump cable doesn't work in practice, because you'll have to tug on the Air 2 to put tension on the cable. Can't do that with it in your mouth.

Horizontal ascent only works if your OOA diver is calm and collected, regardless of your BC configuration.
And a 44in hose on angle adapter can at times limit your ability to trim out for the dump.
You really limit your options for a variety of OOA rescues.

If you haven't seen this write up yet, it's what I usually brief people on with the Air2's abilities for the rescuer.
Practice Dumping your in-line AltAir+Inflator - a Note to Divers

 

[DaveJo127]

And a 44in hose on angle adapter can at times limit your ability to trim out for the dump.

Just to clarify I didn't say to use an Air2 with that setup, just offering alternatives the the traditional short primary & 40" octo setup.

 

[g1138]

Just to clarify I didn't say to use an Air2 with that setup, just offering alternatives the the traditional short primary & 40" octo setup.

It's a good suggestion. I wanted to add that in practice it doesn't give enough distance to trim out without putting your head within a foot of your victim's chest. Nothing poo poo-ing on what you posted.

The biggest benefit of a 40-44in hose on angle adapter is horizontal swimming with an OOA diver by your side and having a hose routed cleanly with no tugging on them. You don't get as much benefit in horizontal ascents because it really doesn't add much more distance from a Roman handshake hold.
In practice I've still preferred vertical ascents using the 44in on angle adapter. I've practiced side-by-side horizontal ascents but in practical sense I'd rather have constant eye on my OOA diver (for recreational levels).

If you upgrade to a long hose 5-7ft you add additional benefits of single file swimming OOA and horizontal ascents OOA, at the cost of more hose to manage. I've gone that route and only prefer it because it doesn't carry the offset weight that my angle adapter adds; less jaw fatigue for me. Otherwise I prefer the 44in angle adapter more.