Can i use an Atomic Ti2 octo as my primary second stage?

[big twinn]

I just ordered a Ti2 second stage. I realize they are octos, but what is the difference in the ti2 second stage and the t1/t2x or b1/b2 second stage regulators? The one i ordered is not yellow, it is the same color as a primary would be....so could i use this as a primary what would be the downside?
Thanks

 

[eelnoraa]

As far as I know, Atomic make their Octo exactly the same as their primary 2nd stage except for the color, so their octo performs exactly the same as their primary. So the answer to you question is YES, just you may need to change the hose to the proper length.

 

[buddhasummer]

Absolutely. Aside from any "de tuning" they will breathe the same. As far as Im aware they are all the same 2nd stage design (Z2, B2, Ti, ST1) save component materials used and of course marketed "octos" will have the yellow colouring face plate etc.

 

[big twinn]

i wonder why the one i ordered is not yellow.

 

[Tigerman]

Ask yourself this; Why would an octopus be less reliable than a primary? Wouldnt it kinda defy the entire point of having it?


Edit: I do at times use my octo instead of my primary, simply to make sure it breathe as it should. I have had people need it - Blown 1st stage yoke o-rings at 70ft really is not ideal for your gas consumption as it pretty much drain your tank in less than 10 minutes

 

[fnfalman]

With Atomic Aquatics, there's no difference in performance or build between a regular second stage and an octo. The only difference would be the yellow face cover. That's why the octo costs you an arm and a leg.

Other companies make cheaper second stages to function as octo. It's up to you to figure out whether or not you want an octo that matches the second stage or a cheaper octo. Even a cheaper octo will deliver air at any depth, just keep that in mind.

 

[big twinn]

hmmm so maybe i should just use this as my primary. Im curious as to why this ti2 is not yellow...any thoughts?

 

[buddhasummer]

hmmm so maybe i should just use this as my primary. Im curious as to why this ti2 is not yellow...any thoughts?

They do sell 2nd stages as separate items as some people will use 2 identical 2nds as primary and "back up" (the primary being on a longer hose 40" with 90 degree adaptor, 5ft or 7ft and the backup on a 22/24" bungeed). You can also buy the yellow face Ti Octo. For what ever reason you have been given a standard 2nd. You can buy a yellow face plate if you wish. As I said in my previous post both will breathe the same anyway, so primary or Octo makes little difference.

 

[fnfalman]

hmmm so maybe i should just use this as my primary. Im curious as to why this ti2 is not yellow...any thoughts?

Probably they shipped you the wrong one. If you really want the yellow face then call Atomic up and ask for an exchange. If it doesn't bother you, then keep it. Like I said, Atomic second stages and octos are identical. Some manufacturers do that and some manufacturers sell cheaper octos. Even the cheaper octo will deliver air at depth. You may have to suck a bit harder than your primary octo, but it will still deliver air. Dive gears companies are not in the habit of making equipment that don't work.