Combined octo/BC inflator?

[texspeleo]

I had an Apeks unit for a few years on a BC of mine. Initially I liked the concept, but it just became cumbersome as my diving techniques kind of out evolved it. I think they're an interesting concept for open water shallow diving, but I do feel they make emergency procedures harder than they need to be. The Apeks was a well made unit, but breathed like a flimsey 'made to be an octopus' regulator. My diving philosophy has changed since then, and now, no matter what water conditions I'm getting into, I won't take a backup regulator that doesn't perform at least as well as my primary.
Cheers----Chris

 

[NorthernShrinkage]

I use a zeagle on my recreational setup and have no problems with it . only suggestion would be to look at a slightly longer hose for your second stage nothing to crazy about 48 inches just makes it easier to keep a little more distance between you and the recipient as most second stages are a little short.

 

[Hemlon]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Dan Gibson]

The hose needs to be able to accomodate higher flows for breathing, so I doubt you will be able to use a standard LP hose.

I am considering switching to a backpack and wing but will, probably stick with a combo octo/inflator, preferably one with a standard LP hose.

 

[Calinectes]

The real issue with it is that the diver using the combo setup has to be comfortable with giving up their primary to a panicked (?) dive buddy in an emergency. It can be hard to remember to pick up the octo for yourself in such an emergency until your sucking H2O.

Of course if you're the comfortable, cool headed, well trained diver you should be than this isn't a real issue. I love my integrated unit.

 

[victor]

The hose needs to be able to accomodate higher flows for breathing, so I doubt you will be able to use a standard LP hose.

What higher flows for breathing, I am not sure I buy into this requirement.
The only extra air I would be using over my normal second stage is what is required to inflate my BC, maybe a 2 or 3 second burst of air to fully inflate it, which I cannot imagine doing.
Anyway I can stop breating for 3 seconds.
No I think this is a marketing gimmick.

 

[Dan Gibson]

Ask someone like DA Aquamaster if your idea has any merit. He should be able to tell you if you can get enough flow for the Air II on a standard hose.

What higher flows for breathing, I am not sure I buy into this requirement.
The only extra air I would be using over my normal second stage is what is required to inflate my BC, maybe a 2 or 3 second burst of air to fully inflate it, which I cannot imagine doing.
Anyway I can stop breating for 3 seconds.
No I think this is a marketing gimmick.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Ask someone like DA Aquamaster if your idea has any merit. He should be able to tell you if you can get enough flow for the Air II on a standard hose.

Sort of a moot point as the Air-2 comes with a custom hose & fitting.
However... I have an adapter so that I can use a regular hose, have tried it and the reg breathes just fine at 110' - on an Air Source, but as the hose would deliver the same to an Air-2 I reckon that'd work fine too.
If this is still a concern, there are also adapters that convert the Air Source or Air-2 hoses to a regular LP inflator fitting.
Rick

 

[Gil57usa]

Personally I don't like the idea of having to take the regulator out of my mouth to vent air from the BCD. It seems to me that if you are using the Air 2 it's because there is already a problem and you are heading for the surface. At that point buoyancy control is essential.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Personally I don't like the idea of having to take the regulator out of my mouth to vent air from the BCD. It seems to me that if you are using the Air 2 it's because there is already a problem and you are heading for the surface. At that point buoyancy control is essential.

You can both inflate and deflate the BC with the reg in your mouth. When you vent the BC, since the mouthpiece is in your mouth the vented gas just goes out the exhaust port.
Rick