Could/Would/Should Ya....Octopus(es)

[McLovinIt]

Ok, Opinions please on 2 (rookie diver) octopus questions - plus a bonus.....

1. I dive a bp/wing set-up. Definitely leaning towards technical diving. I have a Sherwood integrated / alternate air source on my inflator hose. Bought it because it was a great deal. After a few dives, I realized that I prefer a regular octopus. Thoughts on keeping the alt air as the inflator or replacing it with a normal power inflator?

2. I like the idea of a pony or redundant air supply. I also like the idea of an H-valve. I'll eventually have both (I'm anal about having breathable air underwater!). Question is....Even with a complete back-up reg set on the H-valve, should there be an octo and how (which 1st stage) would/should it be mounted on?

Bonus - Could/would/should the alt air from question 1 be somehow involved in question 2?!? I know there's a lot going on in this post. Just wondering what the norm is....if there is such a thing!!

Thanks Guys!

 

[Wookie]

1) I use an Air 2 (now an Atomic SS-1) because the buttons work for me. If you don't care about the buttons, get rid of the thing, it will only cause maintenance costs and problems, and you aren't going to breath from it.

2) I use a pony. I think an h-valve is worthless. I've only seen 1 first stage fail catastrophically underwater, and a pony solves the problem as well as an h-valve anyway.

I use my back gas for a long hose and inflator. I have a bungeed octo off the pony as well as a spare inflator hose. The spare inflator hose is actually to hand off to a rebreather diver if necessary, but I could hook it into my inflator.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

The H valves are handy if you are diving cold water and need to be able to handle a frozen (free flowing) 1st stage. The typical setup I have seen is one 2nd for each 1st stage. Of course, you have to be able to reach behind you to manipulate the correct valve, no small feat. I think most people jump to a good sized pony or doubles, making the H valve obsolete.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Here is a somewhat similar discussion the last couple days that might be educational;

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/317391-does-octopus-have-cold-rated.html

 

[TSandM]

I think, if you are slinging a pony bottle, you don't need an H valve. You've got two entirely separate gas sources as it is.

If I were going to use a standard octo, I'd ditch the Air2 because it is a very long and cumbersome inflator, and because it uses a proprietary inflator hose which makes it more difficult to borrow/replace/rent gear if something fails.

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

Since you're leaning towards technical diving, then replace the integrated air source with a normal power inflator. You don't need more failure points.

Using H valve and pony bottle in one setup is a bit weird. If your tank is large enough, use only H or Y valve (slingshot). No need to invest more money in a pony (and a reg!).

With a complete back-up reg set on the H or Y valve, there shouldn't be an octopus on either regs. Otherwise you'll face problems with hose routing.

 

[FireInMyBones]

1. I gave up my Air2 when I realized the use for a long hose in my Deco class. I also found out that when worst comes to worst, you can breath from the inflator like a free flowing reg.

2. I dive a slung pony as a deco bottle not as a bailout, though I know those who do. I do not use an h-valve. If I need redundancy to that degree, I usually just opt for the doubles.

Bonus...No need for more hoses than the primary on a pony. It is good to remember KISS.

 

[McLovinIt]

1. I gave up my Air2 when I realized the use for a long hose in my Deco class. I also found out that when worst comes to worst, you can breath from the inflator like a free flowing reg.

2. I dive a slung pony as a deco bottle not as a bailout, though I know those who do. I do not use an h-valve. If I need redundancy to that degree, I usually just opt for the doubles.

Bonus...No need for more hoses than the primary on a pony. It is good to remember KISS.

Hey Bones,
Not sure if this is what you are talking about, but I posted a question about breathing in and out of your wing as an ABSOLUTE LAST RESORT in an emergency situation and got flamed! It was just a thought, but even not knowing the physical risks (if any), I would attempt it if the alternative is DEATH!

Have you lived in G'ville long? I was born and raised there! Miss those damned Carolina Fine Foods chilli-cheese burgers!!

 

[adm3745]

Ok, Opinions please on 2 (rookie diver) octopus questions - plus a bonus.....

1. I dive a bp/wing set-up. Definitely leaning towards technical diving. I have a Sherwood integrated / alternate air source on my inflator hose. Bought it because it was a great deal. After a few dives, I realized that I prefer a regular octopus. Thoughts on keeping the alt air as the inflator or replacing it with a normal power inflator?

2. I like the idea of a pony or redundant air supply. I also like the idea of an H-valve. I'll eventually have both (I'm anal about having breathable air underwater!). Question is....Even with a complete back-up reg set on the H-valve, should there be an octo and how (which 1st stage) would/should it be mounted on?

(the H adapter knob is hard to reach compared to doubles, but if your bp is fitted correctly then you shouldn't have to much of a hard time)

Bonus - Could/would/should the alt air from question 1 be somehow involved in question 2?!? I know there's a lot going on in this post. Just wondering what the norm is....if there is such a thing!!

Thanks Guys!

I believe a "tec" equip setup is more streamlined and efficient than what is taught in OW. With the H valve setup, all of your primary hoses go on the right post. All backup on the left post. This means that your primary breathing reg with a long hose as well as your BC inflator hose goes on the right 1st stage. On the Left goes your Gauge and then your backup regulator hung around your neck. If your in a Dry suit then that Hose goes on the left post as well. Get rid of that power inflator, as someone earlier said, you can always breath from a standard one as a last resort"Which won't happen in this configuration".

to answer your bonus..If your diving H valves, then to have a combo inflator/Octo is ruining the purpose. You want reduncancy, and linking your emergency air source with a primary inflator ruins that.

If you dive an H valve then you don't need a pony. If your h valve setup fails and you need to go to a pony, I would think god has other plans for you...unless of course a tank oring fails then youve got your buddy.

Hope that helps

 

[rjack321]

doubles
long hose
bungied backup

skip the H valves and ponies - at least for any real tech diving or to even move in this direction