PfcAJ
Contributor
I think the real problem with this system is where the failure emphasis lies.
Regulator failures are far more common than running completely out of gas. With SM, systems like the RB80, and even backmounted/manifolded doubles, an out of gas situation should't be a surprise. There are multiple layers you've got to get through before you need to get onto a longhose.
For instance, if an RB fails, you go to your backup reg/BOV. If a SM bottle fails, you switch to the other reg. In backmount, if you have a problem with your primary (stage, deco bottle, etc), you go to the backup reg. These are all primary responses above all else. Even if the longhose is clipped off (RB80, as an example, but other configurations are similar), you're buddy CAN get to it, you've just in close proximity for a second till you or your buddy unclips the reg.
A system where you've got to dig around in a pocket, unplug and replug and open bottles for the MOST common failure mode (regulator failure) seems like a phobia response to being "out of gas", which is a pretty rare event at this level of diving. You'll at least see it coming. But even a fumble with that pluggable reg means you WILL end up on a longhose (at best), potentially for a long time. Worst case you truly run out of gas (which takes seconds, esp with small bottles like al80s, and its even worse when they're already depleted) or can't access your gas, and you drown.
Regulator failures are far more common than running completely out of gas. With SM, systems like the RB80, and even backmounted/manifolded doubles, an out of gas situation should't be a surprise. There are multiple layers you've got to get through before you need to get onto a longhose.
For instance, if an RB fails, you go to your backup reg/BOV. If a SM bottle fails, you switch to the other reg. In backmount, if you have a problem with your primary (stage, deco bottle, etc), you go to the backup reg. These are all primary responses above all else. Even if the longhose is clipped off (RB80, as an example, but other configurations are similar), you're buddy CAN get to it, you've just in close proximity for a second till you or your buddy unclips the reg.
A system where you've got to dig around in a pocket, unplug and replug and open bottles for the MOST common failure mode (regulator failure) seems like a phobia response to being "out of gas", which is a pretty rare event at this level of diving. You'll at least see it coming. But even a fumble with that pluggable reg means you WILL end up on a longhose (at best), potentially for a long time. Worst case you truly run out of gas (which takes seconds, esp with small bottles like al80s, and its even worse when they're already depleted) or can't access your gas, and you drown.