Hello everyone

[Thrower]

Hello,

My name is Allen, I currently serve in the Navy and after returning home from Afghanistan I decided to get my dive certification. I haven't had the opportunity to dive besides the 4 required dives, however I plan on getting as many dives in as possible before winter hits.

Also I'm in the process of buying all of my own gear. I currently own a Dive Rite transpac with RecWing, ScubaPro MkII/R190 (I've heard great reviews about this regulators durability), and the basic scuba equipment. I've been looking into the Scubapro Air II 4th Gen alternate inflator for my RecWing... Is this preferred over generic octopuses?

 

[offthewall1]

Adam,
Not sure what you mean by a "generic" octopus. There are no "generics" in scuba equipment. Some prefer to dive using an octopus, some prefer the air II - AKA the breathable inflator since it inflates and deflates the BCD as well as offers a backup breathing source. There is no right or wrong or better or worse - both ways work. Some prefer to eliminate the extra hose required by the octo, some prefer to have the hose to hand off to a buddy in distress. Swimming while sharing air with a buddy is certainly much easier with an octo than an Air 2 - primarily because you would swith to the air 2 leaving a much shorter primary regulator hose for your friend... it almost requires swimming while hugging to get back to the boat. With an octo, you can swim normally side by side while sharing air. It is truly a personal preference - not a better or worse situation. - Ken

 

[Thrower]

Thanks for the reply Ken, I'll take into consideration the positive and negatives that you mentioned.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Another issue with the air 2 I often see is that many divers have no idea how to secure it when not in use and it hangs down like the trunk of an elephant. Before changing anything on your gear get certified, get some dives in, and see what works for you and the people you are diving with. Some changes don't affect just you. They have an impact on those you dive with as well.

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