New to diving I'm begining to make equipment purchases however I can't decide on the usual Octo as back-up second stage or i've been lookin at the Aqua Lung Airsource 3.My Primary second stage is the Aqualung Mikron.I used the typical Octo on my confined and open water dives,but the thought of looseing that extra hose is appealing.I know I would need some getting used to the Airsource 3,but since i'm just starting out I thought it would be a good time?Any thoughts or opinions?Also what about the Vyper Air vs Galileo Luna?I used the Cobra 3 and liked it,but the thought of losing another hose once again is appealing.
Help??
- Thread starter BDCollins
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USCScubaboy
Contributor
Losing the extra hose may be appealing but actually using the integrated inflator/octo is a different story. Some people have reported that it's rather troublesome to use. Either way, see if you can try it out before you buy it. You may find that you really don't like the design and stick with a dedicated octo.
halocline
Contributor
I would stay as simple as possible with equipment purchases until you have more dive experience. You will almost certainly develop new tastes in gear as you progress as a diver. Buying an octo/inflator combo and expensive wireless computer right out of OW class might not be the best use of your money; consider putting that money towards a dive trip instead!
A simple wrist computer, SPG on a 24" hose neatly clipped, and a traditional octo are perfectly comfortable options for diving. For many very experienced divers they are preferable to the more expensive options you're considering.
A simple wrist computer, SPG on a 24" hose neatly clipped, and a traditional octo are perfectly comfortable options for diving. For many very experienced divers they are preferable to the more expensive options you're considering.
LeadTurn_SD
Contributor
To echo mattboy and USCScubaboy, I'd recommend simple over expensive unless you have tons of money burning a hole in your pocket.
Many of us have "bought twice" because we were not sure about what would be best. If at all possible, get some more dives in, try as many different equipment combos as possible, then make your choice.
And welcome to scubaboard!
Many of us have "bought twice" because we were not sure about what would be best. If at all possible, get some more dives in, try as many different equipment combos as possible, then make your choice.
And welcome to scubaboard!
Saltwater Junky
Contributor
Using the octo/inflator combo is fine just out of OW class. It depends on how comfortable you are changing air sources u/w. I changed to an octo/inflator combo right after the pool work of my OW class. This has never been an issue with me. My dive buddy uses one as well and he likes it also.
A combo octo/inflator is like one of those little donut-sized spare tires:
They both seem like a really great idea...
...right up until the point that you actually need to use one for it's intended purpose.
rstofer
Contributor
If you get an opportunity to try one, do an experiment: try to rescue your buddy from depth while your buddy is breathing from your primary and you are controlling the ascent and breathing from your octo.
Richard
Richard
Last edited:
Hey BDC,
the Air2 is a widely debated concept on the forums, you have those that love them and you have those that hate them, rarely do you find someone in between. I use one, I have the Atomic SS1 that I use when I do "fun" diving. In a DM Role I replace it with a Zeagle BX inflator and use my "DM" regs with a standard "Octo" reg and SPG as this is a more popular configuration and what the students are most likely to see if they were to rent gear on their own.
However when I dive I have Air integrated computer and an Atomic SS1 Air2, so my regulator set only has 2 hoses. this configuration is widely debated and to the opinion of some I'm going to die because of it. I feel comfortable diving this configuration and I would suggest you try an Air2 configuration before committing to it as it could be costly to find out you prefer a standard "octo"
Cheers
Kun
the Air2 is a widely debated concept on the forums, you have those that love them and you have those that hate them, rarely do you find someone in between. I use one, I have the Atomic SS1 that I use when I do "fun" diving. In a DM Role I replace it with a Zeagle BX inflator and use my "DM" regs with a standard "Octo" reg and SPG as this is a more popular configuration and what the students are most likely to see if they were to rent gear on their own.
However when I dive I have Air integrated computer and an Atomic SS1 Air2, so my regulator set only has 2 hoses. this configuration is widely debated and to the opinion of some I'm going to die because of it. I feel comfortable diving this configuration and I would suggest you try an Air2 configuration before committing to it as it could be costly to find out you prefer a standard "octo"
Cheers
Kun
USCScubaboy
Contributor
A combo octo/inflator is like one of those little donut-sized spare tires:
They both seem like a really great idea...
...right up until the point that you actually need to use one for it's intended purpose.
See, the purpose of the mini spare tire isn't to replace one of the existing tires. It's only meant to be used on a very short-term basis to get you to a nearby shop to get the regular tire fixed or replaced. In that capacity, it serves its purpose perfectly.
You could argue the same thing about the inflator/octo combo. Will it enable you to share air in an OOA situation? Yes it will. Thus, it serves its purpose.
Of course, fulfilling a requirement vs. ease of use is a whole different argument.
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