How does this set-up sound?

[skimphish]

Hi all,
I am putting together a xmas list of things I want, and I came across a OMS R-246 2nd stage reg for $75 brand new. As of right now I have a Conshelf 20 (1st and 2nd stages), with some US divers reg that i have no idea the model as an octo. the octo is fairly hard to breath out of, and I got it for free, and it had just been serviced, but its like trying to breath through a coffee straw.

So would it be a good setup to put the old octo to the side (just in case), put the OMS R-246 2nd stage on my Conshelf 20 1st stage, and use the Conshelf 20 2nd stage as my octo? I do love my Conshelf 20, I think it is excellently built, but it would be nice to be able to adjust the ease of breathing on the reg. does anyone have a R-246 on here? how do you like it?

i know its a bit of a silly question, but i want to make sure that this will be a decent setup. i would go ahead and get the OMG 1st stage, but im not running DIN right now and that takes the total to ~$160, which is a bit over my younger sister's budget. lol. thank you!

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Are you sure the R-246 is adjustable (I think it just has venturi switch, but I might be confused about the model)? I think the R-250 and R-249 are adjustable, but not the R-246.... but I'm not positive. You'll see an adjustment knob on the side if it is....

You might want to take a look at the HOG 2nd stage for about $110.00. It is a balanced adjustable 2nd, and looks really nice for the price:

HOG Balanced Second Stage Regulator

You could certainly use the Conshelf 2nd stage as your octo, and ditch the current octo... you may need to have the Conself 2nd retuned slightly for use as an octo (slight de-tune to prevent freeflow).

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Best wishes.

 

[bajashack]

Get an Air 2 and go streamline.

 

[skimphish]

Get an Air 2 and go streamline.

im doing a BP/W setup, so thats a negatory. lol

 

[halocline]

Get an Air 2 and go streamline.

Oh yeah, a big hunk of plastic that you have to manipulate every time you want to add air to your wing on an extra-long inflator hose is my idea of "streamlined"

Another great solution in search of a problem from our friends the recreational dive gear industry.

 

[Doc Harry]

I don't mean to complicate matters, but you asked......

I'm not a big fan of OMS. Their lack of customer service is legendary. In general, avoid everything OMS.

 

[Slonda828]

I hate to say "hold what you've got", but you really should look into a proper tune for your conshelf 20. That regulator, in one form or another, has been in use since 1965. With a good tune, I would take it ANY day over anything made by OMS. I also second Doc Harry, OMS' customer service is like the French Army, I am not even sure that there is such a thing (joking). To give you an idea of how reliable that conshelf is, I have a conshelf VI (made in 1965) that still has the original seat in it, which still works. The second stage cracks at a wonderful .6" of water, which puts it on par with any modern regulator as far as inhalation effort.

 

[skimphish]

thank you for all the info guys! im now kicking myself in the ass b/c that HOG 2nd stage was only $54 this past weekend, and now its up to $110. shoulda picked one up then. so now i know to stay away from OMS, lol. sooner or later i might get a HOG b/c everyone seems to like them so much.

i do love, love, love my conshelf, and it has done me great service so far. i think its nice that i have an almost 15 year old reg (went and talked to the guy i got it from) that can still perform with most modern day regs.

 

[keyshunter]

That $54 HOG second seemed like a great deal. I wish the Chris from HOG would post a schematic of it on the board. I suspect that it is very similar to the Titan LX, Legend, and Zeagle second, which are, of course, copies of the Apeks.

 

[Slonda828]

That $54 HOG second seemed like a great deal. I wish the Chris from HOG would post a schematic of it on the board. I suspect that it is very similar to the Titan LX, Legend, and Zeagle second, which are, of course, copies of the Apeks.

The titan LX is not a copy of an Apeks reg. The titan LX is based on the royal aqua master double hose regulator that debuted in 1966. Many of the Apeks regulators are based on it, not the other way around. I can provide you schematics from 1966 if you are curious. Just a little FYI