How many of you don't use a "standard" octo?

[Flightlead]

I don't know if it is generally true, but both of my backup regs are the same make as my primaries. But then, I donate the primary, so that backup reg is what I get to breathe!

on my technical rig they are essentially the same, Atomic B2 primary, Z1 on backup with Z2, Z2 first stages. The backup is dialed down but I still get some free flowing doing valve drills. On my "tecreational rig" (which is still long hose, bungeed backup) the primary is a Z1 and the backup is a lower performance Oceanic second stage.

I hate "octo" regulators. they don't breath well, tend to be wet breathers, and cost at least as much as a regular 2nd stage. don't get me started on the octo-inflators

 

[b1gcountry]

Unless you have a bad first stage, it should be able to easily provide enough air for two stressed divers at depth. Even the low end models from most manufacturers these days will provide that. Heck, I have a 20yo Sherwood Magnum that I bought used for $50. I tried it out one dive by breathing off my backup while I purged my primary for 20-30seconds. I couldn't tell the difference between breathing with the other second freeflowing or not, and that's way more air than a OOA diver would consume.

I would also insist that any regulator, octo, or not, should breathe pretty well if its adjusted properly. If you bought a new octo, and installed it into your first stage without adjusting it properly, it won't be set up for the IP your first stage puts out.

Tom

 

[keyshunter]

Tom,
How deep were you when you tried your Sherwood experiment?

 

[DeNomad]

Another vote for two primary second stages (no octo) with long hose set up. I just dial up the breathing resistance my backup so it doesn't free flow during normal diving, then when I use it I decrease the resistance with the adjustment knob. Almost every dive I breath off it for a bit.

 

[Merrimorte]

Buying another 1st and second stage (as you have since done) for your alt would have been my suggestion... I use the air 2 system and like it quite fine.. although some hate it.

 

[Thalassamania]

Long hose with a side breathing second stage (Oceanic Omega II) attached to the bottom of my BC inflator.

 

[b1gcountry]

Unless you have a bad first stage, it should be able to easily provide enough air for two stressed divers at depth. Even the low end models from most manufacturers these days will provide that. Heck, I have a 20yo Sherwood Magnum that I bought used for $50. I tried it out one dive by breathing off my backup while I purged my primary for 20-30seconds. I couldn't tell the difference between breathing with the other second freeflowing or not, and that's way more air than a OOA diver would consume.

I would also insist that any regulator, octo, or not, should breathe pretty well if its adjusted properly. If you bought a new octo, and installed it into your first stage without adjusting it properly, it won't be set up for the IP your first stage puts out.

Tom

I can't remember. It was in Lake Norfork, I remember, but don't know what depth...around 30', I would guess. Maybe 40'. These are the regs I use to dive the Wisconsin at 130' in Lake Michigan. They are super simple and bulletproof, which is more important to me than being fancy or high tech.

Really, though, looking at the first stage internals, its a flow through piston with good air flow between the inlet and the LP chamber, so there is very little impeding air flow when the first stage valve opens.

Another test I like is hooking up an IP guage on the surface and seeing how much the IP drops when you purge one or second stages. My Sherwood first will dip a little at first, but shoot immediately back up to within ~5psi of the original IP IIRC. I think I got this test from Vance Harlow's regulator book.

Tom

 

[DMdoogie]

You know the old expression, "Non-standard is non-safe." This applies to me because I work as a DM and lead novice divers, sometimes in difficult conditions. I use the same 2nd stages for primary and secondary except for the yellow hose and cover. I want my setup to be familiar with what a beginning diver learned in class. I've donated my second several times in emergency situations, and even had my primary snatched out of my mouth.
I breathe my secondary every dive by switching to it on my safety stop. I keep it tuned for maximum performance and use an Apeks isolator valve in case of the rare freeflow.
Every diver has a different setup depending on the application. None are better or worse than the other, but I suggest that you carry a secondary that breathes as well as your primary. You, your buddy, or even a stranger may need it.
DMdoogie

 

[Thalassamania]

You know the old expression, "Non-standard is non-safe."

What is "standard?" Therein lies a problem.

This applies to me because I work as a DM and lead novice divers, sometimes in difficult conditions. I use the same 2nd stages for primary and secondary except for the yellow hose and cover. I want my setup to be familiar with what a beginning diver learned in class.

There's a good chance that the begining diver would perfer (and go for) your primary.

I've donated my second several times in emergency situations, and even had my primary snatched out of my mouth.

Indeed.

I breathe my secondary every dive by switching to it on my safety stop.

Too late, need to check it at the start of the dive. A share air session with the new diver is a good idea.

I keep it tuned for maximum performance and use an Apeks isolator valve in case of the rare freeflow.

Do you dive doubles with students?

Every diver has a different setup depending on the application. None are better or worse than the other, but I suggest that you carry a secondary that breathes as well as your primary. You, your buddy, or even a stranger may need it.
DMdoogie

I suggest that you dive a longer hosed primary, surrender it in all circumstances, and then move the the auxiliary of your choice.

 

[b1gcountry]

Every diver has a different setup depending on the application. None are better or worse than the other

There are definitely bad choices. A friend showed me some regs in for service. One had two long hoses on it, and a pin off the first stage that was for filling a spare air.

I would also describe the setup described above where the octo is nearly impossible to breath as being 'worse'.

As for the "standard" octo configuration, the only thing I think it has going for it is familiarity, although it is still a huge step forward from buddy breathing.

Tom