In search of octo holder that actually works

[stuartv]

I'm not sure which ones you are talking about (could guess fst/tek3). I have fsr first stages and they are okayish. They are not perfect but do the job. If I was to buy again I'd probably get something different. The scubapro first stages look nice.

It seems to me like any 1st stage with a swivel turret and a 5th LP port on the bottom is pretty much optimal.

I have Dive Rite XT1s for my doubles, which configure pretty much the same as the SP Mk 25. With the bottom ports pointed at each other, my hose routing for doubles and a drysuit is pretty much ideal, to me. Or, it was. Recently, I changed the SPG on my left post to a short hose that I run over my shoulder, alongside my wing inflator hoses. Now, that one hose has a bend in it that I would prefer not to have, but otherwise, they are great. I don't know of any 1st stage config that would work better.

 

[boulderjohn]

I was indeed talking about the Apeks Tec 3--couldn't think of the name at the time I posted.

 

[Ming o Impiedoso]

Assuming we can talk of a basic, non-sidemount/DIR/whatever regulator kit configuration used by the non-initiated:

Most BCDs have a small overlap of fabric covering the cord of the upper dump valve. This space is a pretty neat holder for a octo hose folded in u-shape. Easy to pull the octo if needed, and tight enough to secure it. Pretty popular trick at most scuba schools in my area.

 

[HantsDiver]

It seems to me like any 1st stage with a swivel turret and a 5th LP port on the bottom is pretty much optimal.

I have Dive Rite XT1s for my doubles, which configure pretty much the same as the SP Mk 25. With the bottom ports pointed at each other, my hose routing for doubles and a drysuit is pretty much ideal, to me. Or, it was. Recently, I changed the SPG on my left post to a short hose that I run over my shoulder, alongside my wing inflator hoses. Now, that one hose has a bend in it that I would prefer not to have, but otherwise, they are great. I don't know of any 1st stage config that would work better.

Your first stages are a lot better. Hindsight is a great thing - I just don't want to spend the cash to change.

Out of interest what made you run the spg over the shoulder as opposed to just clipping it off at the waist? I'm just interested. I've seen them run under the arm onto a d ring for easy peaking before - but not over the shoulder so much.

 

[dmaziuk]

That is the type used for the rental BCDs in both shops for which I worked. I still found octos fell out with some frequency. We also always kept a supply on hand during classes to replace them when they broke.

Ours haven't yet, though I'm sure they will eventually stretch and/or weaken enough to do exactly what you say. The main problem is if your LDS doesn't have them, the cheapest online price is 5 bucks -- or at least was when I bought them: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050JGLDG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Unless you buy a hundred.

 

[Schwob]

I'm not sure exactly how many peeps in the Basic forum even know what you're talking about here. Boy, have we digressed...

Guilty of asking... question within topic, but maybe wrong forum ... but I'll be sure to also talk it over with the OP if that helps...

 

[Schwob]

Maybe that is the best solution for @Marie13. Use a small zip tie to attach a bolt snap to her octo. Clip the octo off to a D-ring. For an OOA situation, just yank the octo off the bolt snap, rather than trying to unclip.

Of course, it would be best to take a supply of zip ties to the pool and practice a few times, to make sure she can pull the octo free without TOO much force required. Not being able to get it loose could be a problem....

Exactly why I've been asking...

 

[tbone1004]

@Marie13 if your instructor can provide a truly valid reason for why he thinks the secondary donate is a superior method of sharing gas with a buddy, then I have no problem with it. Same with someone that can provide the same information for a jacket bc.
That said, I have yet to see one... Until such a time, he has no grounds to stand on for requiring it.

@tridacna gave a great option for securing the second stage to the BC, and those that have indicated that stuffing a hose into the d-ring is not going to provide any appreciable stress to it are absolutely correct. The braided hoses can kink if tugged too hard, but they shouldn't under that circumstance, and if they do, will release once it comes out of the d-ring.

@Schwaeble in sidemount I use the bungee loops that are shown in the video on an earlier page, but my Jetstreams are routed very differently than most. Many other divers that I know will just not clip off their primary regulator unless they have to and it will be easily donated in that situation.

 

[Schwob]

I didn't realize either the thread topic or the forum--I just answered the question.

... and I thank you for it.
Sorry for the chaff you are getting.
Thought myself that a boltsnap with an o-ring (or a weak zip tie, risk of a too strong one being picked, but definitive cost advantage, both a likely issue with more plastic or rubber in the ocean) might be a pretty good way for the OP, since most reasons I can think off for someone grabbing that octo might be indicative of thumping the dive. Am just not so sure about it or if and how much it's frowned upon... Don't think it is good for practise so. Don't like the thought for that even in warm water w/o gloves (because of litter).

Now, considering the chaff you are getting for answering, as pro at that, I am glad I just asked and did not suggest... sorry for setting you up of sorts. Did not mean to, because I also indeed asked because I will "play" with SM and maybe independent doubles as soon as I can (unfortunately now it looks like mid June... hopefully).

 

[Schwob]

@Marie13 if your instructor can provide a truly valid reason for why he thinks the secondary donate is a superior method of sharing gas with a buddy, then I have no problem with it. Same with someone that can provide the same information for a jacket bc.
That said, I have yet to see one... Until such a time, he has no grounds to stand on for requiring it.

@tridacna gave a great option for securing the second stage to the BC, and those that have indicated that stuffing a hose into the d-ring is not going to provide any appreciable stress to it are absolutely correct. The braided hoses can kink if tugged too hard, but they shouldn't under that circumstance, and if they do, will release once it comes out of the d-ring.

@Schwaeble in sidemount I use the bungee loops that are shown in the video on an earlier page, but my Jetstreams are routed very differently than most. Many other divers that I know will just not clip off their primary regulator unless they have to and it will be easily donated in that situation.

Wow, I must be quite backwards. You just motivated me to find out that one can watch a video on FB w/o being a member... A first for everything... embarrassing. .. (if it says FB, I just never looked do far...)
Not sure I like how this works for grabbing by a panicked diver. Got boltsnaps, got bungee, can figure this out at home by trying. Thanks for posting the video.