Inflator style Alt Air...do you love yours?

[D_B]

I would venture that it's because the hose is so short on a standard regulator, the one your donating
... if you want to travel any distance with that setup someone is going to be on their back , and it's still tight .. another reason to get a longer hose for your reg than the short one it comes with

 

[SCUBANON]

Nowadays, I dive with a bungeed octo, which is currently consider to be the most optimal and efficient solution by a majority of divers.

Fixed that for you. Never close your mind.

R..

It needed some more fixing.

The integrated Octo however does continue to grow in popularity among recreational divers who's goals may have less critical requirements than those of "tech oriented" divers.
I have used a few different integrated octos and standard style type. My wife and I presently are both using integrated octos and practice with their use. Practice is the key to avoiding the problems noted by many users.

 

[Nemrod]

I'm on the fence about this choice. The idea of streamlining the rig appeals to me greatly. I would like arguments against and for this option.

Thanks for any and all input.

I love mine, I have used it for entire dives at depths to 125 feet with no issues. Easy to use with a little training. Works great, streamlined, simple, low maintenance.

N

 

[Rascally Rabbit]

Integrated Octos have been on my rigs for years now. I'd have to agree with those who point out whatever you decide to use practice is the best way to avoid problems.

 

[aquaregia]

My Air2 was old (2nd gen), but I also found it inflated pretty quickly compared to the standard inflators on my other BC. I basically had to tap the inflate then immediately vent a little. Not sure if that's still the case with the newer ones (I think its 5th gen now?)

 

[Zung]

Our 3rd gen's require the lightest squeeze to inflate. For me it's a comfort item and a definite plus, but it does require a bit of getting used to. Standard inflators appear sick or broken next to the AIR2.

 

[aquaregia]

Are you talking more about the volume of air supplied or the sensitivity of the button? I don't remember having any particular thoughts about the button sensitivity, more that it seemed to shoot immense quantities of air before I could get my finger back off the button.

I'll certainly entertain the idea of user error on my part I know I put fewer than ten dives on mine, so I wasn't an expert user by a long shot.

Like a previous poster mentioned, I use an Air2 when I dive a BC and a regulator with only two LP ports because I like Air2s better than buddy breathing.

 

[TSandM]

Since no one else has done it, here is a picture of a diver using a bungied backup:

 

[knowone]

pd:And this is the occto inflator guy
doing the personality signal.

 

[Zung]

Are you talking more about the volume of air supplied or the sensitivity of the button? I don't remember having any particular thoughts about the button sensitivity, more that it seemed to shoot immense quantities of air before I could get my finger back off the button.

I'll certainly entertain the idea of user error on my part I know I put fewer than ten dives on mine, so I wasn't an expert user by a long shot.

Like a previous poster mentioned, I use an Air2 when I dive a BC and a regulator with only two LP ports because I like Air2s better than buddy breathing.

Did you skip fluid dynamics class like me?
It's not a purely on/off sort of thing: there's a fair amount of control you can have when the "seat" (actually an o-ring) starts to open. Just don't squeeze the button all the way.

When I dive straight down, like in a strong current, it takes a couple of puffs to get the buoyancy right.