Integrated octo/LPH

[blatter]

Well when I used to work as an instructor and carried a normal octopus it used to be in the pocket of my jacket or ADV type BC - it wasn't all that noticable but I had expend valuable seconds to put it there.

More seriously, at the time and place (mid 80s-early90s / Australia / Indo Pacific) the fashion was to have the long hose (it wasn't that long) on the primary reg in your mouth, which you were supposed to donate while you found your octopus for your own use.

These days I use a back inflation BC for single diving and a backplate and wing for doubles - so pockets are smaller/less available. And I am lazy and can't be bothered fiddling around with another second stage unless I have to. I would rather spend time setting up cameras, integrated weight pockets, lights ...

With the backplate and doubles, I have a normal octopus with one reg on a long hose and the other on a necklace, but I still use an integrated inflator on the wing so I have a fast inflator that is easy to service, and most importantly, so I don't have to swap LP hoses when I move my primary reg and backup computer in its consol between the doubles and singles set ups.

Just my preference, and I think that personal preference is the main thing with regard to this issue - if you want to use a normal octopus that is fine - some of my best friends use them - I just wanted to make the point that integrated inflators can be reliable and easy to use and may have some advantages for some people.

 

[PerroneFord]

Thank you for your reply.

 

[JdLag1]

I went with an Atomic SS1 integrated. I like that I did get rid of an extra hose and have practiced sharing air using it as my primary. I can dump air from any of 3 dump valves on my BC and the fact remains that if I had to share air at depth it does work quite well. Granted a longer hose may be a little more comfortable for both divers but if your buddy is out of air and both of you are breathing and ascending safely is that even an issue?

 

[BikerManiac]

Man I think I will get murder by my reply.

BackPlate/Wing: Change the hose on the wing to make it longer and buy an Atomic SS1 or the Genesis GS.

Get and Air Integrated Computer.

 

[enderjs]

PerroneFord,

How about this, you give the person that needs air your second stage and you take the inline second. That way you have complete control of your buoyancy. I am pretty sure that is how it is suppose to be done. And does it really matter how close they are to you, its not like you are going to continue the dive and you need the extra space. the whole purpose is to give the person air and get to the surface. Which an inline second lets you do with out an additional hose. And if you look at the reviews on the new inline seconds some of them breath better than second stages. Like the atomic SS1. Anyway just my .02.

 

[PerroneFord]

Do it any way you feel comfortable.

In my experience, the integrated octo was limiting.

1. It was too short for me to have a good look around to my right side.

2. If the corrugated hose was extended, it hangs too far below me and would drag.

Additionally, I am quite pleased with the hose routing on my rig. However, from seeing and using a typical recreational setup, I can see why reducing a hose would be a welcome blessing.

Best of luck.

 

[JodiBB]

As an update, I decided not to go with the integrated octo.....so far I like the set up without it...maybe in the future I'll change, but for now, I'm happy with the Mares Brigade octo I purchased.

 

[james croft]

Years ago I used an integrated inflater to free up a hose for inflating a drysuit. I was diving a first stage with only 3 LP ports. I got used to it and I practiced using the integrated reg on every dive. I never had any trouble with them. They have some advantages and disadvantages as well. I have a couple of Zeagle Octo Plus and a Scubapro Air 2. They worked well. I still use them from time to time. I use a Zeagle Octo Plus on a SeaTec horsecollar when vintage diving with a double hose. I have a hookah adapter with the lp hose running to the Octo Plus to use as a power inflator and as a secondary air source. Not exactly true to Sea Hunt specs but it keeps the boat captains off my back.