The idea of a mass market for rebreather diving (be it CCR or SCR) is neglecting a few simple facts and the reality about human nature (in particular that of most recreational divers), which is that we are easily distracted and no too found of strict discipline.
- The unit as shown uses granular scrubber (the Explorer at least was using pre-packed material): dirty, takes time to prepare, space to store, etc.
- the rMS probes fail over time, when they don't act up in between. Replacement cost on a rEvo: several $100. Since their reading is not particularly informative (don't get me started on this), most of my buddies (and myself) just didn't replace them when they died.
- unit build: lots of steps and checks, some of which can fail, and you must be ready to rebuild, recheck and possibly change parts, etc.
- calibration, predive checks: more time, need for concentration and potential problems to solve on the spot, or can the dive.
- unit cleaning: take apart, make sure you don't rinse the electronics, let everything dry. This takes time, space and can be messy.
- replacement parts: batteries, O2 cells and O-rings. Some battery compartment flooding is possible too, requiring expensive parts replacement. HUD can fail, computer can fail.
- training: initial and continuous. You need to dive the unit frequently and almost exclusively to remain proficient and safe.
- buoyancy, work of breathing, not mentioning the bailout valve's: all new things which one needs to be aware is different from the easy world of OC diving.
All in all, as much as I wished rebreather diving was simpler than it is, it's just not, and frankly, you need to need a rebreather to justify using one, as it's just a big pain in the rear most of the time (and I dive a rEvo, which is a tank). Listen to manufacturers and instructors with a wary ear: it is their understandable interest that potential clients believe the opposite.
Poseidon and Hollis have tried, now Mares...
