New Air2 buttons "stick"?

[AnemoneJane]

I went on my OW Cert dive this weekend w/ my brand new ScubaPro LadyHawk with Air2. All went well except that the buttons on the Air2 were VERY hard for me to press with my left fingers (both to inflate and deflate the BC). :crying2: I often had to use my RIGHT hand to operate the inflate button because that's the only way I could get the button to depress easily.

In my pool work class, I got used to the thumb-operation of the basic inflation-style BC's that don't use an Air2 type hose.
It seems to me that I'm WAY to new at this to be "set in my ways"! My instructor said I should be able to operate both buttons of the Air2 with separate fingers of the left hand (kind of like playing the flute).

Has anyone else found these buttons stiff at first and then loosening up over time?

I was frustrated enough to be tempted to return the Air2 and buy an octopus, :losecool: but I don't want to give up without a little advice from my ScubaBoard Experts.

 

[redacted]

Take it back to where you bought it and have them check it out. The buttons should not be too hard to work.

 

[Boogie711]

mmmmmust.... resist.... urge... ttto make... comment... abbbbout... evil... Air2's...

(taking deep breaths...)

 

[Firefyter]

mmmmmust.... resist.... urge... ttto make... comment... abbbbout... evil... Air2's...

(taking deep breaths...)

I'm impressed....the new and improved Boogie is still hanging in there...lol. You know that this was the acid test, right? So far, so good. Keep up the good work

 

[scubajerr]

I went on my OW Cert dive this weekend w/ my brand new ScubaPro LadyHawk with Air2. All went well except that the buttons on the Air2 were VERY hard for me to press with my left fingers (both to inflate and deflate the BC). :crying2: I often had to use my RIGHT hand to operate the inflate button because that's the only way I could get the button to depress easily.

In my pool work class, I got used to the thumb-operation of the basic inflation-style BC's that don't use an Air2 type hose.
It seems to me that I'm WAY to new at this to be "set in my ways"! My instructor said I should be able to operate both buttons of the Air2 with separate fingers of the left hand (kind of like playing the flute).

Has anyone else found these buttons stiff at first and then loosening up over time?

I was frustrated enough to be tempted to return the Air2 and buy an octopus, :losecool: but I don't want to give up without a little advice from my ScubaBoard Experts.

I never had any problems with the AirII buttons being stiff, however, I have had several problems with it coming out of adjustment, sticking "open" and trickling air out. THis has been both from diving freshwater and saltwater, it doesnt seem to make a difference. I will personally never deal with an AirII unit again, go with an octo and save yourself the headache!

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

Air II has been plagued with these problems ever since its introduction. Mostly sticking when the buttons are depressed by the diver.

 

[Cards90]

I went on my OW Cert dive this weekend w/ my brand new ScubaPro LadyHawk with Air2. All went well except that the buttons on the Air2 were VERY hard for me to press with my left fingers (both to inflate and deflate the BC). :crying2: I often had to use my RIGHT hand to operate the inflate button because that's the only way I could get the button to depress easily.

In my pool work class, I got used to the thumb-operation of the basic inflation-style BC's that don't use an Air2 type hose.
It seems to me that I'm WAY to new at this to be "set in my ways"! My instructor said I should be able to operate both buttons of the Air2 with separate fingers of the left hand (kind of like playing the flute).

Has anyone else found these buttons stiff at first and then loosening up over time?

I was frustrated enough to be tempted to return the Air2 and buy an octopus, :losecool: but I don't want to give up without a little advice from my ScubaBoard Experts.

I have an AIR 2 and really like it, maybe you should just take it in to the place you purchased it and compare the resistance of yours and another AIR 2. This way you can see if it is just a problem with yours or if the AIR 2 really is not the one for you.

 

[matt_unique]

I have an AIR 2 and really like it, maybe you should just take it in to the place you purchased it and compare the resistance of yours and another AIR 2. This way you can see if it is just a problem with yours or if the AIR 2 really is not the one for you.

I had good experiences diving with the Air 2 for years. They have the same problems as any bc inflate system. Take it to the shop and have them check it over. The buttons should not be very hard to press.

--Matt

 

[AnemoneJane]

Air II has been plagued with these problems ever since its introduction. Mostly sticking when the buttons are depressed by the diver.

No, mine is hard to DEPRESS the buttons, particularly the inflate (round) button. Seems like I have to "aim" the button precisely straight to get it to press down, which makes me want to switch the operation to my RIGHT hand...not too smart or efficient.

My LDS has offered to check it out and "make it right". If that doesn't satisfy me, I'm exchanging it for the octo configuration (probably w/ a bungee/necklace?).

The only "bummer" here is that my husband seems to like HIS Air2 after our single weekend of experience (and ONE OAA drill with our certifiying instructor).

I told him we'd better BOTH practice our OOA drills TOGETHER so I know I can depend on HIM to control ascent w/ his Air2 in his mouth. Practice, practice, practice! If he can't control it either, I want it out of his equipment setup, too. (call me a nag)

 

[Boogie711]

Jane - I am sure you will love the bungee necklace configuration. I found it makes air sharing drills very simple, and there are many people around here who believe that it is a safer configuration, as well.

(Note to everyone - please see that I did that without slamming the evil Air2's.

Oops. Ok - almost did it without slamming evil Air2's... )