New to diving and looking at equipment.

[LowDrag]

I dive an AIR II which is the Scubapro version of the Octo-Z and I love mine. If a buddy goes out of air, you would give him your primary reg and you would take the Octo-Z. The reach is just fine for you.

My wife feels the same way about her Air2 as you do but I am quite the opposite. I didn't care for the way it felt, I felt like I could not move my head anywhere but to the left, if I looked to the right it would pull on my reg. This is why I am opting out of the Air2 for an octo on a bungee. I am glad you like your setup, it's cool that it works for you it's just not for me is all.

 

[doctormike]

1) Don't buy gear until you are certified. Lots of people decide that diving isn't for them during OW class. But assuming that you do become certified divers, you will have a much better idea of what you like and don't like as far as equipment goes once you learn how to use it.

2) If you aren't diving locally, and you aren't diving regularly (not more than once or twice a year), I'm not sure that you need all of your own gear. Remember, that regulator needs to be serviced yearly. I think that most rental regs at reputable warm water dives shops are in good shape - of course, there will be stories to the contrary, but personal regs that don't see a lot of diving or service can also have issues.

For other gear which doesn't need as much maintenance, it comes down to a cost analysis based on how much you dive. However, remember that purchasing gear has some non-financial advantages, because it's nice to have your own gear that fits well (exposure suits) set up exactly like you like it (BC) and that you understand how to use (computer).

3) Don't skimp on the octo! It should be as good as your primary reg, and tested regularly. Pilots don't buy cheap parachutes since it's unlikely that they will be using them...

4) If you are considering going on into technical diving, you should get a BP/W. But if you are sure that you will only be doing single tank, warm water, recreational diving, then you should get a BP/W.

5) PLEASE don't let this thread morph into an Air II thread...!

 

[bergersau]

4) If you are considering going on into technical diving, you should get a BP/W. But if you are sure that you will only be doing single tank, warm water, recreational diving, then you should get a BP/W.

:rofl2:
Now I need to buy a new keyboard - coffee damaged...

 

[ams511]

5) PLEASE don't let this thread morph into an Air II thread...!

Sorry but I can't resist. If you are using an Air 2 (or the like) a few things you should know. First, you donate the primary (the reg in your mouth) to an out of air buddy. This reg should have an octo length hose (40"). Second, some people like low drag experience discomfort with the Air 2, while others like BDSC do not. Many times the difference is do to the BC hose being used. If you have a good corrugated hose that expands when you pull on it then it should work fine. If you have a hose with no give then you may experience discomfort.

The thought behind the Air 2 was that divers do not (but should) always know where their octo is. So what you would have in an out of air emergency is a CF where the out of air diver cannot find the octo and pulls the primary out of the mouth of the buddy. Most divers know where the inflator hose is, so in an out of air emergency you donate the primary and put the easily found inflator in your mouth. An Air 2 also has the added benefits of reducing 1 hose and replacing the inflator (a slight weight savings).

The downside of the Air 2 is that it is made for recreational divers who can immediately go to the surface in case of trouble. The Air 2 really has no place in any type of technical diving, although others may disagree. Also for the cost of the Air 2 you could get a much better performing second stage. Most of the advantages (except reducing 1 hose and replacing the inflator) of the Air 2 can be had using a bungeed backup.

 

[doctormike]

Sorry but I can't resist.

You HAD to do it, didn't you.

Soon, the thread will morph into this, and it will be your fault...!

 

[BDSC]

I'll bet doctormike has an AIR II but won't admit it. Come on out of the closet Doc and set yourself free. Use that AIR II with pride!!

---------- Post added June 24th, 2013 at 08:18 PM ----------

I felt like I could not move my head anywhere but to the left, if I looked to the right it would pull on my reg.

I'm pretty sure I can't turn my head all the way to the right when I'm using the AIR II without some pull as well. I just figure that if I'm using it, I'm headed to the surface anyway and I'm not overly concerned about it's comfort level as I'll only be using it for a couple of minutes.

 

[doctormike]

I'll bet doctormike has an AIR II but won't admit it. Come on out of the closet Doc and set yourself free. Use that AIR II with pride!!

Why do you think that I got my solo cert? So no one would EVER be able to see me and my AIR II...!

 

[LowDrag]

I'll bet doctormike has an AIR II but won't admit it. Come on out of the closet Doc and set yourself free. Use that AIR II with pride!!

---------- Post added June 24th, 2013 at 08:18 PM ----------



I'm pretty sure I can't turn my head all the way to the right when I'm using the AIR II without some pull as well. I just figure that if I'm using it, I'm headed to the surface anyway and I'm not overly concerned about it's comfort level as I'll only be using it for a couple of minutes.

Yeah...it's the same for me to. I will never knock the Air2 or similar, it's just not for me is all.

 

[windapp]

Not if you tuned it correctly. Or if you had an octo with a venturi or breathing adjustment knob. And if it did that you are not storing it properly for the entry.

I don't really see the difference between a tuned down adjustable air balanced second stage and a very simple non-adjustable second stage that is tuned just right to be an octo except for the price. I use a G250 for my primary and a US divers Conshelf 21 for my Octo. I chose the G250 because I really like how it breaths, and because the metal barrel helps to prevent dry mouth. I chose the Conshelf 21 because it is light weight, simple, and bright yellow, and it breaths pretty well even when tuned down.

 

[IFlyEm]

Thanks so much for everyones input! After numerous trips to the local dive shops and discussions with the divemasters/instructors we decided that we wanted to learn using our own gear. After trying a ton things on and going over support, warranties, reliabilities, expiring rebates, etc we have have come up with what I think is a pretty good setup for each of us.

The only thing I am torn a bit on is the octo. I know that I want an actual octo and not an intergrated unit. There are obviously heated debates on a whether or not to get a cheap octo or a matching octo. Well this is the argument that stuck out to me the most being a pilot, one that has invested $1000's in a parachute.

3) Don't skimp on the octo! It should be as good as your primary reg, and tested regularly. Pilots don't buy cheap parachutes since it's unlikely that they will be using them...

I offered to save money by getting my fiance a really nice octo and myself a cheapo but for SOME reason she didn't care for that idea so much. So anyway here is the breakdown of our gear:

For Me:
[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 75, align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD]SKU: ATMZ2OYL
Atomic Aquatics Z2 Octopus, Yellow » more info[/TD]
[TD="width: 59, align: right"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 3"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 75, align: center"][/TD]
[TD]SKU: ZGLST
Zeagle Stiletto BCD with the Ripcord Weight System, Black » more info[/TD]
[TD="width: 59, align: right"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 3"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 75, align: center"][/TD]
[TD]SKU: ATMZ2XSW
Atomic Aquatics Z2X Regulator » more info[/TD]
[TD="width: 59, align: right"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 3"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 75, align: center"][/TD]
[TD]SKU: OCNVT4C
Oceanic VT4.1 Hoseless Wrist Computer & Transmitter with PC Download Kit » more info[/TD]
[TD="width: 59, align: right"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 3"][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


For Her:
[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 75, align: center"][/TD]
[TD]SKU: ATMZ2OYL
Atomic Aquatics Z2 Octopus, Yellow » more info[/TD]
[TD="width: 59, align: right"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 3"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 75, align: center"][/TD]
[TD]SKU: OCNHR
Oceanic Hera Womens BC » more info[/TD]
[TD="width: 59, align: right"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 3"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 75, align: center"][/TD]
[TD]SKU: ATMZ2XSW
Atomic Aquatics Z2X Regulator » more info[/TD]
[TD="width: 59, align: right"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 3"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 75, align: center"][/TD]
[TD]SKU: AERET3C
Aeris Elite T3 Computer Complete with Transmitter » more info[/TD]
[TD="width: 59, align: right"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 3"][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]


Thanks for all the help!!!