Newbie and learning..but??

[mlha4068]

Hello

Just starting the OW course and I am looking at gear. A LDS wanted to sell me an Aqualung Titan LX and then an Oceanic Delta 3 2nd stage. The idea was to make the LX the octopus (detuned) and the Delta the primary. Make sense? Is this type of thing done alot?

Thanks.

 

[Mako Mark]

makes sense.

 

[TwoBitTxn]

This isn't uncommon. I tend to have a preference to keeping the brands the same though. Just my preference.

TwoBit

 

[doole]

I agree. Makes a lot of sense.

I kind of like the sound of this LDS; they often wouldn't go to that much effort.

 

[immersed]

I suggest completing your certification dives before loading up on gear. You might be one of those rare people who can't equalize, or experience claustrophobia. After that you'll also have a better idea of what you want from a regulator - for example, I noticed that the traditional side-mounted hose kept twisting the regulator in my mouth and I didn't like it. So I got a regulator (Sherwood Maximus) with a swivel connection and love the heck out of it.

In direct answer to your question, I've seen many people who mix brands between primary and alternate. The Oceanic has a feature that I've found useful: adjustable breathing resistance.

 

[doole]

After that you'll also have a better idea of what you want from a regulator - for example, I noticed that the traditional side-mounted hose kept twisting the regulator in my mouth and I didn't like it. So I got a regulator (Sherwood Maximus) with a swivel connection and love the heck out of it.

Sure but don't get too involved with extra gimmicks; they're all potential sources of failure. You're in an unnatural environment and are just going to have to get used to some things.

 

[mlha4068]

Thanks for the info you're a big help. Why does it make sense?

 

[Tom725]

Hello

Just starting the OW course and I am looking at gear. A LDS wanted to sell me an Aqualung Titan LX and then an Oceanic Delta 3 2nd stage. The idea was to make the LX the octopus (detuned) and the Delta the primary. Make sense? Is this type of thing done alot?

Thanks.

AS stated above, I would suggest you wait until you finish certification to buy gear. Make sure you can finish the course and still enjoy it. You will also have a better idea what you are looking for.

Buying a regulator with two different second stages is not uncommon but it comes with several problems. You need to have it serviced at a LDS that stocks parts for both manufacturers. May not be a problem in the short run, but if you move you may need to travel to find a shop that does the two you need.

It also may take some special tuning that all shops may not be trained to do. I would stick with one manufacturer.

 

[McRatliff]

it's a good idea to wait until you're certified and have been diving a couple of times before you buy gear. but, i'm sure your LDS would not steer you wrong.

 

[spectrum]

Thanks for the info you're a big help. Why does it make sense?

I'm in the same boat as you experience wise so take this with a grain of salt. Many second stages sold as safe seconds breathe wet, sometimes described as sucking through a sponge. In my pool dives I already noticed they vary widely.

A second stage intended for primary use should breathe nicely. I also understand it needs to be slightly detuned so it won't be prone to free flow but that's a standard set-up adjustment anyhow. Some brands (Apex for one) seems to have safe seconds that are yellow faced standard second stage units. You won't have the tell tale yellow to make it apparent but that's not a requirement.

The idea of staying with a brand sounds like good advice but if your LDS is capable with both you're OK for now. I plan to wait till we're certified to invest but I know what it's like to be eager to have you're own gear. I can't wait to have my own BC so I can master it's exact layout. Meanwhile bouncing between models is good experience.

Pete