Octo / Alternate or safe second

[catskill diver]

Hey all, Looking for feedback / opinions on a Atomic safe second vs a regular octo. Have a chance to get one at a good price and wondering why not free up some hoses and stuff hanging about.( yes I have my current one properly stowed ) the concept seems nice. Thanks in advance !!

 

[iztok]

Will you change the length of the primary to be suitable for donation?

Have you considered how to control air in BC while ascending during OOG situation?

 

[catskill diver]

good points iztok ! Can't one control the BC at the same time? Maybe a question for Atomic in the A.M

 

[Splitlip]

I have one. Excellent piece of equipment. It now resides on my daughter's kit.

I despise conventional octos. We have no problem here in the land of 3 mil suits with controlling buoyancy when using them. Even with heavier exposure protection I would not see too much problem if the diver and his subject are making a face to face ascent.

If you do go that route, I do suggest a longer primary hose. 40 " minimum (with a 90 elbow) routed under the arm or a 5 ft hose Hog style without the right hip detour.

 

[catskill diver]

Regulator I have is also atomic 2ZX with the swivel I believe it is standard 30 inch, willl check. Changing out that nice feature, I dont know about. Will have to do a pool test with the wife as she is the dive bud. Don't mind getting close.

 

[Splitlip]

Regulator I have is also atomic 2ZX with the swivel I believe it is standard 30 inch, will check. Changing out that nice feature, I don't know about. Will have to do a pool test with the wife as she is the dive bud. Don't mind getting close.

I have 2 friends who successfully rescued OOG divers with octo inflaters and standard length hoses.
The last one was a 19 year old who has been diving fewer than 2 years. He was wearing a 5 mil suit and working part time for one of the local ops as a guide pulling the float ball.

80 ft wreck, tourist diver gives the thumbs up to Stevie who still has half dozen divers about. Stevie looks at the guys gage and it is reading zero. As Stevie passes off his primary, the tourist went completely out of gas. My buddy (actually my daughter's buddy) took his SP Air II in his mouth, got control of the situation, tied off his reel and took the douche to the surface. Stevie then got redropped on his marker and returned to the other divers and took them up.

Standard length primary certainly works, but I think the world is much better with at least octo length hose.

Oh, BTW, douche bag gave the kid 5 bucks.

 

[RJP]

Can't one control the BC at the same time? Maybe a question for Atomic in the A.M

Pretty sure they will tell you that it's a fine piece of gear. (Ya think?)

Plenty of people dive with this type of set up and and love them. Horses for courses. I used to dive with one, and don't any more. Personally, I think a combo octo/inflator is like one of those little donut-sized spare tires:

They both seem like a really great idea...

...right up until the point that you need to actually use one for its intended purpose.

:shocked2:

 

[iztok]

Oh, BTW, douche bag gave the kid 5 bucks.

That is an insult. I feel that a sincere "thank you" and firm hand shake is better than $5.

OP is upstate NY. Which means he will dive more than 3/5mm wetsuit more then likely. Which means more air control.

Air2 is certainly an option but I think that he should stick with octo config or switch to long hose config.

 

[catskill diver]

I always do a 3/2 or less at less than 100'. New life goal is as many islands / warm spots as I can. Can see the donut compairison - The thought is nice , purely recreational / sport set up. If I have to put on a 7 mm set ...I'll go ski. Got the idea from a DM in Fla. recently.

 

[Splitlip]

That is an insult. I feel that a sincere "thank you" and firm hand shake is better than $5.

Interesting that you mention that.

I specifically asked Stevie if the guy thanked him (for saving his bacon). The kid replied "No. Didn't even shake my hand. But he gave me 5 bucks." Like bell hop or valet I guess.