Octo-inflator

[marcbs]

I'm getting back into diving after a 10 year layoff. I was looking at new BCs and see the octo-inflator as an option. It seems to me in an out of air situation, I wouldn't want a panicky diver hanging on to my BC, rather, a little more space between us like in the old days of a separate regulator. Am I missing something with this new technology?

Marc

 

[Otter]

You donate the primary (working reg) and switch to the integrated OCTO-Regulator. Yes, its closer than usual (as a primary 2nd stage hose is usually shorter than an alternate 2nd stage), it can/does make buoyancy control more difficult (you have to remove from your mouth in order to vent; unless you can vent from a dump valve); finding it is usually more predictable than the oft-flailing octo.

Personally, I like a long-hose/necklace config....but thats a whole different thread.

 

[redrover]

You’ll no doubt get plenty of agreement there. I use one and like the theory but you can just say no and get another regulator as you are recalling how it’s done.

 

[Damselfish]

These have their pros and cons like everything. I think there's more cons. I learned to dive with one and didn't like it, so when I bought my gear I didn't get one. I'd try it first. (To be fair, one of the reasons I didn't like it was it breathed like crap, that was a long time ago and I think at least some of the newer ones are better on that count.)

 

[ronbeau]

I'm getting back into diving after a 10 year layoff. I was looking at new BCs and see the octo-inflater as an option. It seems to me in an out of air situation, I wouldn't want a panicky diver hanging on to my BC, rather, a little more space between us like in the old days of a separate regulator. Am I missing something with this new technology?

Marc

As others have stated you donate your primary second stage and you breath off of the inflater/octopus.

I own the 3 of the Atomic SS1 units (one for each family member) and I think they are great. The Atomic SS1 can be easily removed from the inflater hose by simply unscrewing it. This makes rinsing out the inside of the BC bladder after every dive day so simple that it actually gets done.

It also makes packing easier and reduces the risk of damage since it can be removed from the BC. There is no noticeable difference between breathing off of the SS1 when compared to my Atomic B2 regulator which was top-rated in the magazine reviews.

This is one of those issues that you will find lot of people with opinions on opposite ends of the spectrum and not too many in the middle.

If you are unsure of whether or not you will like it have the LDS let you try one out in the pool before you commit to buying one.

 

[george1098]

I like my Scubapro air 2, I alwais know where to fin it, and it breathes pretty nice even when i'm down deep. I donate my primary, but I find my 3' hose to be a little short. it's doable, but i'm considering getting a longer primary hose for comfort, and so i don't have to get too close to a panicky diver

 

[Mandy3206]

I've been using the power inflator-octo combo for the last 12 yrs, and never had a problem with them, I got the Tusa Duo Air, The SP Air II and now the Atromic SS1 all of them work similar and great and no complains about them.
Service to them is performed very easily by me

If I ever get into overhead enviroments, then I will consider a long hose configuration, but until them, i'll stick with my SS1

Not a fan of the "Y" with addons (adding an octo on top of a power inflator), too bulky and defeat the purpose of eliminating stuff.

Try it, if you don't like it, just sell it, just as any other piece of gear.

 

[AJB]

I agree that it is a matter of personal opinion. My buddy loves his AirII, but I just updated my gear and went with a SP R295 as an octo. The instructors at my LDS are similarly divided as to what is the best setup. Bottom line for me is that I learned how to dive with an octo, I'm comfortable with that setup, and it will work for me if I ever have to use it in a stressful situation.