Octo or BC inflator/alt. air combo

[Boogie711]

A full second stage is a far better investment, and in my opinion, a far safer investment as well.

 

[Firefyter]

I consider mine a long term investment also. I have had the same AIR 2 since the mid 1980's, and with the exception of yearly maintenance, it's never been worked on. I like it so much, I bought a couple more for my other BC's. As I said before, if you're rec diving, they're great. If you're tech diving, or like the DIR setups, then this is not the way for you to go. Just don't be swayed by people who've never used them, and have no basis for not liking them except for what they've heard.

 

[5615mike]

used my AirSource II and loved it. They only reason I retired/sold that gear was to move to tech rig. If I was not cave/deep diving I would still have it. Solid performer. My wife uses her Tusa Duo Air and will continue to do so since she does not dive overhead environments. Her also has operated very well.

 

[Scuba-Quebec]

I personally think that an air2 is not quite safe...a troubled diver would have the reflex to jump on your octo if needed but if this one appears to be shorter as usual the diver could pull even more or grab your primary reg wich can be dangerous for both of you...

 

[mempilot]

I personally think that an air2 is not quite safe...a troubled diver would have the reflex to jump on your octo if needed but if this one appears to be shorter as usual the diver could pull even more or grab your primary reg wich can be dangerous for both of you...

This has been proven true in the standard config as well. A panicked diver is going to do whatever they feel is going to save them. There is typically no rational at that point and reason goes out the door. Very few divers actually stay calm and collected during an unplanned OOA experience. As a buddy, you brief them on your setup and expect the worst. If they grab your primary, regardless of which setup you have, you just use your backup. In many cases, the primary is easier for them to get at anyway, since your octo routes under your arm. Just be aware of a panicked diver and be ready to deal with their irrational behavior.

 

[IslandHopper]

with the AIR2 and such, the OOA buddy is SUPPOSED TO TAKE YOUR PRIMARY !!! ... So where's the problem??
my AIR2 is never far from my mouth, so it's easy to find, easy to breath, easy to operate the inflator while breathing from it.
Just to test it out, I made an entire dive breathing off the AIR2 ... not AS comfortable as my primary, but perfectly adequate, and it breathes fine to at least 120'.

Keep in mind ... if you like to travel, you have to bring your entire set-up ... you can't just pack your regs and use a rental BC (the AIR2 uses a different connector to the BC than a standard inflator)

 

[coberry7]

A full second stage is a far better investment, and in my opinion, a far safer investment as well.

The Air2 is a full second stage, just in a different location and on a different hose. The reg itself is fully balanced and is as good as any octo out there. Maybe better.

 

[FrankF]

I dive with a Zeagle Octo + and I dislike it. My problem is not with the functionality of the reg or with the safety issues concerning donating my primary. I just think that it makes for a clumsy inflator hose. As far a long term investment, I have had mine for 6 months and it's already on my "replace" list.

 

[matt_unique]

I have used the Air Source for about 5 years. I get it serviced annually and only last year did I have to replace parts other than the usual maintenance parts. Even then I had just a tiny leak in the housing.

I have not done the research personally, but I have been told the research indicates OOA divers will reach for the regulator in your mouth no matter what your setup. The Air Source/Air 2 is nice because it is easy to get to and breaths quite well. I have not tested it below 100' but at that depth it was fine. If at any time you are breathing off it you are going to the surface anyway.

--Matt

 

[mozzy105]

Has anyone used the new atomic inflator hose octos yet? heard heard they were incredible.