Octo or inline inflator reg?

[beejw]

Ive used both and i much prefer a seperate octo. Ive had to use the air2 in a simulated OOA and it was a pain, even just as a practice, and I have had to use a seperate octo in a real OOA situation and it is much easier because your buddy can just grab your octo, you dont have to worry about them ripping your reg out of your mouth, not to mention, often they are a little paniky.

 

[RJP]

If you do decide to go with one, I can give you a heck of a deal on a "like new, hardly used" Air-2.

 

[asaara]

You still have to worry about them ripping the reg out of your mouth if they decide it's closer than your octo, but at least you get a *real* second stage to breathe off if they do. I have no desire for an octo inflator, thank you very much...

 

[TexasZR2]

I love my SS1. I have done complete dives breathing on it, just to see if I could and what it would be like. It breaths great and bouyancy control is not an issue, as I use the dump valves on the BC most of the time. I have found that while practicing OOA situations, I'm really not trying to control my bouyancy the same as while diving, I'm just trying not to rocket to the surface. With that in mind, I just use the BC dump valves as I swim my rig to the surface. Once on the surface, I reinflate as normal. As always, it is prudent to practice with your equipment until you are completely proficient and confident.

 

[Chad Carney]

There are enough divers that like AIRs that almost every manufacturer has one in their line.

Zeagle is making a new one, called the Octo-Z, that will be ready in spring of 2007.
It will be easily removable from the BC and operate as an independant octo as well.

I have used and taught classes with almost every model for over 20 years and find them to work fine for recreational diving.

Chad

 

[Jibeho]

I have an AIR2 and a pony bottle. I have used my AIR2 at depth and it breaths fine. I will tell you what happened to me one time on the Grove that could have seriously injured a more novice diver. I was working back up the mooring line in a 2-3 knot current. If you have ever dived there you know what that is like. Well my AIR2 flipped up in the current and the water pressure depressed the purge on it. This inflated my BC to the point the overpressure valve was venting! This was the first time I have seen this happen.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I like my Air 2 (and TUSA clone) and have not had problems with them. It simplifies the gear and facilitates the use of adding a pony bottle with a minimal amount of fuss.

 

[Mad Scientist]

I dove with a sherwood shadow (2nd stage in line of the inflator hose unlike the Air2 being all one piece) for over 15 years. Never had a problem, it took some pracitce and explaining to dive buddies. Only ever had to use it once and when we got the surface my buddy said "I just wanted to see that thing work I had plenty of air left" I almost kicked his @$$ right there on the surface.

 

[billeelou]

Used an octo, got the Air 2 with my Blackhawk, don't really like the extra "dangle" so I 'm staying with my AIR2. On our last outing my spousal unit's octo started "leaking " about half way thru the dive, she switched to the octo and tied down the 2nd stage. when you have an Octo,To me just one more thing to go wrong .... share air, give em the primary, breath off the Air 2, no problem....they'll jerk your primary out of your mouth when they are out of air anyway...however sayng that, I've been known to "equal out" my Wife's air supply by breathing on her Octo, so we run out of air about the same time....

 

[Thalassamania]

I've got this inflator that was made by MARES a few years back and lets you connect a second stage on the end, the Oceanic Omega II is perfect for this.

http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/data/500/thumbs/DSCN1000.JPG