Megalomegalodon
Registered
I'm looking to buy a safe second. I have a Zeagle BC and an Atomic reg. I've narrowed it down to the Octo-Z and the SS1. Price difference is about $40.00.
Octo-Z vs Atomic SS1...opinions?
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I am not a fan of the ergonomics of integrated inflators/octos. Unlike most, I object more to the inflator mode that is used with great frequency far more than the octo mode that most divers will likely never use. It is a matter of your personal value judgment of the compromises inherent in the concept. Overall, it is less crap hanging off you, but you can stash, bungee, or necklace an octo rather than let it drag over the rocks.
Both products perform their function adequately and comparably.
Both products perform their function adequately and comparably.
Downing
Contributor
Ditto that except that I am a fan of the SS1 and that's the way my gear's configured.
It's a personal choice and if for whatever reason you don't like the first choice then you can always go the other way later.
It's a personal choice and if for whatever reason you don't like the first choice then you can always go the other way later.
Scott L
Contributor
There is no down-side to a traditional octo. None what-so-ever...
ditch the idea for both of them. those 'safe seconds' are a bad situation just waiting to happen. i could extrapolate (sp?) but think that it's been done in nauseauting detail already. either go with the 40" octo or the DIR route...
To actually answer your question, I prefer the buttons on my SS1 to the buttons on one of my dive buddies' Octo-Z. Both breathe adequately well for their purpose and both have the convenient threaded attachment to the corregated hose. I would spend the extra $40 for the SS1.
FWIW, I've read all of the arguments on here against integrated inflators, and have used mine to assist an OOA diver, and will continue to use it (as do my tech-trained dive buddies.)
FWIW, I've read all of the arguments on here against integrated inflators, and have used mine to assist an OOA diver, and will continue to use it (as do my tech-trained dive buddies.)
Zung
Contributor
I am a great fan of the ergonomics of integrated inflators/octos: we've been diving Scubapro AIR2's for 20 years, have been in a few OOA situations both ways, and never had any issues worth reporting. I particularly like the inflator mode, so much more powerful than the norm that when I don a rental BC, I always wonder if the standard inflator is broken.
Worth noting that the OP asks for the difference between the Octo-Z and the SS1.
Worth noting that the OP asks for the difference between the Octo-Z and the SS1.
Considering the inflator function alone, do you prefer the ergonomics over a generic K-inflator (not that this is an especially elegant piece of work), or is it the combined functions?
I am not only curious personally, perhaps your insights will help the OP make a better selection. I don't consider myself a basher of integrated inflators, just someone who sees the compromises involved with both options. I have considered one several times based mostly on the less crap/rarely used as octo arguments, but dont personally like the feel of any of them so far. The hard part of all of this is the human tendency of liking, or learning to tolerate, whatever we get used to.
Scott L
Contributor
Not having to Monkey-%$#@ with venting gas in the case of an air share trumps the argument against another hose any day of the week. Strangely enough, the same users citing decreased drag from one less hose nearly always utilize a jacket BCD which is virtual sea-anchor in term of drag as compared to BP/wings. Go figure! 
I have read many of your posts and respect your insights. Real question here, not intended to provoke: Is that an entirely objective assessment? I dont understand, or perhaps not recognized, how fewer hoses can be a negative. It is hard to argue with the muscle memory advantage of grabbing your inflator being the same as an octo.
This is not to diminish the valid arguments that combos involve compromises as an octo, particularly under demanding rescue scenarios. I personally see the disadvantages in casual recreational diving applications as minor enough to easily justify ergonomic preferences if they hold true for the individual.
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