Opinion on Mouth Inflation option on Power Inflator
- Thread starter FFMDiver
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I don't get the purpose of this thread either -- BUT, I've had the "privilege" of diving with two students recently who had the "new-fangled level inflator" BC which has a totally seperate (as far as I could tell) oral inflator hose. I must say I don't get this new system as I don't really know what problem the manufacturer thinks it solved, but at least they do provide a method for oral inflation.
And, from looking at it (but not using it), I'd say that particular oral inflator is a lot easier for the "average beginning OW student" (which, I admit, ain't saying much) to use, especially here in cold water. But, honestly, not having used it, it could be a whole lot worse than the standard oral inflator option.
Again, OP, can you please explain WHY you asked the questions?
And, from looking at it (but not using it), I'd say that particular oral inflator is a lot easier for the "average beginning OW student" (which, I admit, ain't saying much) to use, especially here in cold water. But, honestly, not having used it, it could be a whole lot worse than the standard oral inflator option.
Again, OP, can you please explain WHY you asked the questions?
Granted under normal use it is not going to "save" a lot of air, but in an emergency that small ammount could make all the difference.
As to task loading... wow its such a difficult thing to do
"In common language, a task is part of a set of actions which accomplish a job"
Yes task loading.
A wing can be inflated (job) using the power inflator with one hand (task). To do it orally requires removal of the reglator (task) with the other hand. Try it while carrying a speargun or the like. I suppose you could clip the speargun off to a D-ring, or hold it under your arms or even between your legs. One or more "tasks".
The ability to orally inflate is certainly an important skill in the event of power inflator failure, but to use it as a matter of course during the dive is not worth it. Paricularly if hunting or doing photo.
I do inflate my wing orally at the surface then press the power inflator to test the OPV.
Tim, your signature is awesome!
InTheDrink
Contributor
Sorry to call you on this but REALLY? A LOT of air?
Two or three full breaths (which is what it takes me to orally inflate) at 1ATM is NOT a lot of gas as a percentage of available gas in your tank and definitely a misleading thing to say. I have ZERO problems with power inflating my BC prior to jumping in.
If somehow I've missed your point or completely lost my grasp of basic physical laws, please correct me
J
Well the "lever" is the only "new-fangled" part of that system. I have a couple Dacor HUB's which also control buoyancy with a left side BC mounted controller (two buttons). When you "hit deflate" the system opens all the BC valves. On the lever models you can "hit deflate" and since all vents open the one where the air bubble is vents; it deflates in pretty much any body position / orientation with no tai chi involved.
My boss uses the SeaQuest Pro QD i3 and I've seen it in action; it works as advertised. Only downside is more working parts AFAICT. Here is the i3 product page.
I have paid attention to my gear with regards to this issue; with my analog gauge reading ~250 psi, fully inflating my Large SeaQuest vest BC takes just less than 100 psi (80 cft).
I always orally inflate before the dive, unless it is a negative entry.
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