Poseidon 'Skinny'

[Birdman]

I have owned a jetstream/odin for several years and a couple of apeks DS4/tx50's for several months.


*Does the Odin use standard 3/8" fitting LP hoses?

The proprietary hoses with the over pressurization valve at the fitting for the second stage costs perhaps about 2x what a standard hose might go for. They are really solid, however.

*Is it true that their are NO working parts IN the 2nd stage?

Apart from the servo valve, there is a valve insert made out of rubber (the balloon) that might be considered a working part (it collapses when the servo valve is activated and the result is lots of air). With regular maintenance both these items last years.

*Is it true that the 2nd stage is 'fussy' to tune?

My experience is that they are easy to tune. In the course of 3 minutes my LDS showed me what to do so I could do it myself in the field. Takes about 5 minutes to get it right and once set it stays set until the next maintenance.

*Do they actually breathe ANY better than, say, a decent Apek's or SP reg?

I would say they breath different. I do find that the deeper I go the better they breath.

I am trying to wean myself onto another brand and for me at this point its Apeks DS4/Tx50. I am hoping that I am successful so I can keep my equipment maintenance expenses under control in the future.

 

[chickdiver]

Gedunk:

My expereince with Posiedons is limited to a handful of dives about 10 years ago. They were large and heavy (second stages) and very uncomfortable. Additionally, they "chattered" on every inhalation. I had one fail, that was also an interesting experience. I also did not think that the performance was all that spectacular.

Purely subjective, but thats why I dont like them.

 

[TCDiver1]

Hey CD, hows it going?

I know what you mean by the chatter. Some of that you can tune out but you can't be bashful on your initial inhale effort or mine will do that too.

Can't say its really bothered me though. The little ice chunks that fly into your mouth on cold dives are a little disheartening at first until you learn to wet your whistle with them.

How did the reg fail on you, freeflow? I'd be curious about that. The only problem i've ever had related to an AGA mask i had hooked up to an Odin. Sucker stopped delivering on the Arabia in Tober. Turned out to be a problem with the AGA not the Odin second stage.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

I think not... They are a magnificent Swedish machine that not everyone can handle...

Anyways, let me ask you this question: if you were going to do a dive to 300 feet, what reg would you use???

I would have to say Poseidon... No doubt...

 

[chickdiver]

You are entitled to your opinion, as I am to mine. As for the 300' questions, I have (and do) use both Scubapros (Mk 15's and 20's) and the Apeks for dives in that depth range.

Gedunk- the issue with the failure was this (if memory serves, this was back in '94)- it failed closed, we couldn't figureout why it failed at all, until someone figured out that the tank valve was partially closed (we had been doing valve drills). That was the only explanation we were ever able to come up with- it worked just fine on subsequent dives (for it's owner- I wouldn't have anything to do with it again).

 

[chickdiver]

Wait, Lubold I have to ask you about this- "Posiedon's are a magnificent Swedish machine that not everyone can handle"???? What is there about any regulator ont he planet that any diver should be unable to "handle"? Please explain this statement.

 

[wrongkey]

but haven't there been reports of getting parts and finding competent techs to work on these?

 

[pos-tech]

Parts are now readily avalable, but 6 months ago they were not. Now Viking has taken over. Finding a good tech is not hard at all, just call around.
I own ATX200 TX50 and Odin's. and have do mk25 s600
At depth, 100+ nothing can beat a poseidon.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Well, CD, let me explain... Most divers are used to using a demand lever second stage that has a very easy inhalation effort and cracking effort. The Poseidon Jetstream / Odin uses a servo valve and has a HIGH cracking effort.

The Poseidon just takes some time to get used to. Most people when they try a Poseidon, dont give it enough time to learn how to breath with a Poseidon to eliminate the chattering. Thats what I meant by my comment.

I love them and I was so happy when my dive shop became a Viking dealer last year. Now, we sell Poseidons and can get the parts very easily. Its a great company to deal with as well.

For people who do not like the Jetstream, there is hope. Poseidon came out last year with the XSTREAM, which is very similar to the Jetstream, however it breathes alot nicer, and the first stage is the only first stage to be certified to 200 meters. Very nice set up, look for the newer design first stage with more ports coming out in the next few months...

 

[ScoobieDooo]

If you guys are paying that much - you need to start shopping at Leisure Pro! I just bought an Apek's ATX50 for $299! And they sell the Poseidon Jetstream / Odin for $299 as well!