Questions about Oceanic Omega 2

[scubachris82]

Hi everyone,

I've posted on this site a couple times, and I've got a lot of help from everyone, so I thought I'd post again, and see if you can help me out.

I am currently looking to replace my second stage, I have an older oceanic delta, and I am looking for something smaller. My first stage is a scubapro MK10 (which works well), and I think I'm just going to replace the second. I was wondering if anyone has experience with the omega2, and whether or not those experiences are positive. Also, I was wondering if someone could explain the difference in breathing difficulty (or any other differneces) between a pneumatic (omega 2) and mechanical (my current delta) balancing system.

Anything will help out.
Thanks,
Chris

 

[cth6]

I have a Delta 3 and Alpha 7 on my rig, so I can not comment from personal experience. A guy at work that dives has had one for a few years. I think he said he picked it up new in 2001.

I have heard good things about the reg; No bubbles in the face, lightweight,... Only bad comment that I heard was that it sometimes breathes wet below 80'.

 

[rescuediver009]

I have also heard that they breathe wet.
They breathe similar to a Poseidon regulator ig you have ever breathed one of those. Basically it is a servo-assisted valve, meaning that when you begin your inhalation it creates a partial vaccuum in a part of the second stage making your WOB very very little, almost like it is freeflowing. It makes breathing a little more natural under the water. They are light weight, and easy breathing without any adjustment which makes it nice.
A possible solution for you is what one of my instructors did. He had it as his octo, and interchanged it frequently with his ATX50. You could do the same with your delta and then decide. Even if it isn't your primary it makes a good octo because it is reversable (no upside)

Just one note, if you do get one, make sure that it has the recall kit in it. They found a problem with the valve lever and replaced them. And as always, parts for life for your Oceanic.

 

[scubachris82]

Okay, so the omega 2 breathes wet. Is there any other suggestions that people might have for light weight second stage regulators that they would recommend. Remember, I'm just looking for the second stage, I already have a scubapro mk10 first stage.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[rescuediver009]

Only heard that it breathes a little wet in some conditions. Not a bad reg though. I think that you would like it.

 

[ScubaNorth]

I have dived an Omega for a year now. I have never had a problem with it breathing wet (luck?). It is an excellent regulator all around.

 

[howie1a]

Hi I've had an Omega it was a wet reg. probley because the exh. valve is turned I would rather have a sherwood osises or blizzard the mdl from the late 80 it's a small reg lite and dosen't pull in your mouth like the new 2nd stages do. ( note the sherwood regs are used in the anticartic for cold water diving see hubert woo pics. )howie1a ssi md , pdic nitrox

 

[Stealth Turbo]

I have been diving the omega 2 now for 6 years with no problems. I would say its a wet breather but i find this to be a plus for me a warm water diver. I never come up with a dry mouth or throat.

 

[Michael Folise]

Dear Sirs: I am new to diving and new to this board. I completed my last five dives with a new Omega II. I too found the regulator to breath wet, so much so that I swam with my head tilted to the left to drain the water through the exhaust valve. A quick trip to my LDS showed that the exhaust valve was leaking although there were no obvious holes, tears, etc. Replacing the valve took about 30 seconds and solved the problem. Apparently, some of the exhaust valve parts are defective/out of spec. Those of you having this problem with this regulator should try this fix.

Having said the above I can report that the Omega II is by far the most natural breathing regulator I have ever tried. It is very easy to sip air from and when finning hard seems to supply as much air as you want without forcing it down your throat. I think this might lead to reduced air consumption. After 55 minutes of diving (only at 45fsw) with some current I still had 900 psig in my tank.

VTY MJF