Qusetions re: Atomic safe second-Atomic SS1

[sytech]

Hi,

I own Atomic Z1 and Z2 regs. My BCD is a Zeagle "Escape" model.

I am considering buying an Atomic SS1 Integrated Octo (safe second) and thus have one less hose to deal with. My questions are:

1) I am mechanically "declined" but is the Atomic SS1 Integrated Octo compaticble with the Zeagle Escape BCD and if so, is it easy to attach?

2) Can a "Dive Alert" air horn be used with this configuration?

Thanks,


Sy

 

[Web Monkey]

Hi,
I own Atomic Z1 and Z2 regs. My BCD is a Zeagle "Escape" model.

I am considering buying an Atomic SS1 Integrated Octo (safe second) and thus have one less hose to deal with. My questions are:

1) I am mechanically "declined" but is the Atomic SS1 Integrated Octo compaticble with the Zeagle Escape BCD and if so, is it easy to attach?

I'm not sure what the Escape has for a hose, but assuming there's an SS1 fitting for it (the BC/SS1 connector unscrews), there's no problem using it. You would need to check with Atomic on that one.

OTOH, unless you're desperate to get rid of a hose, using your Z1/Z2 for a primary and backup second stage will give you a much easier breathing setup than the SS1.

I have an SS1 and it's functional and isn't too terrible to breathe from, but in an emergency, given the option between the Z1 and the SS1, there's absolutely no way I'd pick the SS1.

Hi,
2) Can a "Dive Alert" air horn be used with this configuration?

The Dive Alert comes in at least two sizes. One fits the SS1 or Air-2 and the other fits a standard drysuit/inflator hose. However "fitting" and "fitting well" are two different stories. If you add a Dive Alert to an already short, stiff hose (your BC inflator), it's even more difficult to keep in your mouth.

If you want a suggestion, I'd say to keep your Atomic first stage and both Atomic second stages, use one for a bungied backup, and get a separate drysuit hose for the Dive Alert, which you can clip off to a d-ring when not in use.

Terry

 

[sytech]

Hi Terry,

Thanks for your reply. B.T.W., I don't use dry suits.

However, what you say about the "breathability" of the SSI.

Forgetting about emergencies, do you think I could tell the difference between the Z1 and the SS1 at say 90 feet?

If so, why would that be?

Thanks

I'm not sure what the Escape has for a hose, but assuming there's an SS1 fitting for it (the BC/SS1 connector unscrews), there's no problem using it. You would need to check with Atomic on that one.

OTOH, unless you're desperate to get rid of a hose, using your Z1/Z2 for a primary and backup second stage will give you a much easier breathing setup than the SS1.

I have an SS1 and it's functional and isn't too terrible to breathe from, but in an emergency, given the option between the Z1 and the SS1, there's absolutely no way I'd pick the SS1.



The Dive Alert comes in at least two sizes. One fits the SS1 or Air-2 and the other fits a standard drysuit/inflator hose. However "fitting" and "fitting well" are two different stories. If you add a Dive Alert to an already short, stiff hose (your BC inflator), it's even more difficult to keep in your mouth.

If you want a suggestion, I'd say to keep your Atomic first stage and both Atomic second stages, use one for a bungied backup, and get a separate drysuit hose for the Dive Alert, which you can clip off to a d-ring when not in use.

Terry

 

[RJP]

Forgetting about emergencies, do you think I could tell the difference between the Z1 and the SS1 at say 90 feet?

Now, how silly is it to say "forgetting about emergencies" when that's what the SSI is for?



Sort of like saying, forget about needing to actually drive on one, could I tell the difference between a full size spare and one of those little donut tires?

 

[tfsails]

Nobody's directly answered your question yet. The answers, in order, are 1) yes, and yes. 2) Yes.

1. The SS1 comes with several adapters to mate the reg to the corrugated hose diameter. Atomic uses the "Scubapro" inlet fitting for the LPI hose, so you'll have to get a hose to fit that fitting. Both Innovative and Trident sell them. With any luck, Atomic will include just such a hose in the SS1 kit and you won't have to buy another hose.

2. Same goes for the dive alert. You may have to order the one to fit your hose if the LDS doesn't have it in stock, but that's life.

 

[Web Monkey]

Hi Terry,

Thanks for your reply. B.T.W., I don't use dry suits.

You don't need a drysuit to have a drysuit hose. It's more of a"utility" air source, and can be used for inflators, blowers, air horns, honkers and sometimes even drysuits.

Hi Terry,
However, what you say about the "breathability" of the SSI.

Forgetting about emergencies, do you think I could tell the difference between the Z1 and the SS1 at say 90 feet?

If so, why would that be?

Thanks

The SS1 is tuned to be nearly (or maybe entirely) impossible to freeflow during events like giant stride entries. The down-side is that it breathes poorly - not quite as bad as the Air-2, but bad enough.

You would absolutely be able to tell the difference between a properly tuned Z1 and an SS1 at any depth. Also, if you plan on doing anything that takes much longer than a direct ascent to the surface, the short stiff hoses pull like crazy.

That said, if you're absolutely set on getting rid of a hose, it is usable, and in an emergency, you can breathe on it.

In fact, I own one (need it for classes, since that what the shop uses), however when diving anywhere I might need to do a safety stop, deco stop or travel any distance to get back to an up-line (on a wreck for example), use a 5' hose on my primary second stage and a bungied backup for my backup second stage.

Terry

 

[Web Monkey]

Nobody's directly answered your question yet. The answers, in order, are 1) yes, and yes. 2) Yes.

1. The SS1 comes with several adapters to mate the reg to the corrugated hose diameter. Atomic uses the "Scubapro" inlet fitting for the LPI hose, so you'll have to get a hose to fit that fitting. Both Innovative and Trident sell them. With any luck, Atomic will include just such a hose in the SS1 kit and you won't have to buy another hose.

AFAIK the SS1 comes with an appropriate LP hose. The hose that may be a problem is the hose that goes from the SS1 to the BC. Some BCs use non-standard hoses (rectangular instead of round, or odd sizes). Not sure what the OP's BC uses.

Terry

 

[rrweather]

My SS1 (which I will be selling soon) came with the LP hose. Attached to the LP hose is the quick-release that matches what is on the SS1. The LP hose that came with my SS1 was way too long. I figure they think they are helping you by giving you a longer hose to aid in breathing comfortably. Unless you add a longer corrugated hose to your BC, you will be limited by its length no matter how long the LP hose is. Luckily, the quick-release adapter screws into a normal LP hose (not a BC hose). I was able to use a 22-inch miflex regular LP hose (reg hose) wth the adapter to make the LP hose match the corrugated hose. When I used the longer Atomic hose, the SS1 and the corrugated hose sat a a goofy angle since the longer LP hose wouldn't let everything lay flat. It is much better with the 22-inch hose. Either way, I am going to sell it in favor of a second second-stage. I've never had an emergency where I was forced to use the SS1. I did breath off of it at depth to try it out. It breathes better than a rental reg but no where close to a good quality reg.

 

[rrweather]

If anyone is interested, I posted my SS1 for sale in the regulator classifieds section. Here is the link...

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/classifieds-regulators/315388-atomic-ss1.html

 

[fnfalman]

It's all about free lunches; or dare I say lack thereof.

The inline octo (SS1, Air 2/3, whatever) eliminates one hose but not as convenient as a separate octo.

The separate octo is easy to use but has one more hose to drag around.

Which one do YOU prefer?