emeraldvideo
Guest
Hi everybody! I'm a new member of this forum. I'm in the market for a rebreather, and I found this site while trying to educate myself. A little background...I'm an avid cold-water diver here in Vancouver, British Columbia. I have 400+ O/C dives, mostly cold-water (I spent eight months in Cozumel). Last summer I managed to buy myself a digital video setup, so that's my main focus. Which leads me to the rebreather...
I'm drawn to rebreather diving because of the silence, the warm moist air, and the extended bottom times. I like the idea of being able to lie in wait for the video opportunity to present itself eg. sea lions gliding through kelp forests.
Here are the three contenders so far:Inspiration, RB80 or Dolphin. (There's a local guy making one called the KISS, but I'm not sure....) What I understand about these units:
Inspiration: constant PO2 nitrox/trimix CCR
pros: -best mix at all depths
-zero bubbles (except ascents)
-CE approved, diver tested
cons: -electronics + saltwater = potential disaster
RB80: Nitrox or trimix SCR
pros: -no electronics
-ideal gas extension 10:1
-huge scrubber
-mechanical alarms (breathing resistance)
cons: -training only by GUE (could be great but pricey and limited course offerings esp. in my area)
-same deco obligations as O/C
Dolphin: Nitrox SCR
pros: -no electronics
-very popular and affordable
-Draeger has been building rebreathers since early 1900's
cons: -Nitrox only (I've heard of people modifying to CCR trimix, but frankly this scares me!)
-therefore, limited range
-no warning of nozzle failure (PO2 monitor?)
I would really appreciate any suggestions or comments that could help me make this decision. I'm about to invest an awful lot of money, so I obviously want to make the most informed decision possible. Am I crazy for considering rebreathers...are they impossible to travel with? Do I have to dive on exclusive RB charters? Also, any suggestions as to RB/Computer combinations would be appreciated.
Thanks everybody!
I'm drawn to rebreather diving because of the silence, the warm moist air, and the extended bottom times. I like the idea of being able to lie in wait for the video opportunity to present itself eg. sea lions gliding through kelp forests.
Here are the three contenders so far:Inspiration, RB80 or Dolphin. (There's a local guy making one called the KISS, but I'm not sure....) What I understand about these units:
Inspiration: constant PO2 nitrox/trimix CCR
pros: -best mix at all depths
-zero bubbles (except ascents)
-CE approved, diver tested
cons: -electronics + saltwater = potential disaster
RB80: Nitrox or trimix SCR
pros: -no electronics
-ideal gas extension 10:1
-huge scrubber
-mechanical alarms (breathing resistance)
cons: -training only by GUE (could be great but pricey and limited course offerings esp. in my area)
-same deco obligations as O/C
Dolphin: Nitrox SCR
pros: -no electronics
-very popular and affordable
-Draeger has been building rebreathers since early 1900's
cons: -Nitrox only (I've heard of people modifying to CCR trimix, but frankly this scares me!)
-therefore, limited range
-no warning of nozzle failure (PO2 monitor?)
I would really appreciate any suggestions or comments that could help me make this decision. I'm about to invest an awful lot of money, so I obviously want to make the most informed decision possible. Am I crazy for considering rebreathers...are they impossible to travel with? Do I have to dive on exclusive RB charters? Also, any suggestions as to RB/Computer combinations would be appreciated.
Thanks everybody!