regulator question

[jmerc]

I am in the process of getting back into scuba diving after many years away from the hobby. Let me start off by stating I am scheduled for a refresher course in 2 weeks so in the meantime Im doing some reading to get my self back up to speed. My question may seem dumb but Ill ask anyway. When purchasing a regulator im considering the power valve for my BC instead of an additional second stage or octopus but my confusion comes when I see second stages listed for sale as primary or octopus. What is the difference between the primary regulator thats normaly used and the second regulator refered to as the octopus?

 

[Bubble Junky]

Not a lot. Depends on the model. But basically when it says 'for sale as primary or octopus', it's available in black or yellow.

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

It depends, sometimes it's a lessor or detuned version of the primary 2nd and sometimes it's the exact same except for color.

 

[spectrum]

The primary second stage will be tunned to breath very nicely as it sits.

The alternate second stage will be tuned to require slightly more effort to initiate airflow. This is to prevent unwanted air loss when swimming or in currents. The second stages sold specifically for use as alternates usually have a yellow color to make them easier to find.

As for combination inflator/alternate units here is my 2 cents:
http://www.scubaboard.com/showpost.php?p=1169848&postcount=3

Pete

 

[rawls]

The second stage built into your inflator may be ok for you but I think it can cause alot of problems and I think it's pretty much a gimmick and not a very safe one. It will be difficult for your buddy to get to and if he/she is panicked you could be in a heap of trouble. They are also pretty expensive...about $200. I believe the best way to go is with an octopus. It's simply safer for you and your buddy...

 

[Bubble Junky]

It will be difficult for your buddy to get to and if he/she is panicked you could be in a heap of trouble.

In this situation the buddy does not take the 'alternate'. They take the primary which is easy to find (in your mouth) and you switch to the alternate on your inflator hose. Personally, I prefer the traditional octpus set up.

 

[victor]

There are a number of threads discussing the pro's and con's of power inflators versus a second regulator.
In my opinion a lot depends on what kind of diving you will be doing. For recreational diving I am happy wth my Air2 for over 10 years now.
As my instructor warned us, if you ever encounter someone in an unexpected real out of air situation they are going to take the working second stage out of your mouth. Then you can recover your backup.

I am in the process of getting back into scuba diving after many years away from the hobby. Let me start off by stating I am scheduled for a refresher course in 2 weeks so in the meantime Im doing some reading to get my self back up to speed. My question may seem dumb but Ill ask anyway. When purchasing a regulator im considering the power valve for my BC instead of an additional second stage or octopus but my confusion comes when I see second stages listed for sale as primary or octopus. What is the difference between the primary regulator thats normaly used and the second regulator refered to as the octopus?

 

[jmerc]

Thanks for all the insight guys. I think Im going to stay with the traditional octopus for the safety of my dive partner as well as myself. Thanks again, J

 

[wreckchick]

bu.... bu.... bung.....

BUNGIED BACK-UP!

<whew>

Sorry, couldn't hold it in any longer.

Rachel