Sherwood Shadow+ or Octo

[DiverCraig]

I am deciding between an alternate air source that attaches to the BC or the standard Octo set up. I have discounted the dual inflater/oct set up and other types of air sources. What I am concerned about is when you disconnect the hose, now that side of the regulator is open and will get water in it when you rinse, which I don't think will normally happen with a standard Octopus arrangement. Other than the opion of this type or that, any comments?
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[SubMariner]

The main question you want to ask yourself is "would I want to breathe off that octo?"

During AA ascent training I have used a lot of students' regs. What I remember about the Shadow is that it can be a hard breather. It also tends to be a bit wet. In a "real life" OAA situation I would think that would really complicate matters.

Most of the Instructors I know (myself included) like having a separate, full sized reg. I also put a 360 degree swivel on it so it will always be "right side up" and easier to breathe from.

Hope this helps,

~SubMariner~

 

[scorpiofish]

A standard octo can be had for under $100. Go with it. Convenience versions such as the combo's and slimlines, etc. help you, the diver, but aren't so convenient for the OOA diver.

These scaled down versions generally don't breathe as well and don't take a beating very well. My standard octo had a bag of golf clubs fall on it. I gathered up the parts and put them back together and it works fine. It's very, very old, but works and breathes just like when it was new, mediocre.