Kosta's configuration is similar with the main difference being that HE keeps the reg attached to the pony cylinder until needed, if I understand correctly. I would be concerned about the possibility of freeflow in this configuration particularly in strong current or if the purge button on the pony reg were bumped at some point during the dive. Perhaps Kosta can comment on what HE does to avoid this.
I keep the 2nd stage by the valve so it is out of the way. I often (though I'm downsizing) shooting a large camera, so I want as little stuff in my way visually. Because I can quickly reach back down and back and grab the 2nd stage, rip it out of the elastic bands that hold it in place, and put it in my mouth, I do so. Is it safer to have my pony's 2nd stage on a bungee around my neck? Yes, absolutely, as it does save time. But it comes down to risk assessment. So I take a middle ground. As I stated, I try to have a good view of my kit and a reg bungeed around my neck cuts into that. Having it bumped is not something I would consider at all, unless I'm penetrating a wreck that isn't an artificial reef. In that scenario, I'm diving sidemount.
I have dove this way a number of times in high current situations, from Deception Pass to the Tacoma Narrows (that was better than any rollercoaster I have been on - I bought a mask with a GoPro mount for when I do it again - you have to keep your hands free). I don't feel that even those currents were even remotely close enough to sufficiently press the purge button (which if it did, I'd know about it instantly). That would be the same issue with my alternate air source, wouldn't it?
I would argue actually in those high current situations, like the Tacoma Narrows, you are breathing so hard, that I don't want to spend the time opening up the valve as I will need that air. Now, have I been in such a situation where my primary tank regulator failed and I was out of air? No. So I don't have personal experience with how long I would have or where I would notice, as the Narrows was something else. So I'd prefer to be breathing those extra seconds where I'd be opening up my pony bottle. It isn't a matter of training, but simply preferences, as I also prefer to not have the pony's second stage bungeed around my neck, which does cost me time.
I apologize for failing to get my point across. Sometimes people take personal offense at what I write and it is usually because I am a little to blunt and trying to be succinct.
Accepted. I respect you for saying that.
As I tried to point out in my previous post regarding some posters who opined that they wanted a charged pony bottle second stage ready to go in case they tried to inhale and found themselves sucking on a failed primary regulating system (like trying to suck on a concrete wall), that their pony system would be ready to go without having to fumble for the pony valve.
I understand, but I find this so incredibly unlikely. Again, I keep the pony's second stage right next to the valve. If one is easy to reach, so is the other.
Again, my point is about a personal decision to train oneself to manipulate the pony valve with muscle memory and subconscious action. A little personal training goes along way. Having gone through a personal and formal training regimen of manipulating deco and pony bottles, I think nothing of having valves closed u/w while diving. I have conditioned myself for this.
Is
personal and formal training better than personal and formal training? TEASING!!!
Furthermore, now that I have conditioned myself for having closed pony and deco valves, I run very little chance that a free flow or blown o-ring will immediately leave me completely out of breathing gas while u/w while suffering a primary breathing system failure. If you don't know your pony is leaking, you don't know it is empty. I may only a few minutes to save myself with a blown o-ring or free flowing second stage on my pony, but that is better than the alternatives. More time u/w with breathing gas can saves lives.
The likelihood of two free flow events (your primary tank and pony) are again, extremely rare. Properly maintained equipment almost eliminates it. Though it can happen. Of all the divers I know, including instructors, I've heard of exactly one case on a primary tanks regulator, but never a pony. But there are millions of divers out there, and the ones I know are not enough in number to be representative (that I do remember from my statistics class).
I am not trying to attack anyone on this thread personally, but I do feel passionately, for me anyways, that pony and deco valves must remain closed unless I need them.
That is obvious, and not a bad thing, but perspective must be maintained.
I would gladly buddy-up with you for at least one dive. You sound experienced and well trained. And after personally assessing your u/w skills, I would probably dive with you, closed pony bottles or not, anytime (if you would have me as your buddy)!
This made me laugh. I will dive with anyone recreationally in non-high current situations. If I see something I don't like, I would try to help them with their buoyancy/trim issues. If they were a complete danger to themselves, I would thumb the dive.
