Solo Without an Octo

[Bob DBF]

I normally dive a 40" hose and bungee backup. I am also lazy, I dive the same configuration with a buddy or solo, and will add a pony for some solo dives. I've never found the "extra" second to be a problem. Some of my other rigs have only one second and I don't bother to add another second if I use the pony. I rarely dive with one second only, as divers expectations are different now.


Bob

 

[lowviz]

Other than Schwob and MaxBottomtime's half-hearted endorsement, (completely understand the netherworld between true solo and running across someone else) that dunsel second reg is truly what the DIR folks call 'personal preference'.

 

[Schwob]

Other than Schwob and MaxBottomtime's half-hearted endorsement, (completely understand the netherworld between true solo and running across someone else) that dunsel second reg is truly what the DIR folks call 'personal preference'.

It''s tough to say w/o all the facts, after all, maybe I am just a half hearted guy who endorsed it fullheartedly...

Kidding, just enjoying that last minute of lunch a bit too much.

As someone said (maybe the chairman first, not sure) dive and let dive... especially if someone does something after thinking ot through and for a to them valid reason...

Edit, just to clarify: We are in agreement...

 

[lowviz]

just to clarify: We are in agreement...

Most assuredly.

 

[tursiops]

My understanding was that it was the hose that had the restriction

This is true of the HP hose to your SPG; the male end that goes to the first stage has a very small hole so it takes a long time for your tank to empty if your SPG/hose fails, like maybe 20 minutes, versus just a minute or two if one of your LP hoses fails.

 

[JamesBon92007]

This is true of the HP hose to your SPG; the male end that goes to the first stage has a very small hole so it takes a long time for your tank to empty if your SPG/hose fails, like maybe 20 minutes, versus just a minute or two if one of your LP hoses fails.

The HP hose is very apparent when you remove one end or the other, but pretty much all of my inflator hoses are pressed on so I can really only see the end that goes on the first stage and they look like they are about 3/32" to 1/8" so it looks like you are right, it's gotta be in the quick connector. I have an ancient (some like to say "vintage") quick connector for a BC that screws onto a regulator hose. I was hoping that it might pass enough air so a second stage could be snapped onto it very quickly, but my efforts to blow through it indicate that it is also restricted.

 

[tursiops]

The HP hose is very apparent when you remove one end or the other, but pretty much all of my inflator hoses are pressed on so I can really only see the end that goes on the first stage and they look like they are about 3/32" to 1/8" so it looks like you are right, it's gotta be in the quick connector. I have an ancient (some like to say "vintage") quick connector for a BC that screws onto a regulator hose. I was hoping that it might pass enough air so a second stage could be snapped onto it very quickly, but my efforts to blow through it indicate that it is also restricted.

I'm not quite understanding. Are you trying to put a quick-release second stage onto a LP hose, standard regulator fitting? If so, the proper fittings have larger diameter centers so sufficient air can pass. Look at something like BOV Quick Disconnect Kit. the big end goes on the reg hose, and the small end on your second stage.

 

[JamesBon92007]

I'm not quite understanding. Are you trying to put a quick-release second stage onto a LP hose, standard regulator fitting? If so, the proper fittings have larger diameter centers so sufficient air can pass. Look at something like BOV Quick Disconnect Kit. the big end goes on the reg hose, and the small end on your second stage.

Well, yes, sorta. I was considering the possibility of using an inflator hose for an additional second stage instead of adding another hose to the first stage, but there are a few problems that would need to be overcome. I'll take a look at the BOV and see if it can be attached to a BC instead of the usual connector, but then you end up with something that is not compatible with the standard connector. I read about one incident here on SB where a woman died. It all supposedly started out with her BC connector was not compatible (maybe she was renting a BC, don't know for sure) so she decided to inflate her BC manually. It didn't turn out well, in spite of the fact that most OW classes seem to teach how to manually inflate a BC. The situation may have been completely unrelated to her death, but it does prevent me from using non-compatible connectors.

In any case, I don't see any reason why a second stage could not be inline with a BC with the quick-connector after the second stage, as long as it's on a regulator hose with no restrictions before the second stage. My whole idea was to have an octopus that could be added instantly if I was not diving alone and felt the need to bring one (such as with my girlfriend).

 

[Bob DBF]

In any case, I don't see any reason why a second stage could not be inline with a BC with the quick-connector after the second stage, as long as it's on a regulator hose with no restrictions before the second stage.

It's called a Sherwood Shadow, and was made for a couple of decades at least.
Scuba Diving Pre-Owned Sherwood Shadow Inline Second Stage Octopus Regulator • $39.99

 

[scubadada]

I normally dive a 40" hose and bungee backup. I am also lazy, I dive the same configuration with a buddy or solo, and will add a pony for some solo dives. I've never found the "extra" second to be a problem. Some of my other rigs have only one second and I don't bother to add another second if I use the pony. I rarely dive with one second only, as divers expectations are different now.


Bob

I do the same, covers all possibilities