Stupid Reg Question?........

[mksmith713]

OK, this might be a stupid question but can someone enlighten us as to what the difference is (physically) between a second stage and an octo.
A friend and I have been debating this for a few days and I tell him there's really no diffrence in the physical structure or function.

 

[Gombessa]

Basically, a "second stage regulator" is what reduces intermediate pressure gas from the first stage to ambient pressure, and it's what you breathe off of.

An "octo" is just the name given to your "backup" or redundant second stage regulator. So an octo is a second stage, just like your primary regulator is. But not all second stage regulators are octos.

If you just decide to change which regulator you normally use while diving, you've functionally switched which reg is your "octo."

 

[mike_s]

OK, this might be a stupid question but can someone enlighten us as to what the difference is (physically) between a second stage and an octo.
A friend and I have been debating this for a few days and I tell him there's really no diffrence in the physical structure or function.

tyically they are the same, just different features.

an Octo might for example:
* not have adjustment/tunable features
* typically a different color (yellow often)
* slightly de-tuned to reduce change of free flow
* have a slightly longer hose to hand off (normal configuration)

 

[ZzzKing]

"Octo" is actually the name given to the whole reg set when they first began outfitting them with SPG's, inflator hoses and alternate second stages. The contraption looked like an octopus. The term has come to refer to just the alternate second stage over time.

 

[siikik]

tyically they are the same, just different features.

an Octo might for example:
* not have adjustment/tunable features
* typically a different color (yellow often)
* slightly de-tuned to reduce change of free flow
* have a slightly longer hose to hand off (normal configuration)

And don't forget that there are models that are in-line or otherwise part of the inflator hose of your BC. (And sharing air is different with this type of octopus.)



Ken

 

[mksmith713]

Yeah...I guess I should have referred to it as a "Safe Second" vs. an Octo.

 

[BabyDuck]

no difference in function, though if you buy one marketed as an 'octo' it will likely be less smooth or have fewer features.

mine are the same.

 

[mike_s]

And don't forget that there are models that are in-line or otherwise part of the inflator hose of your BC. (And sharing air is different with this type of octopus.)



Ken

ever tried to share the octo on the end of your inflator hose?

doesn't work real well.


You end up having to give the other diver your primary and then you go have to switch your breathing to another 2nd stage.... for a lot of divers it results in a multi-task overload.

 

[RJP]

And don't forget that there are models that are in-line or otherwise part of the inflator hose of your BC. (And sharing air is different with this type of octopus.)

Fire in the hole!