The difference between octopus and 2nd stage is what?

[yukoneer]

The difference between octopus and 2nd stage is what?

I was looking at my cressi ellipse regulator and the octopus.. they look the same (no, i didnt open it and check the internals)

I also went on poseidon's website (since i was seriously considering buying a Jetstream/Odin) and saw this comment "Of course the octopus has the exact same performance as Your main second stage"

that made me wonder - is there an actual difference between the reg and octo?

 

[The Kraken]

An "octopus" is a second stage in today's parlance.

In many cases it's the same regulator as your primary second stage, but with a differentiating color to identify it as the alternate air source to be used in an out of air situation.

Originally it referred to the appearance of the first stage with all of the hoses routed from it.

For some reason it has come to mean the "alternate air source", "safe second" or "backup".

 

[yukoneer]

An "octopus" is a second stage in today's parlance.

In many cases it's the same regulator as your primary second stage, but with a differentiating color to identify it as the alternate air source to be used in an out of air situation.

Originally it referred to the appearance of the first stage with all of the hoses routed from it.

For some reason it has come to mean the "alternate air source", "safe second" or "backup".

if it's the same, then why is the main regulator much much more $$ than the octopus? ie. I could buy 2 "octopus" and have one as my main reg, one as my backup... right?

 

[The Kraken]

Because when you buy a "regulator" you must have the first and second stages for it to be operational.

When you buy and "octopus", it's a stand alone regulator that simply attaches to your existing first stage.

 

[saf_25]

if it's the same, then why is the main regulator much much more $$ than the octopus? ie. I could buy 2 "octopus" and have one as my main reg, one as my backup... right?

Because the 'main regulator' also usually includes the first stage - the part that hooks up to the tank, and that the primary second stage (also usually included in the main regulator price), the octopus, your spg, bc inflator, etc.... hook into.

 

[yukoneer]

ah why didn't i think of that *doh* the first stage!

i've seen price differences of $335 compared to $100.. the first stage's can be up to $200 alone?

is it possible to just buy a first stage, and 2 "octos"?

 

[StSomewhere]

if it's the same, then why is the main regulator much much more $$ than the octopus? ie. I could buy 2 "octopus" and have one as my main reg, one as my backup... right?

Here's what I've found in my "search for the perfect octo".

SOME octos are cheaper versions missing certain features, i.e. not balanced, no cracking adjustment, no venturi (dive/nodive) switch, detuned, etc. Some are are full fledged versions of the "real thing" (whatever that is).

Also, check to see if the price for the primary regulator includes a first stage. If so, that would about double the price over an octo (which won't come with a first stage).

 

[StSomewhere]

...is it possible to just buy a first stage, and 2 "octos"?

A lot of the cheaper octos don't perform like you'd want your primary reg to perform. Many of them are specifically detuned so they don't freeflow at the surface. I don't think you'd want to dive on one of those, but YMMV.

 

[Aquadoc68]

I think I will buy into the Octo being a dressed down Primary. My se breaths alot "hevier" than my 21. BUT it is still comfortable to breath at any depth(165 I tried it) Just when you are skip breathing and need just a sip an Octo will "open up" SO to sum my HO an Octo is just not tuned as sensativly. JMHO But truth be known if you wanted to buy a first, second and Octo you could buy conshelf 21 all the way. Your Octo would just be black.

Clear as mud right??

 

[FreeFloat]

I know that on my Genesis single tank reg (I use different regs on my doubles) my two second stages are identical except that the "octo" has a yellow faceplate. It may be detuned slightly as well, but I know from trying it that they seem to breathe with identical effort.

I won't mention that I like my regs detuned so that, in the words of the diev shop owner, they "breathe like pigs" heh. But I haven't had complaints from buddies when we do air sharing drills either.

Oh and aquadoc, I'll pretend you didn't say "skip breathing"