The New Dive Rite Optima CM - My 30 Hour Review

[stuartv]

thats probably my problem not enough cave diving

You and me both, brother.

 

[kensuf]

You and me both, brother.

You can fix this.

 

[stuartv]

You can fix this.

It's coming... (and I will definitely let you know)

 

[PEDiver]

thats probably my problem not enough cave diving

I'm in cave country 1-2x per month and it's still not enough...

 

[Roger Heuckeroth]

I've been considering a chest-mount CCR for a while now. My son and I are still on the recreational side of things but have several hundred dives each and will have our PADI MCD certifications shortly. We both have low SAC rates and tend to come up when we hit our NDL with still more than 1000 psi. I was considering the DT Go and the Optima CM, and am leaning towards the Optima based on their track record. The Go seams like a decent product, but limited and this being the first version, probably needs some refinement. When you add it all up the Optima CM seams the best deal. Chest mount seams like it would suit our aspirations of going a bit deeper and staying down a bit longer. No aspirations of cave exploration, or super long dives, so full size back-mount is a bit overkill.

Some questions for y'all.

1. Should we be considering any other chest-mount rebreathers? I know there are others, but heard issues with support and getting parts. Dive Right / Optima should not have those issues in the areas we live and dive.
2. Why don't any rebreathers include a CO2 sensor to warn agains sorb breakthrough. I feel like that it should be an obvious addition to help prevent hypercapnia.
3. Should we go down the TDI OC training route before transitioning to CCR. CCRs seam like a far better solution and with the cost of helium, OC seams cost prohibitive over time vs CCR.
4. Any suggestions on who/where to go for Optima CM training if we pull the trigger on buying these rebreathers?

 

[lostsheep]

I've been considering a chest-mount CCR for a while now. My son and I are still on the recreational side of things but have several hundred dives each and will have our PADI MCD certifications shortly. We both have low SAC rates and tend to come up when we hit our NDL with still more than 1000 psi. I was considering the DT Go and the Optima CM, and am leaning towards the Optima based on their track record. The Go seams like a decent product, but limited and this being the first version, probably needs some refinement. When you add it all up the Optima CM seams the best deal. Chest mount seams like it would suit our aspirations of going a bit deeper and staying down a bit longer. No aspirations of cave exploration, or super long dives, so full size back-mount is a bit overkill.

Some questions for y'all.

1. Should we be considering any other chest-mount rebreathers? I know there are others, but heard issues with support and getting parts. Dive Right / Optima should not have those issues in the areas we live and dive.
2. Why don't any rebreathers include a CO2 sensor to warn agains sorb breakthrough. I feel like that it should be an obvious addition to help prevent hypercapnia.
3. Should we go down the TDI OC training route before transitioning to CCR. CCRs seam like a far better solution and with the cost of helium, OC seams cost prohibitive over time vs CCR.
4. Any suggestions on who/where to go for Optima CM training if we pull the trigger on buying these rebreathers?

1. Opinions will vary but I am very happy with my chop and even happier with Diverite's customer service and support.

2. CO2 sensors just aren't there yet for a ccr application.

3. Yes. If you're staying within NDL there will not be a significant change in bottom time. If you are AN/DP certified your first class on the chop can be helitrox. There's plenty to see on nitrox, get some doubles and dive the crap out of them. If you are transitioning to helium you're going to be going into deco, you should have OC deco experience first so if you bailout you are going back to something you already know and are comfortable with.

4. Call around and find an instructor that answers your questions the way you like. Not trying to be evasive, but an instructor you get a long with goes a long way. Being in the South east means you have a lot of instructors relatively close to you.

 

[mr_v]

1. DiveRite or GBM would be my choices. Made in FL, US - good local support. I'd consider FX if I could buy it directly from iQsub.

2. Pointless. Technology is not there yet.

3. Become comfortable with doubles on your back or in a sidemount config.

4. There are several solid instructors in N FL which is ~ 5 hours away from you. Check out O2ptima Instructors - Dive Rite | Equipment for Serious Divers.

Go is an odd choice for a rebreather. Your current willingness to stay away from cave and deeper longer dive is typical, as you don't know what you're missing. CCR will open new worlds and you may change your mind. Fortunately, Chop can take you to depths and caves and long decos. It is a good unit.

 

[BoltSnap]

I'd consider FX if I could buy it directly from iQsub.

What difference does that make vs. buying from a dealer/distributor? (iQsub is at the top of my list with JJ and Prism second and third).

 

[makar0n]

I've been considering a chest-mount CCR for a while now. My son and I are still on the recreational side of things but have several hundred dives each and will have our PADI MCD certifications shortly. We both have low SAC rates and tend to come up when we hit our NDL with still more than 1000 psi. I was considering the DT Go and the Optima CM, and am leaning towards the Optima based on their track record. The Go seams like a decent product, but limited and this being the first version, probably needs some refinement. When you add it all up the Optima CM seams the best deal. Chest mount seams like it would suit our aspirations of going a bit deeper and staying down a bit longer. No aspirations of cave exploration, or super long dives, so full size back-mount is a bit overkill.

Some questions for y'all.

1. Should we be considering any other chest-mount rebreathers? I know there are others, but heard issues with support and getting parts. Dive Right / Optima should not have those issues in the areas we live and dive.
2. Why don't any rebreathers include a CO2 sensor to warn agains sorb breakthrough. I feel like that it should be an obvious addition to help prevent hypercapnia.
3. Should we go down the TDI OC training route before transitioning to CCR. CCRs seam like a far better solution and with the cost of helium, OC seams cost prohibitive over time vs CCR.
4. Any suggestions on who/where to go for Optima CM training if we pull the trigger on buying these rebreathers?

1. Choptima is definitely a solid choice. I know I am very happy with mine even though living over the pond. It is also a fully fledged rebreather. I would personally not bother with the DT Go aka AmEx CCR - by the time you try to get the configuration even remotely close to Choptima, it will already cost you way more and still be limited to 60m and lack some features. I just do not see the point.

2. There is a very good video on the whole subject by Dr. Simon Mitchell:

Rebreather CO2 Monitoring: Impact on CCR Diver Safety

Dive into the crucial role of CO2 management in enhancing rebreather diver safety. Explore the future of CO2 monitoring in CCR diving!

gue.tv

Yes, there are rebreathers that have this, most notably AP Inspiration, but sensor reliability in a humid environment remains an issue. Martin @ TecMe has also offered CO2 sensor conversions for any unit in the past (Tec Equipment für Nitrox, Rebreather Höhlen Tauchen).
There were some experiments with different designs (again, in the video above), but thats about it so far.

3. Definitely do TDI AN/DP - It will give you a solid base and you can then start Choptima adventure from Helitrox level (max 45m, deco and light helium mixes) vs Air (max 30m, no deco, no helium). I would not worry about twinsets too much at this stage - these are normally used only below 60m with Choppy, anything above you can easily do with a single cylinder on your back and 1/2 stages. I personally find 50-60m my sweet spot, as you dont need to bother with too much equipment but still get out of the rec zone. Even reef is less damaged there. As for super long dives - not every dive needs to be one, but this is also where CCRs are amazing - see something interesting? Enjoy the show instead of worrying about gas. My longest dive so far is 3 hours (yes, yes, I know, its nothing in comparison to some folks here ) - max 22m, 0 deco, but the reef was so amazing we just stayed there for ages because why not. One of my favorite dives so far. Gas efficiency is really crazy with CCR's, and no, you do not necessarily need to go deep to have fun. And personally I have zero interest in caves (angry Florida mob with torches and pitchforks in 3... 2...1...). Might sound cheesy but, dive what YOU like - you are diving for yourself and not to prove to somebody that your balls are bigger and hairier than his.

4. Since you are based in US of A, there is lots of good instructors and quite a few hang out around here, including this thread, too. I've done my MOD1 with Ben Lair (US and Mexico) and MOD 2/3 with Marc Crane (Indonesia/Bali)

O2ptima Instructors - Dive Rite | Equipment for Serious Divers

Find an O2ptima Instructor

diverite.com

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Good luck on your journey! CCRs are really fun to dive, and the only thing to regret later is "why haven't I made the switch earlier"

 

[mr_v]

What difference does that make vs. buying from a dealer/distributor? (iQsub is at the top of my list with JJ and Prism second and third).

Depends on the distributor ;-) That's all I'll say.