To EC or not to EC, that is the question...

[SmokingMirror]

...the EC in this case referring, naturally, to Emergency Cylinders.

Firstly, apologies if this thread is in the wrong section, but looking through the board this seemed the post sensible place to post it.

I've recently purchased a rather nice Guardian BCD, which I'm very happy with, but am a little in two minds about whether to take advantage of the Emergency Cylinder capabilities.

I've not dived with an EC before, so am really after the opinions and experiences of those who have.
The EC in this case is a 0.4l bottle, which normally attaches to the BCD to provide emergency air. I suppose you could use it as an AAS, but I can't imagine that 0.4l would give very much breathing time.

So, is it wise to consider using this capability of my BCD, or are ECs not really worth the cost?

 

[TX101]

Otherwise known as 'suicide bottles'.

The problem is that it's extremely difficult to control how much air you get when you crack the bottle. Also, it's not hard to accidently bump the valve and open the bottle which then inflates your bcd and sends you to the surface in double quick time, most likely bent.

You can practice trying to open the valve, then closing it, then breathing from the bcd, etc.. but at the end of the day I think the risk that you accidently bump it and then find yourself on the surface from 130fsw is too great. 0.4L is not enough to breathe off anyway and shouldn't be factored into your gas plan.

so, my answer would be: Save your money ..