gcarter
Contributor
I have an Apeks ATX40 with an ATX40 octo. I want the same performance and reliability from my alternate as I have with my primary.
To Octo or not to Octo, that is the question. Need advice!
- Thread starter Surf n Scuba
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Some of this depends on what methodology you go for. Why not look at a necklaced octo if you're concerned about it dangling to much? Most divers going into dangerous environments( I dive in near 0 vis while doing SAR) will run identical second stages, simply because in an emergency, you need those regs to perform....everytime.
William! How dare you mention a skill that some feel now is beyond the capability of OW divers. :shocked2:Along with setting up their own gear, planning a dive without an instructor, doing simple navigation, or being able to rescue their buddy or another diver. You'd think by your comment they could learn to use a BC for buoyancy while wearing a dry suit at the same time. The horror!
For you new divers the previous was all sarcasm.
There are many of us who believe you are more than capable of all this and smart enough to undertsnad far more than what you get in some OW classes.:cool2: Just could not resist.I just read an article on backup regs. After thinking about it a while it and my experiences it made a lot of sence. Its rcomendation was not to make it a high preformer. Its reasoning,,, that all the bells and whistles with a hot rod second stage led to potential fail points, in that if not used debris and other crap entering the reg could foul it. for those whe nevver breath of the backkup reg it could become non functioning or poorly functioning when it came time to use it. the other aspect of it was the tendency to get free flows. Thier solution was to use a harder breathing second stage as opposed to detuning the hot rod regs to desensitise it, to prevent the free flowing and provide a socondary reg with out the baffels and gizmo's the hot rod regs have suilt into them. For me it made sence. Now i enter the water off a boat and no more free flows to imediatly have to deal with. I also now use the backup reg for a few minutes each dive. Hope this is usefull.
Paladin
Contributor
William! How dare you mention a skill that some feel now is beyond the capability of OW divers. :shocked2:Along with setting up their own gear, planning a dive without an instructor, doing simple navigation, or being able to rescue their buddy or another diver. You'd think by your comment they could learn to use a BC for buoyancy while wearing a dry suit at the same time. The horror!
For you new divers the previous was all sarcasm.
Shhh!!! Be quiet, Jim! I'm trying to get a fight started here!
3D diver
Contributor
Well...the thing about buddy breathing is getting your regulator back from a paniced buddy!!!
The first guy I had to hand my octo to had sucked his tank dry at 100+ feet & I had to totally manage the situation---control his bouancy, manage the accent etc. I would not have wanted to buddy breath with him.
One thing to consider when shopping for an octopus---you may be the one breathing from it.
The first guy I had to hand my octo to had sucked his tank dry at 100+ feet & I had to totally manage the situation---control his bouancy, manage the accent etc. I would not have wanted to buddy breath with him.
One thing to consider when shopping for an octopus---you may be the one breathing from it.
DevonDiver
N/A
I can't realistically imagine ever having to buddy breathe. When would that happen? If you had two buddies who both ran out of air simultaneously?
I have an octo. It works. I check it works before each dive. I maintain ample reserve to share, appropriate to the depth I am at and assuming the receiver will have an elevated SAC. I also make sure I know what the situation is with the gas levels/consumption of the divers I supervise in the water. That situational awareness tends to significantly decrease the odds of ever having to share air in the first place (other than very rare equipment failures, or people who lie about their gas levels on dives).
I have an octo. It works. I check it works before each dive. I maintain ample reserve to share, appropriate to the depth I am at and assuming the receiver will have an elevated SAC. I also make sure I know what the situation is with the gas levels/consumption of the divers I supervise in the water. That situational awareness tends to significantly decrease the odds of ever having to share air in the first place (other than very rare equipment failures, or people who lie about their gas levels on dives).
Good point 3D.
We teach Worst Case Scenario ( WCS ).
You're down enjoying life and someone comes and takes your primary reg out of your mouth ( knocks your mask off ) and heads to the surface. It may not be your buddy or even a friend, just someone panicked wanting your air!
We believe an AIR II or an Oct on the short hose ( necklace ) works in the WCS.
You are already programed to give your primary away.
We teach Worst Case Scenario ( WCS ).
You're down enjoying life and someone comes and takes your primary reg out of your mouth ( knocks your mask off ) and heads to the surface. It may not be your buddy or even a friend, just someone panicked wanting your air!
We believe an AIR II or an Oct on the short hose ( necklace ) works in the WCS.
You are already programed to give your primary away.
DevonDiver
N/A
Surely the WCS would be another panicked diver coming over and trying to rip a bungeed necklace or AIR2 out and away by force? It might not work so well in that situation
A panicked diver goes for what they are in need of AIR!
They see the bubbles and go for what's in your mouth.
If they go for the A.I.R. II, it will work.
They see the bubbles and go for what's in your mouth.
If they go for the A.I.R. II, it will work.
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