Travelling with Air2

[andrethediver]

I just got a SP Knighthawk with Air2 and have a few questions about transporting the set.

1. Is there an easy way to separate Air2/hose from the BC so that I can put the Air2 into my carry on and put the BCD into my checked bag and easily put back together at the destination?

2. The cleaning instructions in the manual mention that Air2 has to be pressurized for rinsing. Usually, the tank is carried away by the boat staff by the time you're on the shore cleaning your gear. So my question is - how important is it that the Air2 is pressurized? What's the wost that can happen - will the water get into the bladder?

3. Has anyone found a solution for non-existent pockets on the Knighthawk? Unlike Oceanic and some others the BC does not have any grommets or 'official' attachment points - are there any stand alone pocket solutions that can be attached to something other than a D-ring?

Thanks.

 

[FishOutUvH2O]

I just got a SP Knighthawk with Air2 and have a few questions about transporting the set.

1. Is there an easy way to separate Air2/hose from the BC so that I can put the Air2 into my carry on and put the BCD into my checked bag and easily put back together at the destination?It depends on what you consider "easy". The Air2 is held on the corrugated hose by zip-ties. So, if you really want to, you can simply cut the zip-ties and carry extra ones to put it back on. Even though I have a integrated 2nd stage/inflater that is removable, I have left it on my BC while traveling with no problems.

2. The cleaning instructions in the manual mention that Air2 has to be pressurized for rinsing. Usually, the tank is carried away by the boat staff by the time you're on the shore cleaning your gear. So my question is - how important is it that the Air2 is pressurized? What's the wost that can happen - will the water get into the bladder?This I'm not sure about. My opinion is that if water can get into a particular part of it while diving, then it's probably not going to be a problem if gets in there doing a fresh water rinse. My advice would be to disconnect the LP hose from the Air2 to lessen the possibility of water getting into the 1st stage. But, I'm no expert and the manufacturer's instructions should be followed.

3. Has anyone found a solution for non-existent pockets on the Knighthawk? Unlike Oceanic and some others the BC does not have any grommets or 'official' attachment points - are there any stand alone pocket solutions that can be attached to something other than a D-ring? No idea. I have no experience with the Knighthawk. However, a lot of BP/W divers glue or sew pockets on there wetsuits and drysuits.

Thanks.

I hope some of that helps. Or, at least spurs some better answers from more knowledgeable people.

 

[BDSC]

I have an AIR II and have just left it attached to the BC when I travel. Never a problem doing this in the last 19 years. As far as cleaning, I just rinse/dip the BC with the attached AIR II after the days dives and then soak it/BC when I get home in warm water like you would your normal reg.

That's all I have ever done as far as rinsing my BC with the AIR II. I do take it in for the annual service and even then I just take the BC in with it still on there. I have not had a single problem with my AIR II doing this in over 19 years.

 

[andrethediver]

I have an AIR II and have just left it attached to the BC when I travel.

Do you normally put your BC (with attached Air2) into your checked luggage? Made out of plastic Air2 looks a little too fragile to me or do you wrap it into some packing foam? Thanks.

 

[victor]

Also >15 years with my air2. I did he same as BDSC, also no problems. For travel I just wrapped my AIR2 into the centre of my BC and my BC went into the middle of my luggage, never had any problems. I recomend a pools session 1 to 2 weeks before you go on vacation, that way any gear issues can be resolved before the holiday.

 

[BDSC]

Do you normally put your BC (with attached Air2) into your checked luggage? Made out of plastic Air2 looks a little too fragile to me or do you wrap it into some packing foam? Thanks.

I have one of those large mesh bags and I usually put both my BC and regs in it and it's my carry-on. But like victor said, just fold the bc around it and put it in your luggage. I can assure you the AIR II is by no means fragile. But it certainly wouldn't hurt if you wrapped some of that bubble wrap around it but I never have.

 

[andrethediver]

Thanks for the information.