What rebreather would you choose or did you choose?
Well here my take on the units you mention and a few more ...
The Cis-Lunar is a fascinating CCR, ahead of its time with features that have yet to be matched by anyone else. On the downside all the features and redundancy make it a very complex unit. The computers (there were three setpoint controllers as well as integrated DCAP deco) are outdated, no wonder as they are about a decade old.
I would love to have one for history's sake, but it wouldn't be a unit I want to dive (much
).
The APD units are the sales leader in the CCR (if not rebreathers in general) market, and thus support and training are easy to come by. Units not necessarily, the newer Vision electronics still have a waiting period, and not all Gremlins have been sorted out. When they are the electronics can be updated per internet, certainly a nice feature that saves cost and time.
Personally I'm not a fan of dual controllers in lieu of a single controller and independent secondary pO2 display, just makes me uneasy. On that account alone I prefer other units.
The KISS rebreathers I like, especially the smaller Sport Kiss. Very simple, easiest to assemble and diassemble, packs very well (without tanks in a backpack if need be). Lack of electronics (including alarms) is a two sided sword of course, but I think it has appeal (certainly over some of the more elaborate electronics out there). I wouldn't mind diving a Sport Kiss.
The Meg is probably the single most adaptable rebreather out there, the ability to configure it pretty much exactly to your needs and the rock solid construction put it ahead of most other CCRs. Axial, radial and cartridge scrubbers will fit into three different sized cannisters, giving you unprecedented choice in that respect. Different sized tanks can be used, so you should be able to find a setup in any location and for any task. The unit travels well due to the modularity, too. There have been a bunch of electronics over the years, currently non-deco electronics are standard. The Meg would be mu second choice for a unit with over-the-shoulder counterlungs.
The PRISM
is the choice I've made. The main appeal for me are the high performance radial scrubber and the simple, easy to use electronics. The analog secondary allows the unit to be safely used during a complete power failure. The downside is you have to be careful to avoid damage to the jeweled movement. It's well equipped with standard items like ADV and dual counterlung water drains, weights less than most CCRs making it a decent unit to travel with. You can fit 2 ltr or 3 ltr cylinders under the cowling, or larger ones if need be without it. Downside is the very limited supply, currently the wait is in the general neighborhood of about a year. The PRISM dives beautifully.
In addition to these CCRs you mentioned, I really like the MK15.5 (especially the SM1600 that has PRISM electronics). Again a unit with a high performance scrubber and easy to use electronics with analog secondary. It would be my first choice for a CCR with rear mounted counterlung if cost was no object. The downsides of the MK series are said costs, the limited supply of both units and spares, as well as the maintainance skills required to keep them going in the long run. But they are great rigs, and I would certainly like to have one.
The Ouroboros certainly deserves mention as a very feature rich CCR. Several of the features from the MK-5p are incorporated, such a deco info on the HUD, buddy lights, ability to isolate auto gas addition supply, offboard gases plug in etc. It's certainly one of the most tempting CCR additions in recent years ... .
