Whats the Diff btw an Octo and primary reg ???

[nwdiver2]

I use two identical 2nd stages and switch up from time to time so they both get used.

My alternate for you would be the one not in my mouth.

As above the difference may be the tuning not the parts.

 

[Gombessa]

My primary and backup are identical, and in fact they each came with a yellow rubber purge cover to replace the standard gray one, so you can use either as primary or backup. I just leave the yellow covers at home.

 

[The Kraken]

From one of the scuba GOD's of ScubaBoard . . . (Grumpy Old Divers)

The difference between an alternate air source and an "octopus" is this . . .

. . . it's a matter of visual perception.

The term "octopus" came about when a number of hoses were incorporated into the 1st stage regulator.

If you're old enough to remember, many years ago the only hose which came from the 1st stage was that which fed the second stage.

When the additions of hoses came for the primary air source, alternate air source, SPG and LP B/C inflator, the diver would hold up the 1'st stage with all the hoses dangling from it and it gave the visual impression of an "octopus".

The term "octopus" was initially conceived to describe the whole regulation assembly which was attached to the tank.

the K

 

[Scared Silly]

my primary is in my mouth, my octo is hanging from a bungee around my neck.

Ditto. Otherwise there is no difference.

 

[Bob Vincent]

Some are the same. Some detuned to cut free flows. Others are smaller detuned low profile 2nd's. Some have swivels. Some are made left handed. Personal Choice.

In 30 plus years I only had one real life OOA during a pleasure dive in the Great Lakes on a shallow 75ft. night wreck dive. Someone with the group I didn't know swam up to me singling. I loved the left handed octo's with the person in front of you, you just hand them the 2nd and no hose twist are anything. When the person's eyes are big as baseballs and looking for that mouth of air the non twisting, right side up easy to put in the mouth reg works wonders. (the reason I was picked I later found out to become the lucky pick to share air with ... was because I had the brightest dive light there ... go figure!