Dsix36
01-18-2012, 04:09 PM
Rebreather design flaws???
I have not heard anyone talk about having any problems with their rebreather being a line trap. I have my opinions on the units that I have used. Some are terrible and some are not quite as bad.
Drager Dolphin:
All of my dives with this unit were recreational and thus I never had any issues with any snags on it. I can see how the positioning of the lower tank could end up being a line trap though as well as the bailout tank on the side. The cover kept the rest of it pretty clean and smooth.
Optima:
This unit with it's fabric cover would tend to prevent line traps with the exception of the original stock foot on the bottom. This stock foot made it very easy to get line wrapped around the foot and tank valves. The replacement backplate/foot that I made for it helped out greatly, but the valves could still get caught in line.
rEvo:
This one is absolutely the worst of all in my experience. It is way to easy for line to get between the tank and scrubbers. The tank valves are completely exposed and asking to get caught on something.
APD:
No personal experience, but they seem to have a good solution with the complete unit covered by a chunk of plastic with only the end of the valve knobs protruding. It seems to me like it would be very good at preventing any lines from getting caught.
All righty then, I am done muttering about my thoughts. Ya'all can return to your regular posting or feel free to make a comment on the subject while you are here.
I have not heard anyone talk about having any problems with their rebreather being a line trap. I have my opinions on the units that I have used. Some are terrible and some are not quite as bad.
Drager Dolphin:
All of my dives with this unit were recreational and thus I never had any issues with any snags on it. I can see how the positioning of the lower tank could end up being a line trap though as well as the bailout tank on the side. The cover kept the rest of it pretty clean and smooth.
Optima:
This unit with it's fabric cover would tend to prevent line traps with the exception of the original stock foot on the bottom. This stock foot made it very easy to get line wrapped around the foot and tank valves. The replacement backplate/foot that I made for it helped out greatly, but the valves could still get caught in line.
rEvo:
This one is absolutely the worst of all in my experience. It is way to easy for line to get between the tank and scrubbers. The tank valves are completely exposed and asking to get caught on something.
APD:
No personal experience, but they seem to have a good solution with the complete unit covered by a chunk of plastic with only the end of the valve knobs protruding. It seems to me like it would be very good at preventing any lines from getting caught.
All righty then, I am done muttering about my thoughts. Ya'all can return to your regular posting or feel free to make a comment on the subject while you are here.